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Metal Band Names Inspired By Books


This alphabetical list presents bands that took the inspiration for their name from literature (novels, poems, plays, comics). The list shows the debut album cover along with the information of the corresponding source of inspiration.

Please feel free to suggest more examples of metal/hard rock band names that are inspired by literature.


AUTHORS

1st Place (61 bands):
J.R.R.Tolkien

2nd Place (22 bands):
H.P.Lovecraft

3rd Place (10 bands):
W.Shakespeare

4th Place (9 bands):
E.A.Poe

5th Place (3 bands):
D.Alighieri, J.&W.Grimm, F.Herbert, R.E.Howard, M.Moorcock, C.A.Smith

6th Place (2 bands):
A.Huxley, J.W.v.Goethe, B.Kane, S.King, C.S.Lewis, H.Melville, K.Miura, J.K.Rowling, H.Van Alkmer, O.Wilde

7th Place (1 band):
R.Adams, J.P.Ahonen, M.Allain, L.F.Baum, E.C.Bertin, A.Bester, R.Bloch, G.Boccaccio, E.Bronte, T.Brooks, O.S.Card, L.Carroll, L.Carter, L.Chase, C.Dickens, A.Diggle, M.Eliade, M.Ende, S.Erikson, J.Fante, W.Faulkner, E.Gorey, V.v.Heidenstam, G.Heym, Homer, A.Jodorowsky, Kakifly, U.KLeGuin, P.Levender, A.Lindgren, H.W.Longfellow, G.R.R.Martin, A.Miller, P.Mills, J.Milton, Molière, R.Nye, Petronius, Plato, T.Powers, J.S.Pulver Sr., D.Quinn, D.D.Ramone, T.Robbins, S.Rohmer, P.Rothfuss, Y.Sadamato, M.Sandemo, J.P.Satre, W.Scott, H.Sienkiewicz, D.Simmons, W.Smith, P.Souvestre, J.Steinbeck, B.Stoker, Suetonius, L.Uris, P.Verlaine, K.Vonnegut, L.Weisberger, H.G.Wells, S.Yokomizo, Q.Yuan


CATEGORY

1.) Novels (118 bands)
2.) Short Stories/Novellas (38 bands)
3.) Poems (15 bands)
4.) Drama (13 bands),
Comics/Mangas/Illustrated Books (13 bands)
5.) Religious Texts (9 bands),
6.) Author Names (7 bands)
7.) Biographies (2 bands), Literature Terms (2 Bands), Magazines (2 bands)
8.) Essays (1 band), Reports (1 band), Socratic Dialoge (1 band)


See also: "Metal Band Names Inspired By..."
“Films”, “Games”, “Bands”, “Visual Arts”

[Updated 03.11.2024]

