Metal Band Getting Criticism For Taking Name From Serial Killer, Ian Brady

English citizens are shocked by a U.K. metal band, Gates of Janus (above), taking their name from the book title of moors murderer Ian Brady.

Are people really surprised by this??!!

Brady’s killings were committed in the UK a long time ago, in the 60s.

The band replied with an intelligent, well-written statement:

“Our lyrics do not ‘glorify’ the murders, merely tell part of a story that is ingrained in our local history. Even 20 years ago, bands like Slayer were writing about religious hypocrisy, and historical events such as the Holocaust, and they have consistently said they are not themselves supportive of those events. Bands such as Children of Bodom and The Black Dahlia Murder are also named after famous murders, and they are successful international acts. Outside of metal, artists such as The Smiths have dealt with the moors murders as well.”

What everyone overlooked is that Gates of Janus is a decent sounding band of the extreme metal genre known as Death Metal — if you’re into that sort of thing. I have never been into Death Metal but I do appreciate the sounds of it — the riffs, the tempo changes. Never been a big fan of growling-away vocals on extremely morose subjects, however. Not a good combo for me. That’s just me.

I’d never refuse to listen to a band because of their name, or judge them by their name. I mean, I once liked a French Metal band called Satan’s Jokers.

I’d probably listen to anything over Children of Bodom though — THOSE KEYBOARDS!

If interested, you can check them out at www.myspace.com/gatesofjanus.