Dancing to Judgment Day: Apocalyptic and Eschatological Themes in Late 20th-Century Popular Music
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: : Popular music has long served as a mirror reflecting societal anxieties, particularly during political uncertainty, technological change, and environmental distress. This paper explores apocalyptic and eschatological themes in late 20th-century popular music. It analyzes how musicians across various genres—punk, metal, hip-hop, and pop—incorporated imagery of global catastrophe, existential fear, and societal collapse into their work. By examining musical techniques, lyrical content, and historical context, this research highlights the persistent influence of apocalyptic narratives in shaping cultural perceptions of crisis. From Cold War tensions to contemporary concerns about artificial intelligence and climate change, apocalyptic music remains a powerful artistic expression of collective fears. This study demonstrates how such music transcends mere entertainment, functioning as a cultural barometer for global anxieties and influencing public discourse on pressing social and political issues.
Author: Kim, Sujong
Language: English
Topic: Music History and Culture
Subfield: Music
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6912375177
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