Comments on: Death Metal in Saudi Arabia

By: patrick

patrick — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:26:37 +0000

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?

By: M

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:46:37 +0000

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

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:31:35 +0000

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!

By: chucho

chucho — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:18:03 +0000

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.

By: ratherdashing

ratherdashing — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 02:52:37 +0000

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.

By: za

za — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:45:54 +0000

these idiots have an identity crisis

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:29:27 +0000

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.

By: chucho

chucho — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:55:23 +0000

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.

By: John Burgess

John Burgess — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:54:22 +0000

Thanks for the clarification!

By: » Saudi Arabia - land of Death (Metal) Talk Islam

» Saudi Arabia - land of Death (Metal) Talk Islam — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:29:29 +0000

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