Spoken intros in metal add atmosphere, theatricality, and narrative context, becoming iconic moments before the discharge of intensity.
Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast: The apocalyptic quote from the Book of Revelation
Barry Clayton, an English actor, recorded the intro specifically for the studio album.
They originally wanted the legendary horror actor Vincent Price, but he asked for a figure the band wasn’t willing to pay.
Clayton was famous for reading ghost stories on the radio and had a similar tone to Price’s.
“Woe to you, oh earth and seaFor the Devil sends the beast with wrathBecause he knows the time is shortLet him who hath understandingReckon the number of the beastFor it is a human numberIts number is six hundred and sixty-six”.
The spoken intro is a modified combination of two biblical verses from the Book of Revelation (New Testament).
The number 666 is supposed to refer to the Roman Emperor at the time (Nero Caesar), who brutally persecuted Christians.
Also, the number represents human imperfection, as seven is biblically considered the number of divine perfection.
Cradle of Filth – Her Ghost in the Fog: a Dark Tale
This intro was recorded by the British actor Doug Bradley, known for being Pinhead in the Hellraiser movies. He contributed his deep, dramatic voice to various songs on the Midian album, including this one, helping to set the somber tone for these tracks.
“The moon she hangs like a cruel portrait
Soft winds whisper the bidding of trees
As this tragedy starts with a shattered glass heart
And the mid-nightmare trampling of dreams
But oh, no tears please
Fear and pain may accompany death
But it is desire that shepherds its certainty
As we shall see…”
These lyrics were written by Dani Filth, the band’s singer, who was inspired by the legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Dream Theater – Scene One: Regression: The Hypnosis that Kicks a Marvellous Album
Regression, the opening track of Dream Theater’s album Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory (1999), starts with a hypnotist delivered by Terry Brown.
He was a renowned music producer, famous for his work with the band Rush.
Terry Brown plays a hypnotherapist who guides Nicholas (the protagonist) into a hypnotic state at the beginning of the album.
This isn’t just the introduction to this track, but to the entire album, which is a conceptual work and an outstanding progressive album (one of my favorites), and which I had the privilege to experience played live entirely in 2019 in Chile.
“Close your eyes and begin to relax. Take a deep breath, and let it outslowly. Concentrate on your breathing. With each breath you become morerelaxed. Imagine a brilliant white light above you, focusing on this light asit flows through your body. Allow yourself to drift off as you fall deeper anddeeper into a more relaxed state of mind. Now, as I count backward from ten toone, you will feel more peaceful and calm. Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Youwill enter a safe place where nothing can harm you. Five. Four. Three. Two. Ifat any time you need to come back, all you must do is open your eyes. One.”
Iron Maiden – Aces High: an Historical Speech
Winston Churchill’s famous speech about the Battle of Britain gives this song an epic vibe and meaning, which is impossible to listen to without feeling chills.
“We shall go on to the end
We shall fight in France
We shall fight on the seas and oceans
We shall fight with growing confidence
And growing strength in the air!
We shall defend our island
Whatever the cost may be
We shall fight on the beaches
We shall fight on the landing grounds
We shall fight in the fields
And in the streets
We shall fight in the hills
We shall never surrender!”
These are just a few examples. Metal is full of spoken-word introductions that add atmosphere, context, and drama before the music begins, turning a simple opening into an unforgettable moment.
These examples encompass terror, history, philosophy, and paranoia, elevating the musical experience from the very first second. They’re not only songs, but they’re also works of art.