Latest news with #JudasIscariot
The Herald Scotland
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
This extreme metal album blew up one weekend – now it's accused of AI
These examples are out in the open, attached with a clear mission statement, framed by their practitioners as the next step in the future of art creation. But what about when the algorithmic infection begins to worm its way out of the mainstream and into the underground, where screams of authenticity are paramount? It all began last Friday when an album by Czech black metal artist Draugveil was uploaded to YouTube. Its striking cover art of a young, long-haired knight draped in corpse paint laid upon a bed of roses caught the eyes of many, and its popularity snowballed instantly. Read more: The cruel AI joke played on Studio Ghibli and its well-loved style But something else caught the eyes of some, that the roses seemed a little off. The rose stems protrude from the ground in an unrealistic fashion. So, in line with the times, accusations of AI trickery arrived swiftly and spread fast. Soon, the music itself was accused of being AI, or outlines of songs fully formed once put through the generative music program SUNO. There's no indication that this is the case, and the music is in line with what one would expect from a one-man black metal project in the vein of Judas Iscariot and Burzum, but then if AI was asked to create music in a black metal style, that is probably what it would decide to generically produce and spit out. A Reddit thread titled 'Had to leave band because singer was too obsessed with AI art' was also linked to the project, but nothing indicates a connection beyond mere conjecture of how certain details might match up. Alas, it was just another factor for many that deception was afoot in the underground metal community. The germ of the strange roses became the igniting catalyst for the torrent of accusations, but that itself does not indicate the use of AI. Album covers hardly need to exist in the realm of the real, and it's not out of the ordinary to find details within album art that do not line up with their real-world counterparts. For all we know, the artist was a few roses short of a bed, and the suspicious plants were digitally placed there in image editing software, which is totally standard practice. On the part of the YouTube channel that gave the album a platform, Black Metal Promotion, they say Draugveil sent them screenshots of the songs in a digital audio workstation. That does not mean there was no AI in play, but then it likely means there was a creator's hand guiding the work at the very least. But the intensity of the speculation, and the sheer speed of the AI narrative setting in, shows how quick we are to jump the gun in our suspicions of AI as a looming threat waiting around every corner. That's not surprising considering the use of AI in art is bound to get even more complicated, deceptive, and normalised – but it does not help if suddenly every artistic eccentricity is now in the firing line for inauthenticity through an assumption of AI use. Read more: This film veteran was stunned when he asked AI to give him ideas For many in the discussion, Draugveil's album being a result of AI is an indisputable fact, repeated until it becomes truth. Many say Draugveil needs to clarify with a statement, but that would be the biggest mistake to make. The hype generated by the intense back-and-forth discussions, the mystery of what the reality is, is a more powerful promotion than whatever the truth might come to be. It is reminiscent of the hijinks of 2000s black metal project Velvet Cacoon, which became infamous for mixing in fake albums that never existed and stealing songs from local bands and passing them off as their own, all because the ensuing confusion and outraged bluster would be entertaining for them. Before, accusations of inauthenticity lay in intentions, but now it is the process that is being questioned. If the threshold for suspicion is this low, we're heading toward a future where artists will have to prove their humanity just to be taken seriously. Whether Draugveil is a project borne from AI may always be a mystery unless the artist speaks and makes their case, but the prevailing sense is that people want it to be true, for the thrill of catching a fraud in the act and to satisfy any lingering purist paranoia. But if every strange flourish in an album cover or every odd-sounding riff becomes grounds for an AI witch hunt, where does that leave human creativity in the end?
