Meet Emily Kolltveit, a metal singer-turned-vicar with a unique perspective on the relationship between heavy metal and organized religion. Her journey from a young drama student to a church leader is a testament to the power of music to shape one's beliefs and values.
Kolltveit's introduction to Iron Maiden was a baptism of fire, quite literally. As a teenager, she was approached by a friend of her parents, the famous magician Simon Drake, who needed an assistant for a TV special with the band. While she couldn't participate due to her age, this experience sparked a lifelong love for their music. She went on to front a band called Pythia, showcasing her versatility as a musician and interviewer, having even spoken with Bruce Dickinson himself.
Her involvement in the metal scene didn't stop there. Kolltveit also sang with the ye olde-style choral ensemble Mediæval Bæbes, performing in various cathedrals and holy spaces. This experience deepened her connection with faith and the spiritual nature of music. She believes that the imagery and themes in metal, particularly those related to Christianity and the Old Testament, can be a natural and meaningful exploration of faith.
Kolltveit challenges the notion that metal is the Devil's music, arguing that it leans heavily into Christian imagery and the Old Testament. She finds the correlation between the metal scene and exploring faith intriguing, and she's not offended by the devilish themes in Iron Maiden's music. In fact, she sees it as a reflection of the complex nature of the world, where light and dark coexist.
Despite her church duties, Kolltveit remains actively involved in the metal scene. She sings backing vocals for Dragonforce and dreams of having Iron Maiden play at her church, St. Judes, a fantastic music venue. Her unique perspective as a metalhead-turned-vicar adds a fascinating layer to the discussion of the relationship between heavy metal and organized religion.
Kolltveit's story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the ability of individuals to find meaning and faith in unexpected places. Her journey from a young drama student to a church leader showcases the diverse ways in which music can shape our lives and beliefs.
