Have you ever been to a Satanic Ritual? If the answer is “no” then let me begin by telling you, they are much more fun than you’d think. There was singing, there was dancing, there was laughter, and oh yes….there was blood. Twin Temple stopped in Las Vegas on their final date of the God is Dead Tour what was meant to celebrate their newest album of the same name. If you don’t know anything about Twin Temple, let me give you a quick rundown. Twin Temple is a captivating wife and husband (Alexandra and Zachary James) duo who enjoy spreading the message of love, peace, acceptance, and Satan in the form of 50’s style Doo Wop. I promise that you will not find a more unique, yet perfectly crafted, group on this planet. Their sound is so authentic that if you had no idea who they were I can guarantee you’d have thought the music was straight from 1955. Their mix of old school tunes and style, combined with their message of modern day Satanism is so original and honestly, it is such a great time when you see it all performed live.
When Twin Temple came onto the stage Alexandra was holding a human skull, while Zachary bore a chalice filled with blood which he began to ceremoniously bless the crowd by using a ladle to throw it onto them. They moved to an alter set in the center of the stage and set their items down. They then picked up two highly-polished swords and came to the front of the stage and began to move them in a ritualistic manner above the crowd. Alexandra grabbed a tattered looking book and began to speak: “In nominae de nostri satanas luciferius
Tonight we bless this ritual and all who gather here in Las Vegas in the name of SATAN! Oh Satan, deliver your powers of free will, and individualism.send us the very flames of hell so that we may burn down ignorance of all kind. Now, we ask that you join us, and give the unholy sign of the beast.” To which the entire crowd raised their hands with their metal horns pointed towards the sky,, “Will you all please repeat after me: Hail Satan! Hail Satan! HAIL SATAN!” And after the audience repeated this final and most raucous call to the dark lord, she asked “You guys want some rock and roll!?!?” And we were off.
Twin Temple opened their set with “Sex Magick” and we were off. I loved the vibes in that room. It wasn’t overly out of control like the metal shows I’m used to being at. Everyone was having fun, dancing, singing along, and just having a great time. One thing that surprised me was that how many older people were there. At one point I was standing next to a 70+ year old woman yelling “Hail Satan!”…never in my life did I think I’d be experiencing this yet here I was. In the midst of this beautiful mix of people, enjoying the music, and the message that was being spread.
If you aren’t too keen on what Satanism represents I would like to take a moment to clear the air. Satanism is the wholehearted belief in self. (Which is the antithesis is Christianity, a religion which requires you to put God before all else). Satanists believe in equality for all, which includes to the rights of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ. They believe that you are the creator of your own future, and that it is not preordained by some all-knowing omnipresent/omnipotent creator. I love that there are bands out here like Twin Temple delivering this message of peace, love, acceptance, and equality, in a time when we truly need it most. During their set they would stop to briefly mention that it’s okay to be who you are, it’s okay to do as you please as long as you don’t hurt others, and that it’s okay to love who you want to love. I enjoyed Alexandra’s quips made against the patriarchal system that has held women back for hundreds of years, and I love that it was met with such warm reception.
Twin Temple has completed this leg of their tour, but please keep your eye out for future projects on tours that they will be announcing. If you’ve yet to listen to them, and have an ear for some of the older rock and roll, then I highly encourage you to check them out. Their set was delightfully dark and an absolute blast from beginning to end. They played their most beloved songs, and since this was the God is Dead tour, there were many of their newest jams played that night too. No matter what they play, it’s bound to be a rock in good time. If you ever get a chance you catch them live you won’t be disappointed. Oh….and one more thing before I go…HAIL SATAN!!!