Extra.ie
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Extra.ie
Friday 13th
Why is todays date considered by some to be the unluckiest day of the year, so much so that some people won't even get out of bed if the 13th happens to be a Friday. Where did we get this idea that the day of the week and month could possibly hold such power over us and why is Friday 13th seen as such an abnormally ominous day? There is no definitive answer to that question. Pic: Getty Images If we choose to go way back in time and attribute the 13th to a religious event, then we could say the date is considered unlucky, as in the time of the Last Supper, the 13th and last guest to arrive was none other than Judas Iscariot. The biblical account of Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden is said to have occurred on a Friday, and the crucifixion of Jesus also took place on a Friday. Astrologically the date is seen as a day of 'Empowerment' and is said to be 'profoundly ingrained in positive symbolism of feminine power, transformation and creativity'. What exactly this might mean for women is not so clear, but take it to be a day when we can feel extra powerful and sure of ourselves. Pic: Getty Images But the superstitions around Friday 13th continue to persist, with many people not travelling, not making decisions and some not even going outside their front door. Before you despair entirely, there are several things you can do to try to keep bad luck from following and finding you, and the good folks at Farmers Almanac have even compiled a list of things to do including, KNOCK ON WOOD It was once believed that good spirits lived in trees and that by knocking on anything made from wood, we can call upon these spirits for protection against misfortune. FIND A FOUR LEAFED CLOVER Pic: Shutterstock Not as easy to do as you might think, these little leaves are not exactly everywhere but if you have time to spare, its a nice way to spend an hour peering into your lawn in the hopes of finding the four leafed wonder WEAR YOUR CLOTHES INSIDE OUT No one seems to know how this superstition originated, but the belief that wearing your clothes inside out or back to front is a superstition that still persists – Have a look at sports fans, especially in the US wearing baseball caps back to front during important games for good luck. TAKE A WALK IN THE RAIN Pic: Shutterstock This one should be easy for anyone living in Ireland, chances are you will get ready for a walk as the sun is shining but before you've rounded the first corner of the road, the black clouds will roll in and you will get soaked in a deluge, but don't worry, its good luck! There are a number of other superstitions too, with unknown origins, some of which are linked to the popularity of several movies and ideas in popular culture like the horror movie 'Friday the 13th' which has also contributed hugely to the fear of the day, as it features a killer, Jason Voorhees, who terrorizes a summer camp on this date. But if you want to be extra sure, as well as doing all of the above to invite good luck, you must also avoid the following… Do NOT allow a black cat to cross your path on a Friday 13th, move along pussycat. Pic: Getty Images Try not to break any mirrors, don't walk under any ladders and under no circumstances should you open an umbrella indoors today of all days. Be safe out there and Happy Friday 13th.
Mint
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Friday the 13th ‘superstition' strikes again as X erupts with spooky memes
Friday the 13th is widely seen as a day of bad luck, with its reputation rooted in ancient beliefs around the number 13 and Fridays both being unlucky in some cultures. The superstition has grown stronger over the centuries, fuelled by mythology, religion, and modern media. In Norse mythology, the number 13 is linked to chaos. A well-known tale speaks of Loki, the trickster god, arriving uninvited as the 13th guest at a feast in Valhalla. His presence led to death and disorder, setting the tone for the number's negative associations. This belief spread through Europe, and by the Middle Ages, the combination of Friday and the number 13 had become a symbol of misfortune. Christian tradition also helped cement Friday the 13th's ominous image. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, is often described as the 13th guest at the Last Supper – an event said to have occurred on a Friday. Many also believed other tragic biblical events, such as the fall of Adam and Eve and the murder of Abel, took place on Fridays. The superstition became even more widespread in the 19th century following the release of Thomas W. Lawson's novel Friday, the Thirteenth, which portrayed the day as one of doom and disaster. Later, pop culture played a major role in keeping the myth alive – especially the horror movie franchise Friday the 13th, which turned the date into a global symbol of fear and misfortune. Despite this eerie reputation, Friday the 13th isn't all bad. Some traditions see it as a day of feminine power and creativity. The number 13 is linked to lunar and natural cycles, while Friday is associated with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. These links offer a more positive view of the day – one of 'transformation and new beginnings'. On social media, the day is often met with a mix of humour and superstition. This year, 'social media was flooded with spooky memes', with users sharing jokes, memes, and exaggerated stories about unlucky events. Even so, Friday the 13th continues to draw attention every time it appears on the calendar – as it did twice in 2024, in September and December. In 2015, the rare event occurred three times.
