This is the End Quiz / Test | Heaven and Hell in Songs

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which diminutive singer recorded the hit song "1999," the lyrics of which hint at nuclear destruction?

Answer: Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson was a self-taught musician who formed his first band while still in high school. In 1978 he released his debut album "For You." The apocalyptic song "1999" was featured on his 1982 album of the same name. The lyrics make reference to bombs and war but Prince's take is that we all should party until it's 1999.

In this case what was once the future is now the past but for how long?

2. There have been numerous songs written with apocalyptic themes. Which American rock band released the catchy tune "Radioactive," a blend of electronic and alternative rock?

Answer: Imagine Dragons

"Radioactive" appeared on the band's 2012 debut album "Night Visions." Although receiving two Grammy Award nominations for "Record of the Year," the song won "Best Rock Performance." The lyrics are foreboding. "I'm breathing in the chemicals" and "This is it, the apocalypse." That pretty much says it all.

3. The lyrics of the song "London Calling" refers to a nuclear meltdown, among other things. Which English punk rock band performed this sobering song?

Answer: The Clash

"London Calling" comes from the album of the same name. Released in 1979, the title alludes to the 1979 nuclear meltdown at Three Mile Island, located in Pennsylvania. The song also makes references to the social issues affecting many in Great Britain at that time.

4. The lyrics to the rock song "Gimme Shelter" reflect the social upheaval of America during the sixties. Surprisingly, the song was written and sung by members of which iconic English rock band?

Answer: The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones formed in England in 1962. Wars, drugs, and racial tensions were on the minds of many during the turbulent sixties and not just in America. Written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, the song appeared on their 1969 album "Let it Bleed." Sadly, many of the social issues addressed in "Gimme Shelter" continue to this day all over the world.

5. The lyrics of the song "Doomsday Clock" delivers its own end of days message. There are references to crying people, gas masks, and even Franz Kafka, author of the disturbing novella "The Metamorphosis." Which American alternative rock band performed this dark song?

Answer: Smashing Pumpkins

What's significant about this song is that it begins and ends with the same line: "Is everyone afraid?" That's enough to instill angst in anyone. Smashing Pumpkings formed in 1988. The band's sound is an eclectic mix of gothic rock, heavy metal, and a sub-genre of alternative rock known as dream pop. The song appeared on the band's "Zeitgeist" album.

6. Nuclear war seems to be a common theme in apocalyptic songs. "2 Minutes to Midnight" is no exception. Which heavy metal band included the song on their 1984 album "Powerslave?"

Answer: Iron Maiden

The song's title has particular meaning since it's what scientists refer to as the Doomsday Clock. It's two minutes to midnight. If the clock moves beyond that point the result is global catastrophe. According to the lyrics, "We oil the jaws of the war machine and feed it with our babies." Grim words.

7. Even this parodist, known for humorizing well known songs, got into apocalyptic mode with his "Christmas at Ground Zero," released in 1986. Name this curly-haired singer/songwriter.

Answer: "Weird Al" Yankovic

"Christmas at Ground Zero" was released long before 9/11. "Weird Al" is in fine form as he sings about surviving a nuclear attack, tongue-in-cheek of course. Unfortunately, at the time he recorded the song, ground zero meant the epicenter of a nuclear blast and not the place where New York's Twin Towers once stood. "Weird Al" may not appeal to everyone, but he writes clever lyrics and puts them to familiar music.

8. Although his birth name is Vincent Furnier, this larger-than-life rocker has been entertaining audiences for over fifty years. His song "Fireball," from his 2017 album "Paranormal," is as apocalyptic as it gets. By what name is Furnier better known?

Answer: Alice Cooper

Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper, the name of his band when he first started in the music business. "Fireball" alludes to nuclear devastation with lyrics such as "blinding flash" and "fireball in the sky." Apparently nuclear devastation has been on the minds of many musicians over the years.

9. He's called "Prince of Darkness" and for good reason. His apocalyptic song "Countdown's Begun" is pretty dark. Which artist performed it?

Answer: Ozzy Osbourne

If you read the lyrics to the song, you'll understand just how apocalyptic it is. Ozzy refers to many foreboding things, including the lines "blood-stained windows" and "you may see the mushroom but you won't hear the blast." "I'm cursed with living on a faultline" may refer to a more natural disaster; earthquake. Ozzy Osbourne started out as frontman for Black Sabbath until he went his own way as solo artist.

10. Last, but not least, is the prophetic song "The Sun Has Turned to Black." This time the Earth is destroyed by a meteor. Which British band sang it?

Answer: Electric Wizard

Electric Wizard, appropriately, is a doom metal band. The band formed in 1993 in Dorset, England. Their song lyrics deal with witchcraft and the occult. "The Sun Has Turned to Black" refers to the earth being hit by a meteor and thrown off its course.

In 1908 an explosion occured in Siberia. Did an asteroid or meteor hit earth? Scientists have debated over what actually occurred there. The sobering thought remains: can it happen again?

Source: Author nmerr

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor 1nn1 before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

This is the End Trivia Quiz

Match each apocalyptic song with the artist(s)who first made it famous.

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