Yeshua and the novus ordo seclorum

Backmasking (also known as backward masking)^[1] is a recording technique in which a sound or message is recorded backward onto a track that is meant to be played forward. Backmasking is a deliberate process, whereas a message found through phonetic reversal may be unintentional.

Backmasking was popularized by The Beatles, who used backward vocals and instrumentation on their 1966 album Revolver.^[2] Artists have since used backmasking for artistic, comedic, and satiric effect, on both analog and digital recordings. The technique has also been used to censor words or phrases for "clean" releases of songs.

Backmasking has been a controversial topic in the United States since the 1980s, when allegations from Christian groups of its use for Satanic purposes were made against prominent rock musicians, leading to record-burning protests and proposed anti-backmasking legislation by state and federal governments. Whether backmasked messages exist is in debate, as is whether backmasking can be used subliminally to affect listeners. Although the Satanic backmasking controversy involved mainly classic rock songs whose authors denied any intent to promote Satanism, backmasking has been used by heavy metal bands to insert Satanic messages in their lyrics or imagery. Still, the majority of bands that use Satanic imagery have not been shown to be Satanists, and many bands have utilized Satanic imagery solely for commercial reasons.^[38] For example, thrash metal band Slayer included at the start of the band's 1985 album Hell Awaits a deep backmasked voice chanting "Join Us" over and over at increasing volumes for 1 minute and 2 seconds until a deep voice says "Welcome Back."(listen (info)).^[39][40][41] However, Slayer vocalist Tom Araya states that the band's use of Satanic imagery was "solely for effect".^[42] Cradle of Filth, another band that has employed Satanic imagery, released a song entitled "Dinner at Deviant's Palace", consisting almost entirely of ambient sounds and a reversed reading of the Lord's Prayer^[43] (a backwards reading of the Lord's Prayer is reportedly a major part of the Black Mass).^[19][44] Artists who have been accused of backmasking include Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Electric Light Orchestra, Queen, Styx, AC/DC, Judas Priest, High School Musical, The Eagles,^[73] The Rolling Stones,^[73] Jefferson Starship,^[29] Black Oak Arkansas,^[29] Rush,^[74] Britney Spears,^[75] and Eminem.^[23]