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Astrology and superstition collide: What this Friday the 13th means for you
For centuries, Friday the 13th has been shrouded in mystery, fear, and superstition, but maybe it is time to ditch it all. On Friday, June 13, 2025, astrology and superstition collide in a cosmic cocktail that promises not just misfortune but also transformation, opportunity, and even a touch of luck for some. For centuries, Friday the 13th has been shrouded in mystery, fear, and superstition. It's the day that sends shivers down the spines of the superstitious, a date so infamous that many hotels skip the 13th floor, airlines avoid a 13th row, and some refuse to leave their homes altogether. But this year, the narrative takes a surprising turn. Alignment With the Sun in Gemini squaring the fated North and South Nodes in Pisces and Virgo, we are invited into an emotional tug-of-war between logic and longing that calls for change. Could this be the year we reclaim Friday the 13th and turn dread into possibility? South Africans, like much of the world, have inherited the cultural baggage of Friday the 13th. From Bible stories to Norse myths, the number 13 has long been a symbol of unease. At Jesus' last supper, Judas Iscariot, the 13th guest, betrayed him. In Norse mythology, Loki, the god of mischief, crashed a banquet of 12 gods, triggering chaos and death. Even historical disasters seem to echo the superstition. On Friday the 13th in 1307, King Philip IV of France arrested hundreds of Knights Templar, resulting in torture, false confessions, and executions. Fast forward to 1972, when a plane carrying the Uruguayan rugby team crashed into the Andes on Friday the 13th. The survivors' harrowing tale of cannibalism and perseverance inspired the film Alive. Closer to home, whether we admit it or not, many of us still glance warily at calendars marked Friday the 13th, avoiding major decisions, travel, or even stepping out the door. But is it really unlucky? Across cultures, superstition surrounding the number 13 varies. In Spanish-speaking countries, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky. Italians fear Friday the 17th instead. In contrast, some numerologists argue that 13 is misunderstood, as a number of rebirth, transformation, and divine timing.
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' coming to Renaissance Theatre
The Renaissance Theatre is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's legendary rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar," for a limited engagement the next two weekends. The musical, which has drawn in audiences worldwide for more than 50 years, reimagines the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, set to a 1970s rock score. 'Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic show because it challenges audiences to see 'The greatest story ever told' from a different perspective,' director Ryan Shealy said. 'This production is emotional and deeply human; audiences are in for something truly extraordinary.' This production features a cast led by guest artist Caleb Predeep Mathura as Jesus of Nazareth, as well as Ohio-based talent and three women in the roles of Judas, Mary and Pilate; two of which are traditionally male roles. Shealy shares some of his considerations when making those casting decisions. 'This adaptation asks the audience to understand that there are good and bad in all people, including the usual 'villains.' By casting these characters more diversely, we can see more of ourselves in this story and relate its lessons to today's world," she said. Since its Broadway debut in 1971, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has attracted audiences with its blend of rock and theatrical storytelling. The show features songs such as 'Superstar,' 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' and 'Gethsemane,' performed by a cast that includes: Kelly Knowlton as Judas Iscariot Shauna Marie as Mary Magdalene Samantha Woodill as Pontius Pilate Robert Hardin-Leeth as King Herod Jacob Poiner as Caiaphas Nikki Stitak as Annas Ensemble: Darius Darmody, Carter King, Molly McClanahan, Jackie Metz, Zakari Ramos, Christian Shepherd and Torre Webber About Caleb Predeep Mathura A Trinidadian-American performer, Mathura is a graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University with a BFA in musical theatre and a minor in dance. His career includes starring roles in "Come Fall in Love" (The Old Globe), "David" (Off-Broadway) and "Pippin" (The Pittsburgh Playhouse), along with his acclaimed portrayal of Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Timberlake Playhouse. Show times are 7:30 p.m. March 8 and March 15 and 2:30 p.m. March 9 and March 16. Tickets start at $15 and are available now at or by calling or visiting the Renaissance Theatre box office at 419-522-2726, 138 Park Avenue West. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Classic rock opera coming to Renaissance Theatre