Created by: Plattner | 28.10.2023



1. A Dream Of Poe - The Mirror Of Deliverance
named after the author Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) [author name]
2. Abhoth - Abhoth
The Seven Geases (1934) and other short stories by Clark Ashton Smith [character; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
3. Abigail Williams - In The Shadow Of A Thousand Suns
The Crucible (1953) drama by Arthur Miller [character]
4. Abramelin - Abramelin
The Book Of Abramelin (earliest version from 1608) epistolary novel [title/character]
5. Acrostichon - Engraved In Black
An acrostic is a word play in which the first letters, syllables or words of the verses are arranged to form a name or a meaningful sentence [literature term]
6. Ahab - The Call Of The Wretched Sea
Moby-Dick (1851) novel by Herman Melville [character]
7. Akercocke - Rape Of The Bastard Nazarene
Faust (1980) novel by Robert Nye [character]
8. Alcest - Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde
The Misanthrope (1666) by Molière [character]
9. Alice In Chains - Facelift
Alice`s Adventures In Wonderland (1865) novel by Lewis Carroll [title/character]
10. Amaseffer - Slaves For Life
The Bible, Old Testament [term]
11. Amon Amarth - Once Sent From The Golden Hall
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
12. Amon Din - Dinamoneyezed
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
13. Anathema - Serenades
The Bible, e.g. Gal 1,8 or 1 Kor 12,3 [term]
14. Angmar - Metamorphosis
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
15. Animals As Leaders - Animals As Leaders
Ishmael (1992) novel by Daniel Quinn [topic]
16. Anubis Gate - Purification
The Anubis Gate (1983) novel by Tim Powers [title]
17. Aragorn - Night Is Burning
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
18. Aran Angmar - Black Cosmic Elements
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
19. Arkham Witch - On Crom's Mountain
The Picture In The House (1920) and other short stories by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
20. Arwen - Memories Of A Dream
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
21. As I Lay Dying - Beneath The Encasing Of Ashes
As I Lay Dying (1930) novel by William Faulkner [title]
22. Atreyu - Suicide Notes And Butterfly Kisses
The Never Ending Story (1979) novel by Michael Ende [character]
23. Auri - Auri
The Name Of The Wind (2007) and other novels of the Kingkiller Chronicle series by Patrick Rothfuss [character]
24. Avathar - Shadows
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
25. Avenged Sevenfold - Sounding The Seventh Trumpet
The Bible: The Book Of Genesis 4:15, story of Cain and Abel [term]
26. Azaghal - Mustamaa
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
27. Azathoth - Artless Puppets Show
Azathoth (1938) novel fragment by H. P. Lovecraft [character]
28. Back To R'lyeh - The Awakening / Last Fight Of The Primordial
The Call Of Cthulhu (1928) and other short stories by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
29. Bal-Sagoth - A Black Moon Broods Over Lemuria
The Gods Of Bal-Sagoth (1931) short story by Robert E. Howard [location]
30. Balrog - Kill Yourself
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [characters]
31. Bane Of Isildur - Black Wings
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
32. Barrow Wight - Kings In Saurons Service
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [characters]
33. Battle Beast - Steel
Berserk (1989-present) manga originally by Kentaro Miura [character]
34. Beast In Black - Berserker
Berserk (1989-present) manga originally by Kentaro Miura [characters beast of darkness and black swordman]
35. Becoming The Archetype - Terminate Damnation
The Bible: The Book Of Genesis 1:26 [term]
36. Beleriand - Far Over Wood And Mountain Tall
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
37. Belzebubs - Pantheon Of The Nightside Gods
Belzebubs (2019) comic by J.P. Ahonen [title/characters; note: The album is supposed to be a part of the project]
38. Beriedir - The Path Beyond The Moon
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [term in the Elvish language Sindarin: guardian]
39. Bet The Devil - Bet The Devil
Never Bet The Devil Your Head: A Moral Tale (1841) short story by Edgar Allan Poe [title]
40. Bihargam - Castaka
Weapons Of The Metabaron (2008) and other comics of the The Metabarons series by Alejandro Jodorowsky [character]
41. Brown Jenkins - Angel Eyes
The Dreams In The Witch House (1933) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [character]
42. Burzum - Burzum
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [term in the Dark language: darkness]
43. Byatis - In Dark Abysses Of Memory
The Shamblers From The Stars (1935) and other short stories by Robert Bloch [character; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
44. Caladan Brood - Echoes Of Battle
Malazan Book Of The Fallen (1999-2012) novels by Steven Erikson [character]
45. Caliban - A Small Boy And A Grey Heaven
The Tempest (written 1611) drama by William Shakespeare [character]
46. Caligula's Horse - Moments From Ephemeral City
De vita Caesarum [also known as The Twelve Caesars], (121) biographies by Suetonius [character]
47. Carach Angren - Lammendam
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
48. Church Of Cthulhu - The Plague Tapes
The Call Of Cthullu (1928) and other short stories by H. P. Lovecraft [character]
49. Cirith Gorgor - Onwards To The Spectral Defile
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
50. Cirith Ungol - Frost And Fire
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
51. Conan - Monnos
Conan The Cimmerian (1934) and other short stories by Robert E. Howard [character]
52. Cthuluminati - Reliqideus
The Call Of Cthulhu (1928) and other short stories by H. P. Lovecraft [character]
53. Cyaegha - Steps Of Descent
Darkness, My Name Is (1976) and other short stories by Eddie C. Bertin [character; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
54. Dante - The Inner Circle
named after the author Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) [author name]
55. Dante (POL) - Go!
named after the author Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) [author name]
56. Darkthrone - Soulside Journey
Blackthorn, a Danish underground metal magazine, as well as the title and lyrics of Celtic Frost`s song Jewel Throne were the basis for the group name [title part]
57. Deafheaven - Roads To Judah
Sonnet 29: When, In Disgrace With Fortune And Men’s Eyes (1609) poem by William Shakespeare [term]
58. Decameron - My Shadow...
The Decameron (1353) novel/narration by Giovanni Boccaccio [title]
59. Delain - Lucidity
The Eyes Of The Dragon (1984) novel by Stephen King [location]
