The Metal Reporter, the blog of all things Metal, runs an interview with Ahmed, lead guitarist of the Melodic Death Metal band ‘Myth’, based in Dhahran. The site has notes other Saudi Metal bands and provides this link to the band’s MySpace page with an audio clip.
“Spotlight On Saudi Arabia” Myth!
Myth is a upcoming Melodic Death metal band from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
The band is strongly influenced by Saudi Based Melodeath Folk Veterans Wasted Land, in a very complimenting matter…. the band released their first track recently on their official Myspace called “Dawn Of Madness” which proves how riff driven the band is and a perfect example to get a taste of whats to come from the band on their upcoming releases.
Founding members Ahmed (Guitarist) and Farris (Guitarist) started the band in 2006, with Bader joining on Bass duties, but later on Bader left the band to focus on his other project Sandstoned, after a little while Farris left the band.
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PS: Metal isn’t my kind of music and I have no idea what ‘Melodic Death Metal’ means. But for those who are into it, knock yourselves out! It’s happening in Saudi Arabia, just about the last place you’d expect it.
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November:13:2008 - 02:48
“I have no idea what ‘Melodic Death Metal’ means”
Melodic Death Metal is kinda like vanilla Death Metal, but more Melodic
Anyway, as a fan of Metal I’m happy to see the Saudi Metal underground scene get more exposure (they’ve been around for quite a while).
November:13:2008 - 02:48
[...] Arabia – land of Death (Metal) [...]
November:13:2008 - 02:48
Thanks for the clarification!
November:13:2008 - 02:48
This genre tends to be popular in countries with lots of young, unemployed men. I’ve seen pictures of shows in Saudi Arabia that could have taken place in Mexico City — except in Mexico City you might see a young woman or two in the crowd, though this music tends to attract wholly young men anyway. My assumption is that the angsty sound of such music “clicks” with frustrated and listless young guys. It’s hard to enjoy schmaltzy Arabic pop music (with cheesy romantic lyrics) when you don’t have a girlfriend, a job or much opportunity. As an added bonus these bands are local, so the lyrics will often be at least partially in Arabic and can appeal to the locals as being “home grown” as well as counter-culture.
November:13:2008 - 02:48
I don’t know about national popularity. My son, gainfully employed and romantically satisfied, likes and plays Metal. Maybe there is a larger sociological factor in play, but I don’t know what it is.
November:13:2008 - 02:48
these idiots have an identity crisis
November:13:2008 - 02:48
When I think of “death” and “metal” together in the KSA, I ain’t thinking about music. Besides I thought … Mohammed was a punk rocker.
November:13:2008 - 02:48
John: What I meant is I’ve noticed that young men that have less opportunity in many “emerging” countries tend to gravitate toward this genre that tends to appeal to frustrated young men.
Also, there’s a distinct difference between “metal” and “death metal”. AC/DC could be considered a metal band, but it’s definitely not death metal, which is characterized by electrified power chords, fast meter, noodling pentatonic scales and a growling, barking vocal. Urban (and suburban) young male angst is inherently attracted to this — and there’s a lot of young male angst in the KSA and elsewhere.
But I would alter this to include developing countries, too. Death metal is hugely popular in Finland. But again it’s very male-youth oriented and I’m sure lots of guys in Finland are unemployed.
November:13:2008 - 02:48
I see your point and do generally agree. I also confess to not being much of any kind of expert on metal music. I can see some appeal in it, but I guess I have to admit I’m from another generation. Popular music rather defines generations, I guess!
November:13:2008 - 02:48
There’s something very primeval about metal in general. Maybe it’s the harsh guitar riffs, or the driving beats, or the loud anti-social norms lyrics. But as a former angsty young man (who wore all black no less!) I can tell you metal and its many variation is VERY appealing. I still listen to metal every now and then, but it doesn’t provide the same old adrenaline rush. Gosh, I sound so old don’t I? I think I’ll go listen to Iron Maiden or Pantera for all times sake
November:13:2008 - 02:48
It’s almost “fanciful,” to think that Death Metal will find a following in, of all places, Saudi Arabia. And I have seen their version of it on CNN…it’s fantastic! But Saudi Arabia is not the only, unlikely, place where the music genre have landed….ever heard of the Land of the Headhunters?