Muslim Black Metal fans

A book worth a read, Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam explains that Black Metal - theoretically known as having satanic lyrics, being anti-religious and anti-Christian - is popular amongst young people in the Middle East.

Interestingly, conservative Muslims also believe that any music beside spiritual chanting is un-Islamic.
The author says, “There are Saudi guys who are walking around with Orphaned Land (and Isreali band) tattoos on their arms. Think about that one. You can’t even have tattoos in Islam, let alone in Saudi Arabia. And to have an Israeli band’s logo? That says something.”

Author Mark LeVine, a University of California-Irvine professor, in his book explores why harsh melodies appeal to young Muslims in the Middle East.

LeVine believes that Middle Eastern youth have taken up the interest as an act of rebellion against oppression, censorship and authoritarianism.

LeVine says that while the bands don’t necessarily play satanic lyrics they still follow a similar sound.

Metal Heads in Middle East are very smart, college educated, some are doctors, and they are motivated by the lack of democracy and disparities in income.

According to the professor the love for heavy metal spans Iraq, Iran, the North-West Frontier Province [of Pakistan] - home of the Taliban and Egypt.

Read the full interview with the author here.

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