60. Demande À La Poussière - Demande À La Poussière
Ask The Dust (1939) novel by John Fante [French translation of the title]
61. DesDemon - Through The Gates
The Tragedy Of Othello, The Moor Of Venice (written 1603) drama by William Shakespeare [character name version]
62. Desdemona (ITA) - Lady Of The Lore
The Tragedy Of Othello, The Moor Of Venice (written 1603) drama by William Shakespeare [character]
63. Dorian Gray - Is This What It's All About?
The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1890) novel by Oscar Wilde [title/character]
64. Dorian Gray (GER) - World Of Lies
The Picture Of Dorian Gray (1890) novel by Oscar Wilde [title/character]
65. Druadan Forest - The Loremasters Time
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
66. Dungortheb - Intended To...
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
67. Dvne - Asheran
Dune (1965) and other novels of the Dune series by Frank Herbert [title]
68. Dwarrowdelf - The Sons Of Fëanor
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
69. Dylath-Leen - Insecure
The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath (1926) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
70. E-an-na - Nesfârşite
A History of Religious Ideas. Vol. 1: From the Stone Age to the Eleusinian Mysteries (1978) by Mircea Eliade [term from ancient Sumerian that can be translated to “The Home Of The Skies”]
71. Edgar Allan Poe - Legado De Una Tragedia
named after the author Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) [author name]
72. Eibon - Entering Darkness
The Tale Of Satampra Zeiros (1931) and other short stories by Clark Ashton Smith [character; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
73. El Cuervo De Poe - Vox Corvus La Voz Del Cuervo
The Raven (1845) narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe [Spanish translation of the title + author name]
74. Eldamar - The Force Of The Ancient Land
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
75. Elvenking - Heathenreel
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
76. Emyn Muil - Túrin Turambar Dagnir Glaurunga
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
77. Enders Game - What We've Lost
Ender's Game (1985) novel by Orson Scott Card [title]
78. Ephel Duath - Phormula
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
79. Eternal Champion - The Armor of Ire
The Eternal Champion (1970) novel by Michael Moorcock [title/character]
80. Exodus - Bonded By Blood
Exodus (1958) novel by Leon Uris [title]
81. Eyeless In Gaza - Act I: The Protagonist
Eyeless In Gaza (1936) novel by Aldous Huxley [title]
82. Eyes Of Ligeia - The Night's Plutonian Shore
Ligeia (1838) short story by Edgar Allan Poe [title/character]
83. Fall Of Efrafa - Owsla
Watership Down (1972) novel by Richard Adams [location]
84. Falls Of Rauros - Into The Archaic
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
85. Fängörn - Mysterious Land
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
86. Fantômas - Fantômas
Fantômas (1911-1963) novel series by Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre [title/character], Note: also inspired by the corresponding films.
87. Flotsam And Jetsam - Doomsday For The Deceiver
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [chapter title]
88. Fu Manchu - No One Rides For Free
Dr. Fu-Manchu (1913-1959) novel series by Sax Rohmer [title/character], Note: band name mainly inspired by the movies based on the books
89. Fugazi - Repeater
Nam (1986) report / stories collected by Mark Baker [term]
90. Gandalf - Deadly Fairytales
The Hobbit (1937) and Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
91. Galadriel - Empire Of Emptiness
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
92. Gendo Ikari - Rokubungi
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1994-2013) manga series by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto [character]
93. Gnaw Their Tongues - Spit At Me And Wreak Havoc On My Flesh
The Bible: Book Of Revelation 16:10-11 [term]
94. Gollum - Lesser Traveled Waters
The Hobbit (1937) and Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
95. Gorgoroth - Pentagram
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
96. Gotham - Gotham
Detective Comics Featuring Batman (since 1939) comics by Bob Kane and others [location]
97. Gotham City - The Unknown
Detective Comics Featuring Batman (since 1939) comics by Bob Kane and others [location]
98. Grendel - Le Diable En Personne
Beowulf (disputed c. 700–1000 AD) epic poem by unknown author [character]
99. Grendel's Sÿster - Katabasis Into The Abaton / Abstieg In Die Traumkammer
Beowulf (disputed c. 700–1000 AD) epic poem by unknown author [character]
100. Grimgotts - Lions Of The Sea
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (1997) and other novels of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling [location name version]
101. Hamlet - Peligroso
The Tragedy Of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark (written 1600-1601) drama by William Shakespeare [title/character]
102. Hanzel Und Gretyl - Ausgeflippt
Hansel And Gretel fairy tale (short story) published in Grimms' Fairy Tales (1812) by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm [characters]
103. Hell Is Other People - The Cloak That Heals
No Exit (1944) drama by Jean-Paul Satre [term]
104. Helms Deep - Treacherous Ways
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
105. Heorot - Ragnarök
Beowulf (disputed c. 700–1000 AD) epic poem by unknown author [location]
106. Houkago Grind Time - Bakyunsified (Moe To The Gore)
K-On! (2007-2012) manga series by Kakifly [fictional band name version]
107. Ice Nine Kills - Last Chance To Make Amends
Cat's Cradle (1963) novel by Kurt Vonnegut [item: fictional substance ice-nine]
108. Innsmouth - Consumed By Elder Sign
The Shadow Over Innsmouth (1936) novella by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
109. Innzmouth - Lovecraft's Dreams
The Shadow Over Innsmouth (1936) novella by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
110. Isengard - Høstmørke
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
111. Isengard (SWE) - Feel No Fear
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
112. Ivanhoe - Visions And Reality
Ivanhoe (1819) novel by Sir Walter Scott [title/character]
113. Izegrim - Guidelines For Genocide
Reynke De Vos (1498) narrative poem by Hinrek Van Alkmer [character]
114. Jess And The Ancient Ones - Jess And The Ancient Ones
The Call Of Cthulhu (1928) and other short stories by H. P. Lovecraft [characters: the second part of the band name refers to the Great Old Ones]
115. Kaipa - Kaipa
Svenskarna Och Deras Hövdingar (1908-1910) short stories by Verner von Heidenstam [character]
