Rockin' In The Islamic World

Underground Heavy Metal Scene Thrives Cautiously In Egypt

(AP) 
With music blaring and the stage lights flashing, girls danced wildly, their hair whipping back and forth and arms waving in the air. Suddenly the crowd lifted a young man and passed him through the crowd in a body surf.

"After nine years of absence, we are proud to announce that we are back with our concerts," said Sameh Youssef, a 23-year-old computer science student. "We are here because we cannot live without our music. Every drum beat I hear reminds me of the beat of my heart."

Most of the songs were older than the audience, among them "Transylvania Hunger" by Darkthrone and "Freezing Moon" by Mayhem. Nobody seemed to mind. For them, it was fresh and exciting.

"Give these guys a double bass, a guitar and good drum set, and you're likely to be entertained, impressed and educated in the art of marvelous performance," gushed one curly black-haired young woman who would give only her first name, Rula.

But mindful of the crackdown of 1997, organizers were careful to avoid giving the authorities any excuse to close them down.

Mohammed Saad, who supervised the party, warned fans not to bring alcohol or drugs. Saad told one young man to put his shirt back on. He asked a couple of girls to wash off heavy black gothic-style mascara.

"We allow no beer in this place," Saad said. "We just want to enjoy our music in peace and stay away from any trouble."

Mohammed Azzam, a graphic designer and pioneer of Egypt's heavy metal scene, said musicians just want to play their music and they discourage talk of satanic rituals.

Heavy metal is a tough sell in Egypt, where music styles are slow to change.

"I guess all of this invaded our society because of the satellite dish," grumbled passer-by Sherif Bassouni, 36, as he watched long-haired fans in black leather pants and adorned with tattoos arrive for the concert.

"We are in Egypt, not in Europe. We carried the banner of Islam for centuries. We cannot accept all this," he said.

Azzam blames such criticism on prejudice and misconceptions.

"We have such a shallow society. They just prematurely judge people based on the way they look," Azzam said. "Because we wear black and listen to loud music, that doesn't mean we are Satanists."

[joltme]

sounds to me like the young people in the middle east don't much care for war either.Would'nt it be wonderful if money became worthless making it so we would have to lay down our guns and everyone having to come together as one to make it all work... Then again maybe were all just to tired we just don't know any better and all we have now,Is all will ever have.Either way it's time for my nap...Mj

[jensnoztree]

I am a Christian and I don't think that a certain style of playing music and voice fluctuations make any music 'satanic'. Even the Bible says that man looks at the external but God looks at the heart of man. Whether you worship God with old hymns or contemporary or rock or ska or metal, he is looking at whether you are worshiping in truth and in spirit. God gave us the ability to create music and gave us talents to see and know how to make differnt sounds. It is sad that some people use those gifts for 'satanic' purposes, but just because music is loud or uses a guitar, it is not satanic.

[johnkick]

I am going to tell my Daddy on them.

[johnkick]

I'm going to tell my Momma on them.

[yeahright7]

P.O.D. - MXPX - UnderOath

tell them as they walk thru the valley of the shadow of death - spreading the word of GOD to all who will listen that all of ANY music is bad -just like ALL muslims aren't "bad"

[drgoodwin12]

In reply to snflwr4rea have you ever listen to Hindu music or Buddist music? Are they Satanist to? I have listened to all forms of music and the only music that repulse me is that of hip hop,rap and any fool that praises evil in any form. You may be religous,maybe not. The USA is not evil nor are the rythmns of Rock which happen to come from Arab and African cultures. With your logic then all Arab,African music would be Satans music.I happen to like Ravi Shankar in small doses and other arab musicians who play with rock,jazz musicians or on thier own. It seems to me all the evil that is in the world comes from one sided individuals who cannot think for themselves or are only after something for themselves.

[drgoodwin12]

In reply to snflwr4rea have you ever listen to Hindu music or Buddist music? Are they Satanist to? I have listened to all forms of music and the only music that repulse me is that of hip hop,rap and any fool that praises evil in any form. You may be religous,maybe not. The USA is not evil nor are the rythmns of Rock which happen to come from Arab and African cultures. With your logic then all Arab,African music would be Satans music.I happen to like Ravi Shankar in small doses and other arab musicians who play with rock,jazz musicians or on thier own. It seems to me all the evil that is in the world comes from one sided individuals who cannot think for themselves or are only after something for themselves.

[ageofreason-2009]

I am glad to see brave souls in an oppressive environment challenging the status quo. Satanism to most is actually about thinking for yourself and being an "adversary" to ignorance. Few Satanists believe in Satan as a real entity but as a state of mind. LaVey's Satanic Bible, if this is the basis chosen, is infinitly less evil than the Bible for anyone who would trouble themselves to read both as I have. I have not read the Koran however I have found the passage that states believers should kill the infidels. Evil is a concept that is abused and confused by most of society.

[drgoodwin12]

Although their are a few bands that play heavy metal that worship Satan, most do not. I have listened to Rock,Heavy Metal,Punk,progressive rock and just about every form of rock including jazz/rock fusion for over 40 years. I do not drink,take drugs or worship Satan. I beleive in the same God that muslims beleive in except that I accept Jesus as my saviour. I consider myself sensible and moral. I have been married to the same woman for 25 years. Music did not make me change my religous beleifs or my sense of mores.It has enlighted me to hear and see other cultures and to respect them.Music has been the voice that championed the civil rights movementand brought a new perspective on the catastrophy of Vietnam,9/11 and many civil issues.So in conclusion listen to the lyrics of Dylan,Neil Young,Bruce Springsteen and enlighten your minds. This argument about music is because of a lack of understanding between cultures that have been divided by politicians and religous figures who have used it for their own gain.

[walidhussien]

from your choice of the music (Heavy metal)
I think you are just a group of imitators cause i really don't see any thing in our culture as arab muslims that can be translated into this kind of music.
If you have choosen rock music for instants i would have agreed with you cause rock music can be a very effective and can attract even more people other than the young drugies & *** maniacs.

Thinks again heavy metal is not the right choice.