A documentary about a Baghdad-based heavy metal band called Acrassicauda shows that there is a lot of western influence in the scene as well as the lives and music of the members. The band discussed their love for heavy metal and cited videos of Metallica and Slayer as examples. The one thing that makes American heavy metal different from Middle East heavy is the freedom it allows its members to enjoy. Although heavy metal music is known for its individuality, the Iraqi members of this genre are restricted from expressing their true selves.
The government has placed restrictions on Iraqi residents, restricting their ability to be themselves. Band members face consequences for wearing Metallica and Slayer shirts and growing their hair out. They also have to grow a beard, which is more natural than having a full-facial beard. Their heavy metal lifestyle can lead to them being imprisoned or even dying. These regulations, which were established by the Iraqi Government, reflect the current state in society and warfare at the time of the documentary’s production. Heavy metal is often viewed in western culture because of its individuality and expressiveness. American heavy-metal bands have often taken controversial, even anti-government positions. A band or artist could face serious consequences if they tried to communicate a political message with their music. The band shared stories about being forced to perform songs as tributes to Saddam Hussein during their shows. If they did not, they could be sent to jail. They had to close their shows by 7:30 PM so patrons could get home before the 9:00 PM curfew in Baghdad. The shows were a chance for both the band as well as the audience to have fun and forget about all the violence and war happening around them. Many members of the audience never had the chance to see Metallica or Slayer live so it was a great experience to witness Acrassicauda performing covers by these bands. These shows allowed the audience to let their anger out through headbanging and general chaos.
One section of the documentary shows mortars and gunshots being fired in the distance. The band members continue their day, speaking out about how they were desynthesized from the violence and death in their home. Band members stated that their appearance, with the Iron Maiden band tees and goatee facial hair, had caused them security problems. As Iraqi refugees, the band members moved to Damascus in Syria. They found that there was very little of a heavy-metal scene. But, because of their living conditions in Iraq, they had no choice other than to share a flat with no central heating.
The band had one goal: to leave Baghdad. They wanted to be able to protect their family and continue their dream of becoming a heavy metal band. Baghdad was filled with terrorists, military soldiers and civilians caught up in all of this chaos. It was difficult for the shows to be set up in these areas because most people didn’t understand heavy metal and what they were trying to achieve. Because of the negative connotation attached to heavy metal’s genre, they would call their shows ‘Rock n Roll’ and not ‘Heavy Metal’.
The western culture isn’t as tolerant of heavy metal as the Baghdad group Acrassicauda. These genres are more accepted by western culture, due to the lack of war-torn cities and stable governments. The wealthiest and most educated people in Iraq are also divided. One member of the Band recalled that he had worked for 100 dollars per month, working in restaurants and retail stores seven days a semaine to make it to Damascus. His family was refugees from other countries. A stable economy and a flourishing Western society allow heavy metal genres to thrive. Artists have the freedom to express their opinions without fear of being imprisoned or killed. The band members made the decision to move to Damascus, even though it didn’t seem like it was forced. However, viewers are still moved to sympathize with them for leaving chaotic Baghdad and moving to Damascus to pursue a better, more fulfilling life.
