The Thing That Should Not Be Verbindt Oeroude Angst met Melodische Zwaarte

Deep Purple’s “The Thing That Should Not Be” is not merely a song; it’s an auditory journey into Lovecraftian horror, seamlessly weaving together primal fear with a haunting melody that lingers long after the final note fades. Released in 1974 on their album “Burn”, this epic track showcases Deep Purple at their most ambitious and adventurous, venturing beyond the boundaries of hard rock and heavy metal into the uncharted territories of progressive rock.

The song’s title is borrowed from H.P Lovecraft’s seminal horror novella “The Call of Cthulhu”. Lovecraft, a master of cosmic horror, crafted tales that explored humanity’s insignificance in the face of ancient, unknowable entities lurking beyond our comprehension. “The Thing That Should Not Be” embodies this theme perfectly, evoking a sense of dread and otherworldly terror through its dark lyrics and chilling instrumentation.

The opening riff is instantly recognizable, a haunting melody played on Ritchie Blackmore’s iconic Gibson Les Paul that sets the stage for the song’s unsettling atmosphere. The rhythm section, anchored by bassist Glenn Hughes and drummer Ian Paice, provides a powerful foundation, driving the song forward with relentless intensity.

David Coverdale’s vocals soar over the music, delivering lyrics laden with Lovecraftian imagery: “The wind is howling through the trees/A nameless dread upon my knees/The thing that should not be, it calls to me/From ancient depths beyond the sea.” His powerful voice conveys a sense of unease and vulnerability, reflecting the protagonist’s descent into madness.

“The Thing That Should Not Be” features an extended instrumental section that showcases Deep Purple’s musical prowess. Blackmore unleashes a blistering guitar solo that is both technically impressive and emotionally charged. His playing evokes a sense of otherworldly chaos, perfectly capturing the Lovecraftian concept of cosmic horror. Hughes’ melodic bass lines interweave with Paice’s thunderous drumming, creating a sonic landscape both beautiful and unsettling.

The song’s structure deviates from typical verse-chorus formats. Instead, it unfolds like a narrative, taking the listener on a journey through Lovecraft’s terrifying world. The tempo shifts dramatically throughout the track, mirroring the emotional arc of the story. Slow, brooding passages give way to frenzied bursts of energy, reflecting the protagonist’s struggle against unseen forces.

De Muzikale Architectuur van “The Thing That Should Not Be”

Deep Purple’s musical vision for “The Thing That Should Not Be” went beyond simply capturing Lovecraftian horror; they aimed to translate its essence into sound. The interplay between the instruments is crucial in achieving this goal:

Deep Purple’s willingness to experiment with unconventional song structures and embrace progressive rock elements set them apart from their contemporaries. “The Thing That Should Not Be” was a bold statement, demonstrating the band’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

Een Literaire Inspiratie: H.P. Lovecraft en Cosmic Horror

The influence of H.P. Lovecraft on “The Thing That Should Not Be” is undeniable. Lovecraft’s writings explored themes of cosmic dread, the fragility of human sanity in the face of unknowable entities, and the terrifying vastness of the universe. Deep Purple successfully captured these elements through their music, translating literary concepts into a visceral auditory experience.

Lovecraft’s concept of “cosmic horror” differed from traditional gothic horror. Instead of relying on jump scares or supernatural creatures, Lovecraft’s stories aimed to instill a sense of existential dread and helplessness by confronting readers with the unimaginable scale and indifference of the universe. Deep Purple achieved a similar effect through their music, using dissonant chords, haunting melodies, and intense instrumental passages to evoke a feeling of unease and vulnerability.

Een Meesterwerk van Atmosfeer en Emotie

“The Thing That Should Not Be” remains a testament to Deep Purple’s musical prowess and their willingness to push creative boundaries. The song seamlessly blends Lovecraftian horror with masterful musicianship, creating an auditory experience that is both unsettling and captivating. It stands as a unique achievement in the annals of heavy metal and progressive rock, demonstrating the power of music to evoke deep-seated emotions and explore the darkest corners of the human imagination.