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 moved to 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 proving extremely hard for them, but the band continued to soldier on. They were literally a band on the run. As of February of 2009 all members of Acrassicauda currently live in the New York City area.
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 through 2007. 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 just saw the movie heavy metal in baghdad/istambul. it made me think about all these overprivelaged `metalheads` who sing about pain and brutality from their lil suburban houses, in quiet neighborhoods. you boys know real brutality, real pain. i love your sound! heavy but with a middle eastern flavor, its different and i love it!! so according to your page youre in brooklyn?! thats fantstic! youre exactly the kind of ppl who deserve to be here!! more than some americans! haha! anyway, i hope you are all doing well! rock the fuck on boys!
I hope that someday we can get our metal scene as easily accessible around the world as it is here in the states good to see yall made it here though!!!
Get FREE tickets to The Knitting Factory Boise St. Valentines Day Massacre all ages Concert Sat Feb 13th Featuring KARIN COMES KILLING and guests Black Tooth Grin, RipshaW, and Fault Paradox
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just watched metal in Baghdad. thank you for the inspiration. beyond the blatant talent and awesome music you guys present an awesome story of perseverance and hope and look at you know ! congrats again. welcome to america !
THANKS FOR THE ADD, WE ARE A SOUTH AMERICAN (URUGUAY) THRASH METAL BAND, AND AS A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY I THOUGHT WE HAD IT ROUGH TO HAVE A METAL BAND, BUT WHAT THESE GUYS HAD TO ENDURE WAS UNBELIEVABLE, AND YOU FUCKIN MADE IT, SO ALL MY RESPECT AND SUPORT, THE SONG SOUNDS FUCKIN AMAZIN, IF ANYBODY HERE WANTS TO HEAR SOME THIRD WORLD ANGRY THRASH GO TO http://www.myspace.com/scombro , AND IF YOU TELL US WHAT YOU THINK, THAT WOULD MEAN A LOT TO US. THANKS
What's good Acrassicauda? I just finished watching "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" and was inspired. I'm inspired by how determined yet humble you guys are. I'm a Recording Engineer that does Mastering. Love to get to know you guys one day. Take care, much love, peace and success to you.
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