116. Karmanjakah - A Book About Itself
The Brothers Lionheart (1973) novel by Astrid Lindgren [location]
117. Kassogtha - A New World To Come
Nightmare's Disciple (1999) novel by Joseph S. Pulver, Sr. [character; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
118. Keep Of Kalessin - Through Times Of War
The Farthest Shore (1972) and other novels of the Earthsea series by Ursula K. LeGuin [location]
119. Khazad-Dûm - Hymns From The Deep
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
120. Khôrada - Salt
Timaeus (c. 360 BC) Socratic Dialoge by Plato [term]
121. Kingcrow - Something Unknown
The Raven (1845) narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe [term]
122. Ligeia Wept - A Funeral Of Innocence
Ligeia (1838) short story by Edgar Allan Poe [title/character]
123. Lorna Shore - Psalms
Batman Confidential (2006-2011) comics by Andy Diggle et al. [character]
124. Lothlöryen - Of Bards And Madmen
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
125. Lutharo - Hiraeth
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [term in Elvish language]
126. Lye By Mistake - Arrangements For Fulminating Vective
The Gashlycrumb Tinies (1963) illustrated book by Edward Gorey [term]
127. Macbeth - Romantic Tragedy's Crescendo
The Tragedie Of Macbeth (written 1605-1606) drama by William Shakespeare [title/character]
128. Macbeth (GER) - Macbeth
The Tragedie Of Macbeth (written 1605-1606) drama by William Shakespeare [title/character]
129. Mägo De Oz - Mägo De Oz
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz (1900) novel by L. Frank Baum [title/character]
130. Marillion - Script For A Jester's Tear
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [title version]
131. Mask Of Prospero - The Observatory
The Masque Of The Red Death (1842) short story by Edgar Allan Poe [item]
132. Maze Of Sothoth - Soul Demise
The Case of Charles Dexter Ward (written 1927) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [character]
133. Melkor - Ferne
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
134. Minhyriath - Gondolyn
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
135. Minas Morgul - Schwertzeit
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
136. Minas Tirith - The Art Of Becoming
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
137. Moby Dick - Ugass Kutya!
Moby-Dick (1851) novel by Herman Melville [title/character]
138. Mordor - Dark Is The Future
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillon (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
139. Morgoth - Cursed
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
140. Morgul - Lost In Shadows Grey
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [term in the Elvish language Sindarin: dark magic]
141. Morgul Blade - Fell Sorcery Abounds
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [item]
142. Narnia - Awakening
The Chronicles Of Narnia (1950-1956) novels by C.S. Lewis [title/location]
143. Nazgûl - De Expugnatione Elfmuth
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillon (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [characters]
144. Necronomicon - Necronomicon
The Hound (1924) and other short stories by H.P. Lovecraft [item]
145. Necronomicon (CAN) - Pharaoh Of Gods
The Hound (1924) and other short stories by H.P. Lovecraft [item]
146. Nevermore - Nevermore
The Raven (1845) narrative poem by Edgar Allan Poe [term]
147. Númenor - Colossal Darkness
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillon (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
148. Of Mice & Men - Of Mice & Men
Of Mice And Men (1937) novel by John Steinbeck [title]
149. Opeth - Orchid
The Sunbird (1972) novel by Wilbur Smith [location]
150. Ophelia - Sympathize With Your Phantasy
The Tragedy Of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark (written 1600-1601) drama by William Shakespeare [character]
151. Ophelia Falling - Destroyed In Delight
The Tragedy Of Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark (written 1600-1601) drama by William Shakespeare [character]
152. Opium Warlords - Live At Colonia Dignidad
Legend Of A Rock Star: A Memoir: The Last Testament Of Dee Dee Ramone (2003) autobiography by Dee Dee Ramone [term: kingpins of New York]
153. Orange Goblin - Frequencies From Planet Ten
The Hobbit (1937) and Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [characters, combined with a color like their favorite bands, e.g. Black Sabbath, Deep Purple etc.]
154. Orkrist - Reginae Mysterium
The Hobbit (1937) and Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [item]
155. Orodruin - Epicurean Mass
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
156. Paradise Lost - Lost Paradise
Paradise Lost (1667) epic poem by John Milton [title]
157. Pennywise - Pennywise
It (1986) novel by Stephen King [character]
158. Poem - The Great Secret Show
general term for narrative poetry [literature term]
159. Powerman 5000 - The Blood Splat Rating System
Power Man (1974-1978) comic series published by Marvel comics [title/character]
160. Quo Vadis - Forever
Quo Vadis (1896) novel by Henryk Sienkiewicz [title]
161. Rivendell - The Ancient Glory
The Hobbit (1937) and Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novels by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
162. Sammath Naur - Self-Proclaimed Existence
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
163. Saruman - Ride On The Darkside
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
164. Satyricon - Dark Medieval Times
Satyricon (late 1st century AD) novel (Menippean satire) by Petronius [title]
165. Sauron - Universe Of Filth
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
166. Sauron (USA) - Thrash Assault
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
167. Seven Kingdoms - Brothers Of The Night
A Game Of Thrones (1998) and other novels of the A Song Of Ice And Fire series by George R.R. Martin [location]
168. Seven Ravens - Barely Hanging On
The Seven Ravens fairy tale (short story) published in Grimms' Fairy Tales (1812) by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm [characters]
169. Shai Hulud - Hearts Once Nourished With Hope And Compassion
Dune (1965) and other novels of the Dune series by Frank Herbert [characters]
170. Shub Niggurath - The Kinglike Celebration (Final Aeon On Earth)
The Last Test (1922) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [character]
171. Silent Planet - The Night God Slept
Out Of The Silent Planet (1938) novel by C.S. Lewis [title/location]
172. Slytherin - A Tale We'll Tell Of What Hath Been​.​.​.
Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone (1997) and other novels of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling [family name of characters]
