The song "Joel" by German metal band Heaven Shall Burn criticizes religious hypocrisy and the exploitation of faith for personal gain. The lyrics describe the extravagant lifestyles of false religious figures, represented by "golden domes and massive towers" and "false icons" who present themselves with "perfect smiles." These figures are depicted as deceivers who present themselves as generous and wise, but their actions are motivated by self-interest. The song suggests that these religious figures are part of a system that creates doubt and spreads falsehood, symbolized by "insignia of doubtful unions" and an "untruth factory." They use religion as a means to make money and exploit the faith of their followers. This is seen in the line "the Jesus industry," which suggests that religion has become a business. The lyrics also mention a preacher in a palace who criticizes Martin Luther's fight against corruption and compares these figures with "jugglers" and "fiddlers playing saints." The song expresses how these individuals sell false hope and encourage worship of material wealth and money, resulting in blindness, fear, and delusion. The chorus of the song highlights the cost of following these false religious figures, stating "As you have paid the price, welcome to paradise." It implies that those who have blindly followed these figures will eventually suffer the consequences of their actions. In the later part of the song, the lyrics specifically mention Joel, potentially referring to an individual or a symbolic representation of these false religious figures. The lyrics suggest that Joel, like others in the "Jesus industry," will face retribution for their actions. The repetition of the line "Joel's gonna burn in hell" emphasizes the band's condemnation of his deceitful practices. Overall, "Joel" speaks out against the exploitation of faith for personal gain and warns against blindly following religious figures who prioritize material wealth and power. It criticizes the hypocrisy within religious institutions and urges listeners to question and challenge false idols and teachings.
