Islam & Music, Heavy Metal Islam

(Nov. 2008)

Part two of a series. Part one is here.

 

 

[2]

[3] Totalitarian systems of thought hate any activities that are their own excuse.

MARK LEVINE AND HEAVY METAL ISLAM

[11]

Iraqiheavy metal20002001black scorpionHeavy Metal in Baghdad2007Toronto International Film Festival.

The band members ended up in Turkey, via Syria when the latter country refused to renew their visas, as they fled the violence in Iraq. Before their exile, the band, which was formed in Baghdad in 2000, managed to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences during the violence and chaos that followed the fall of Saddam Hussein. Marwan Ryad, one of the band members, recounted how his cousin was killed in Baghdad, while a second member says he left because he received death threats.

In Istanbul they felt safe, but struggled financially since the price of food and accommodation was higher than in Syria. The four band members had to sell their instruments in Syria to help pay their way to Turkey. GenerousTurkish musicians lent them a fully-equipped studio, and the refugee rockers were able finally make music again. They now play in the local bars and clubs, and are a formidable presence in the Turkish metal scene. “I’m keeping my mind busy with the music so I don’t think about anything else, because it would drive you crazy,” admits Marwan. His music is bleaker and reflects the pain and suffering of his country and his people.”I’m just concentrating on playing good so I can make me and my family proud and bring them to a better place where they can be safe.”

The band’s one dream now is to wend their way to the United States where they feel they have enough talent to launch a vigorous new musical career.

TAGHUT

 

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[1] David Pryce-Jones. The Closed Circle. An Interpretation of the Arabs. Weidenfeld and Nicholson, London, 1989, p.381.

[2] Ibid.,p.381.

[3] Amnon Shiloah. Music in the World of Islam. A Socio-Cultural Study. Scolar Press, Hants. U.K. 1995, pp.30-44.

[4] Ibid.,p.105

[5] Mark LeVine, p.3

[6] Ibid.,p.5

[7] Ibid.,p.31

[8] Ibid.,p.44.

[9] Ibid.,.57

[10] Ibid.,p.48.

[11] Ibid.,p.55

[12] www.myspace.com/taghut

[13] www.taghut.angelfire.com

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