RSVP ..
CLICK POSTER TO LINK TO THE OFFICIAL HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD MYSPACE!
Born out of a basement rehearsal space in Baghdad, Iraq, Acrassicauda (the scientific name for black scorpion) is the country’s only heavy metal band. Tutored by local guitar virtuoso Saad Say—the Yngwie Malmsteem of the Middle East—and inspired by Western bands like Metallica, Slayer and Slipknot, they began writing and playing their own music in 2001. They quickly learned though, that their simple goal of performing live was going to be no easy task.
Original members Firas (bass), Tony (lead guitar), Marwan (drums), Faisal (rhythm guitar) and Waleed (lead vocals) played three shows together before the beginning of the war in 2003. Shortly after the invasion, Waleed fled the country, leaving Faisal to fill the void of lead singer. Because of the security situation in Baghdad, setting up shows or even just practicing together became increasingly difficult. Aside from the basic danger of walking the streets in their hometown, the band received death threats from fundamentalists and insurgent groups who thought they were devil-worshippers or simply didn’t like them playing Western-style music. Eventually, it became completely impossible to find anywhere they could safely play.
Thanks to generous donations from fans and well-wishers from around the world, the band now resides in Turkey after a harrowing year spent living as refugees in Syria. In their seven years as a band they have managed to play only nine concerts—six in Iraq, two in Syria, and one Turkey. The war has all but destroyed their dream to live in peace, grow out their hair, and rock as loud as they want. Life in Turkey is already proving extremely hard for them, but the band continues to soldier on. They are literally a band on the run.
Thank you for your help and support, and your concern.
Heavy Metal in Baghdad is a feature-length documentary that follows the Iraqi metal band Acrassicauda from the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003 to the present day. Playing heavy metal anywhere in the Muslim world is a difficult (if not completely impossible) endeavor, but in the days right after Saddam’s regime was toppled there was a brief moment in which real freedom seemed possible. That hope was dashed as their country fell into bloody chaos. From 2004-2007, as Iraq disintegrated around them, Acrassicauda struggled to stay together and alive, refusing to let their metal dreams die. Their story echoes the unspoken hopes of an entire generation of young Iraqis.
I'm still in your country, in Camp Taji. Stay strong. The part about being threatened by fundamentalist is a part I can relate to. I've never had death threats for my musical preference, but I can relate to being misjudged. In US all I have to do is say I play heavy metal, and they assume I'm an occultist and a drug addict. American metalheads just have to worry about being chastized for their music now and then, but being killed? You are truely brave.
Keep going strong guys, can't wait to hear your album once you get it going!!
For all friends, fans and supporters of Acrassicauda, The Four Horsemen of Baghdad, please come join us at "Project: Acrassicauda", the official MySpace fan/support group of the band. We've been there since they were first refugees in Syria, and we will continue to support them til' their dream of sharing their unique brand of metal with the entire world is achieved. Join "Project: Acrassicauda", let's push this band to the top, where they belong!!
My fuckin respects dudes, you..re really a demonstration of brave headbangers, great musicians and great people, you never have given up before your very bad situation, you..re truely a band that comes from hell, I really learned much from your story, it makes me think about so many things, and makes me really to revalue my freedom, I just can say from here so far, Mexico, that I wish that you can reach your dreams and your goals dudes, and that at least you can be in a better situation of peace, greetings dudes, be strong!
i just saw the documentary. What a fuckin inspiration u guys are man!! Every fuckin band in the US should watch this doc. Make them appreciate what they hav. Its funny how we selfishly take for granted what you guys work, and risk yer lives for.
YES! dont give up boys, music unites ppl! & in our fucked up world we need more ppl to spread the word, to understand how & why we are the way we are, from where we are. Viva iraq!
Hey I'm kathy I live in Dubai (UAE ) im a citizen so that makes me an Arab but half Scottish .. Most of my friends are iraqi's Nyho, I saw your documentary last week n I cried for 2 whole days . Then I made a promise that if I could get a chance to go to Syria I must help u guys out in every possible way.. But wen I found out that you guys made it.. I was so shocked n happy!! Love u guys .. Every march we have a desert rock festival at Dubai alot of bands came out here to play .. It would be awesome if u guys could bring your metal here !! The crowd would go wild .., love u guys xxoo
Fuckin shit man what the fuck as A fuckin american heavy metal kid they have fuckin lied to us the whole fuckin way for their imperialistic fuckin needs. I didn't fuckin agree to this piece of shit war and a lot of our troops didnt either and what the fuck has come of it, nothing but death and corruption fucin rich bastards are in control of my fuckin freedom and it pisses me off. I bust my ass and never see a dime and rich motherfuckers just keep on cryin about how they are really bumming because they cant afford their rich ass shit i barely have enough money for food for the week....shit you guys Kick ass dont let them hold you down freedom is within you you have been set free thru this video fuck as a guitar player for 14 years now your guitarist fuckin rocks and the vocals are great the drummer is fuckin badass and you are the new Metallica for the world keep it up Metallica sold out at the beginning of 2000 Slayer remains strong but seriously you guys are right up at the top kinda sounds like Iron Maiden but new, Fresh. All I can find is a bunch of punkass whiny rich spoiled babys out here in america following the badass metal that I grew up with. you are Living The Iraqi dream. The Iraqi dream yeah. fuckin A PEace man Aloha
Just watched the film and have literally shed tears for you guys... never give up or lose hope dudes .. Keep the METAL alive and strong in your hearts and minds you have inspired me to work harder at being a better musician. I hope one day soon you guys will be here in southern California to perform and ill be waiting in line along side other fans to see you Kickass on stage... much respect and may God bless
Glad you guys are on Myspace. Just watched the documentary with my wife and we loved it. Hope all is well with you guys and keep rockin' to the best music ever!
Online Now!
![[SOM] Mike Hancho](http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/60/s_a81b76fdf10343b19b4b6219b563a905.jpg)