173. Smaug - ...As My Blood Runs Cold
The Hobbit (1937) novel by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
174. Sol Draconi Septem - Hyperion
The Fall Of Hyperion (1990) and other novels of the Hyperion Cantos series by Dan Simmons [location]
175. Sons Of Arrakis - Volume I
Dune (1965) and other novels of the Dune series by Frank Herbert [characters + location]
176. Sporae Autem Yuggoth - .​.​.​However It Still Moves
The Whisperer In Darkness (1931) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
177. Stryper - Soldiers Under Command
The Bible, King James Version (1611) [term]
178. Sturmgeist - Meister Mephisto
inspired by the poems of the "Sturm und Drang" era of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe [title]
179. Sukekiyo - Immortalis
The Inugami Clan (1972) novel by Seishi Yokomizo [character]
180. Swords Of Dis - Tides Of Malediction
Divine Comedy (1321) narrative poem by Dante Alighieri [items, location]
181. Sylvaine - Silent Chamber, Noisy Heart
Inspired by the word "sylvan" (meaning forest, woods) and the surname of French poet Paul Verlaine (1844-1896) [author name part]
182. Tengwar - The Halfling Forth Shall Stand
The Hobbit (1937) novel, Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillon (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [fictive alphabet]
183. The Devil Wears Prada - Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord
The Devil Wears Prada (2003) novel by Lauren Weisberger [title]
184. The Doors - The Doors
The Doors Of Perception (1954) essay by Aldous Huxley, which itself is a quotation from William Blake's poem The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell (written 1790-1793) [title]
185. The Great Old Ones - Al Azif
The Call Of Cthulhu (1928) and other short stories by H. P. Lovecraft [characters]
186. The Lion's Daughter - Shame On Us All
The Lion's Daughter (1992) novel by Loretta Chase [title]
187. The Lord Weird Slough Feg - The Lord Weird Slough Feg
Sláine (since1983) comics by Pat Mills [character]
188. The Lurking Fear - Out Of The Voiceless Grave
The Lurking Fear (1922) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [title]
189. The Ring - Tales From Midgard
The Hobbit (1937) novel, Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [item]
190. Thin Lizzy - Thin Lizzy
The Dandy comic series (since 1937) published by D.C. Thompson & Co. [character]
191. Troja - People
Iliad (written c. 8th century BC) by Homer [location]
192. Tsatthoggua - Hosanna Bizarre
The Tale Of Satampra Zeiros (1931) and other short stories by Clark Ashton Smith [character; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
193. Twelth Night - Fact And Fiction
Twelth Night, Or What You Will (written 1601-1602) drama by William Shakespeare [title]
194. Tygers Of Pan Tang - Wild Cat
Stormbringer (1965) novel by Michael Moorcock [phrase]
195. Ultar - Kadath
The Cats Of Ulthar (1920) and other short stories by H.P. Lovecraft [title/location]
196. Ulthar - Cosmovore
The Cats Of Ulthar (1920) and other short stories by H.P. Lovecraft [title/location]
197. Umbra Vitae - Shadow Of Life
Umbra Vitae (1912) poem by Georg Heym [title]
198. Unaussprechlichen Kulten - Wake Up In The Night Of Walpurgis
The Children Of The Night (1931) and other short stories by Robert E. Howard (and later H.P. Lovecraft) [item; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
199. Urfaust - Geist Ist Teufel
Faust: A Tragedy – Urfaust version (written 1772-1775) drama by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe [title]
200. Uriah Heep - Very 'eavy... Very 'umble
David Copperfield (1849-1850) novel by Charles Dickens [character]
201. Utumno - Across The Horizon
The Silmarillion (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [location]
202. Vale Of Pnath - The Prodigal Empire
The Doom That Came To Sarnath (1920) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
203. Van Helsing's Curse - Oculus Infernum: A Halloween Tale
Dracula (1897) novel by Bram Stoker [character]
204. Vintersorg - Till Fjälls
The Legend Of The Ice People (1982) novels by Margit Sandemo [character]
205. Vorga - Striving Toward Oblivion
The Stars My Destination (1957) novel by Alfred Bester [item: starship]
206. Weena Morloch - Kunst-X=?
The Time Machine (1895) novel by H.G. Wells [combination of characters Weena and the Morlochs]
207. While She Sleeps - This Is The Six
inspired by a magazine with a story of a woman murdering her husband while he slept. The band changed the "he" to "she" for the association with a vehicle or a ship sunken in the bottom of the sea, as these are often referred with the feminine pronoun [magazine]
208. Wilderun - Olden Tales & Deathly Trails
The Sword Of Shannara Trilogy (1977-1985) novels by Terry Brooks [location]
209. Witchking - Witchking
Lord Of The Rings (1954-1955) novel and The Silmarillon (1977) stories by J.R.R. Tolkien [character]
210. Wolfmother - Wolfmother
Skinny Legs And All (1990) novel by Tom Robbins [item: poster with Wolfmother]
211. Wormwood - Ghostlands - Wounds From A Bleeding Earth
The Bible: Book Of Revelation 8:10-11 [term]
212. Wreck Of The Hesperus - The Sunken Threshold
Wreck Of The Hesperus (1842) narrative poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow [title]
213. Wuthering Heights - Within
Wuthering Heights (1847) novel by Emily Brontë [title/location]
214. Xasthur - Nocturnal Poisoning
The Simon Necronomicon (1977) grimoire by Peter Levender mentions the demoness Hastur. This name was combined with Xenaoth from a book on the Afro-Caribbean religion Santería [character name combination]
215. Xoth - Invasion Of The Tentacube
The Dweller In The Tomb (1971) and other short stories by Lin Carter [location; part of the Cthulhu Mythos]
216. Yogth Sothoth - Abominations Of The Nebulah Mortiis
The Case of Charles Dexter Ward (written 1927) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [character]
217. Ysengrin - Tragedies - Liber Hermetis
Reynke De Vos (1498) narrative poem by Hinrek Van Alkmer [character]
218. Yuggoth - Sunsets
The Whisperer In Darkness (1931) short story by H.P. Lovecraft [location]
219. Yyrkoon - Oniric Transition
Elric of Melniboné (1972) and other novels by Michael Moorcock [character]
220. Znowhite - Act Of God
Snow White fairy tale (short story) published in Grimms' Fairy Tales (1812) by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm [title/character]
221. Zuriaake - 奕秋
The band name is a metaphor for the Chinese poet Qu Yuan (c. 340 BC – 278 BC) who drowned himself in a lake. The name is portmanteau of three words: "Zu" (god of wind and clouds), "bury" and "lake" [author name]



Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
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Comments

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Comments: 55   Visited by: 116 users
28.10.2023 - 17:20
Plattner
Please feel free to suggest more examples of metal/hard rock band names that are inspired by literature (novels, poems, plays, comics).
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28.10.2023 - 17:56
F3ynman
Nocturnal Bro
Contributor
Necronomicon - H.P. Lovecraft
Ahab - Herman Melville's Moby Dick
Heorot - Beowulf

And there are probably a bunch inspired by the Bible (and the Satanic Bible), although I can't think of anything right now except maybe Lord Belial, Satan, etc
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28.10.2023 - 20:56
Plattner
Written by F3ynman on 28.10.2023 at 17:56

Necronomicon - H.P. Lovecraft
Ahab - Herman Melville's Moby Dick
Heorot - Beowulf

And there are probably a bunch inspired by the Bible (and the Satanic Bible), although I can't think of anything right now except maybe Lord Belial, Satan, etc

Thank you very much, F3ynman2000. I have added your main suggestions.

I will have to think about how to deal with figures/characters that may be less related to a specific work of literature and more to a broader mythological/religious context, like the mentioned Satan. I guess there are quite a few bands that cite Satan just as anti-religious concept (maybe a weak point in the design of the list). However, as these lines are blurred I will probably add those bands. I will keep the second part of your suggestions in mind.
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28.10.2023 - 22:01
Redel
Moderator
Another great effort here. Plattner's lists are always worth checking out.
The only addition to this list I can think of from the top of my head right now is Wuthering Heights.
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28.10.2023 - 22:14
Plattner
Written by Redel on 28.10.2023 at 22:01

Another great effort here. Plattner's lists are always worth checking out.
The only addition to this list I can think of from the top of my head right now is Wuthering Heights.

