Heavy Metal in Baghdad

Ok, I'm a little bit behind the times on this one, but I thought it would be worth posting about anyway. For those who haven't seen it yet, Heavy Metal in Baghdad tells the story of an Iraqi heavy metal band's fight for survival during the Allied invasion and occupation of their country. It was originally released in 2007 and was selected for the Toronto International Film Festival that year, before being selected for the Berlin International Film Festival in 2008. I first came across it when an hour long cut-down version of the film was shown as part of the BBC's arts strand Imagine in December and it blew me away.

Acrassicauda, the subjects of the film, embody the spirit of rock n' roll like no other band. Heavy Metal music is frowned upon by Muslim culture, but with the fall of Saddam the band saw an opportunity. Baghdad has a very small, but devoted metal following, and the band started staging gigs for their fans. However, as the insurgency started to rage, the band found it impossible to even practice together.


Heavy Metal in Baghdad- Trailer






Despite this the band continued to pursue their metal dreams as they fled to Syria, before becoming refugees in Turkey. What comes across in this film more than anything is the band's love for music, which endures despite the extreme socio-political circumstances they find themselves in. Truly inspiring stuff.

Many generous donations have been made to the band since the film's release, but they are still facing uncertain and challenging times as they remain refugees in Turkey. The film-makers help the band record a 14-minute demo of their music, and there are hopes of one day recording an album, but for now the band's main priority is their battle with the authorities to obtain visas.

Acrassicauda are extremely talented musicians and I honestly think they're one of the best metal bands I've heard in ages, so I hope they get the chance to rock-out in the studio. The film has given them an international fanbase, so now all they need is the opportunity.

Check out Acrassicauda's myspace and the Heavy Metal in Baghdad website, the DVD is out now