The Unbearable Heaviness of Stones: Self-Mutilation as Performative Technique Based on the Band Amenra

Abstract

This article presents an interpretation of a performance by the Belgian metal band Amenra, in which the vocalist, Collin van Eeckhout, voluntarily pierces himself with hooks from which stones are suspended. The self-mutilation performed by the vocalist, which carries the characteristics of abject art, proves to be not only provocative but also didactic upon analysis. In examining this performance, I focus on the symbolism used in the work, which refers the listener to the circle of Christian culture and translates into a framework of agnostic religiosity. This creates an interesting sequence of transformations in terms of post-secularism. Additionally, I explore the band’s peculiar philosophy of externalizing and sharing suffering, examining how it is conveyed in Amenra’s work through their lyrics, music, album covers, and performance.