Thank you very much for your nice comment, Redel. I have added your suggestion to the list.
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30.10.2023 - 13:59
RaduP
CertifiedHipster
Staff
Pretty sure half of the metal ones are just gonna be taken straight from Tolkien
----
Do you think if the heart keeps on shrinking
One day there will be no heart at all?
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03.11.2023 - 23:40
Plattner
Written by RaduP on 30.10.2023 at 13:59

Pretty sure half of the metal ones are just gonna be taken straight from Tolkien

I agree, RaduP. I have made an update for the list and most examples were based on Tolkien. However, in some cases I had not noticed the Tolkien-connection before (e.g. Flotsam And Jetsam) - and I found some Tolkien-independent examples that are less obvious than thought (e.g. Exodus).
Thank you for your comment.
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10.11.2023 - 17:00
Plattner
AUTHORS (Summary 26.11.23)

1st Place (44 bands):
J.R.R.Tolkien

2nd Place (11 bands):
H.P.Lovecraft

3rd Place (8 bands):
W.Shakespeare

4th Place (7 bands):
E.A.Poe

5th Place (3 bands):
C.A.Smith

6th Place (2 bands):
A.Huxley, J.W.v.Goethe, R.E.Howard, S.King, H.Melville, J.K.Rowling

7th Place (1 band):
R.Adams, J.P.Ahonen, L.F.Baum, E.C.Bertin, R.Bloch, E.Bronte, L.Carroll, L.Carter, C.Dickens, A.Diggle, M.Ende, S.Erikson, W.Faulkner, Homer, Kakifly, C.S.Lewis, H.W.Longfellow, G.R.R.Martin, A.Miller, J.Milton, M.Moorcock, D.Quinn, S.Rohmer, P.Rothfuss, Y.Sadamato, W.Smith, J.Steinbeck, B.Stoker, L.Uris, H.Van Alkmer, L.Weisberger, H.G.Wells
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11.11.2023 - 22:59
Plattner
CATEGORY (Summary 27.11.23.)

1.) Novels (72 bands)
2.) Short Stories/Novellas (22 bands)
3.) Drama (10 bands)
4.) Poems (8 bands)
5.) Comics/Mangas (5 bands)
6.) Religious Texts (2 bands), Author Names (2 bands)
7.) Essays (1 band), Reports (1 band), Magazines (1 band)
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12.11.2023 - 09:46
Roman Doez
Hallucigenia
The band Houkago Grind Time takes direct inspiration from the manga K-ON!
There's also a grindcore band named Gendo Ikari in reference to the manga series Neon Genesis Evangelion but they're not on MS
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12.11.2023 - 13:52
Plattner
Written by Roman Doez on 12.11.2023 at 09:46

The band Houkago Grind Time takes direct inspiration from the manga K-ON!
There's also a grindcore band named Gendo Ikari in reference to the manga series Neon Genesis Evangelion but they're not on MS

Thank you very much for your suggestions, doez. As I am familiar neither with the mentioned bands nor with the cited mangas, I would like to ask you, if you could briefly mention the corresponding aspect of the books that the band name refers to (character, location, item, term etc.).
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12.11.2023 - 17:42
Roman Doez
Hallucigenia
Written by Plattner on 12.11.2023 at 13:52

Thank you very much for your suggestions, doez. As I am familiar neither with the mentioned bands nor with the cited mangas, I would like to ask you, if you could briefly mention the corresponding aspect of the books that the band name refers to (character, location, item, term etc.).

Houkago Grind Time is a reference to the music band that the main characters of K-ON play in, which is called Houkago Tea Time
Gendo Ikari is the name of a character from evangelion
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13.11.2023 - 13:14
Plattner
Written by Roman Doez on 12.11.2023 at 17:42

Written by Plattner on 12.11.2023 at 13:52

Thank you very much for your suggestions, doez. As I am familiar neither with the mentioned bands nor with the cited mangas, I would like to ask you, if you could briefly mention the corresponding aspect of the books that the band name refers to (character, location, item, term etc.).

Houkago Grind Time is a reference to the music band that the main characters of K-ON play in, which is called Houkago Tea Time
Gendo Ikari is the name of a character from evangelion

Thank you again, doez. I have added both suggestions (Houkago Grind Time, Gendo Ikari) to the list. As you have already written, Gendo Ikari is not MS. However, as they could basically be compatible to the site and because they are an interesting addition to this list, I have also included them.
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13.11.2023 - 15:33
majormalfunction
Lost Horizon isn't on your list. Will try to think of more.
----
Everything's twice as bright with money in your hands
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13.11.2023 - 17:42
morte
Caladan Brood is inspired by "Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson
----
In Morte Ultima Veritas
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13.11.2023 - 19:24
Plattner
Written by morte on 13.11.2023 at 17:42

Caladan Brood is inspired by "Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson

Thank you very much, morte. I have added your suggestion to the list.
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15.11.2023 - 09:07
24emd
Theory Snob
90% Tolkien. I love metal.
----
"I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense." - Proverbs 30:2
"Music? Well, it's just entertainment, folks!" - Devin Townsend

Best 2024 Albums
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15.11.2023 - 10:51
Aries Rising
Written by RaduP on 30.10.2023 at 13:59

Pretty sure half of the metal ones are just gonna be taken straight from Tolkien

And the other half will be from Lovecraft/Cthulhu Mythos.
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22.11.2023 - 14:06
Pavel_K
I think we could consider adding the following bands:
Seven Kingdoms are obviously inspired by George R.R. Martin (wiki confirms)
Conan are obviously named after R.E. Howard's character
Druadan Forest is another Tolkien-inspired name
Auri are named after a character from The Kingkiller chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss
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22.11.2023 - 16:20
Pavel_K
Please forgive me for yet another message, but I forgot to mention Slytherin.
Yes, it's Harry Potter themed black metal
Their latest album The Path We Choose is actually pretty good and I think we definitely shouldn't overlook them
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22.11.2023 - 16:33
Plattner
Written by Pavel_K on 22.11.2023 at 16:20

Please forgive me for yet another message, but I forgot to mention Slytherin.
Yes, it's Harry Potter themed black metal
Their latest album The Path We Choose is actually pretty good and I think we definitely shouldn't overlook them

Thank you so much for all of your interesting suggestions. I will add them as soon as I have the time.
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22.11.2023 - 18:35
Vombatus
Potorro
Some Tolkien inspired bands featured on ms: Barrow Wight, Númenor, Beleriand

A new one: Fall of Efrafa, inspired by Watership Down.
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23.11.2023 - 00:06
Plattner
Written by Pavel_K on 22.11.2023 at 14:06

I think we could consider adding the following bands:
Seven Kingdoms are obviously inspired by George R.R. Martin (wiki confirms)
Conan are obviously named after R.E. Howard's character
Druadan Forest is another Tolkien-inspired name
Auri are named after a character from The Kingkiller chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss

Thank you again, Pavel_K. I have added your suggested examples to the list.
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23.11.2023 - 00:07
Plattner
Written by Vombatus on 22.11.2023 at 18:35

Some Tolkien inspired bands featured on ms: Barrow Wight, Númenor, Beleriand

A new one: Fall of Efrafa, inspired by Watership Down.

Thank you, Vombatus. I have added your interesting examples to the list.
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26.11.2023 - 08:18
Bad English
Tage Westerlund
Flotsam n Jetsam are you sure, was not band taken from some nature phenomen, or something whit aviation?
----
I stand whit Ukraine and Israel. They have right to defend own citizens.

Stormtroopers of Death - "Speak English or Die"

I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
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26.11.2023 - 09:08
Plattner
Written by Bad English on 26.11.2023 at 08:18

Flotsam n Jetsam are you sure, was not band taken from some nature phenomen, or something whit aviation?

Thank you for your commend, Bad English. I have read about the Tolkien-connection. Therefore, it was not just my guess. However, I will check how reliable the information text was.
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26.11.2023 - 09:09
Bad English
Tage Westerlund
Written by Plattner on 26.11.2023 at 09:08

Written by Bad English on 26.11.2023 at 08:18

Flotsam n Jetsam are you sure, was not band taken from some nature phenomen, or something whit aviation?

Thank you for your commend, Bad English. I have read about the Tolkien-connection. Therefore, it was not just my guess. However, I will check have reliable the information text was.

I dont deny Tolkie had it but I remember somehow something it was not Tolkie. But I might be wrong . I will check it out later.
----
I stand whit Ukraine and Israel. They have right to defend own citizens.

Stormtroopers of Death - "Speak English or Die"

I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
Loading...
26.11.2023 - 09:16
Plattner
Written by Bad English on 26.11.2023 at 09:09

Written by Plattner on 26.11.2023 at 09:08

Written by Bad English on 26.11.2023 at 08:18

Flotsam n Jetsam are you sure, was not band taken from some nature phenomen, or something whit aviation?

Thank you for your commend, Bad English. I have read about the Tolkien-connection. Therefore, it was not just my guess. However, I will check have reliable the information text was.

I dont deny Tolkie had it but I remember somehow something it was not Tolkie. But I might be wrong . I will check it out later.

I read that the band name was inspired by Tolkien in Wikipedia. I thought that this was at least a good indication. However, as no corresponding reference was within the Wikipedia article and Wikipedia itself is not always a reliable source, I will have another look.
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26.11.2023 - 09:32
Plattner
Written by Bad English on 26.11.2023 at 09:09

Written by Plattner on 26.11.2023 at 09:08

Written by Bad English on 26.11.2023 at 08:18

Flotsam n Jetsam are you sure, was not band taken from some nature phenomen, or something whit aviation?

Thank you for your commend, Bad English. I have read about the Tolkien-connection. Therefore, it was not just my guess. However, I will check have reliable the information text was.

I dont deny Tolkie had it but I remember somehow something it was not Tolkie. But I might be wrong . I will check it out later.

I have found an interview with Kelly-David Smith (founding member of Flotsam And Jetsam), confirming the inspiration by Tolkien.

https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2013/04/interview-kelly-smith-flotsam-and-jetsam/
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26.11.2023 - 09:33
Bad English
Tage Westerlund
Written by Plattner on 26.11.2023 at 09:32




https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2013/04/interview-kelly-smith-flotsam-and-jetsam/

thanks i was wrong then.
----
I stand whit Ukraine and Israel. They have right to defend own citizens.

Stormtroopers of Death - "Speak English or Die"

I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
Loading...

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