Synopsis

Most filmmakers are scared to enter the bathrooms of nightclubs, but directors Suroosh Alvi and Eddy Moretti strapped on bulletproof vests and hired security detail to interview the members of Acrassicauda (Latin for ‘black scorpion’), the only Iraqi heavy metal band. Now, THAT is metal!

In a country where owning, never mind playing, Western music is forbidden (although, ironically, the band seemed to have a tad more freedom under Saddam Hussein’s rule than under US-imposed ‘democracy’ - go figure), Acrassicauda are brave souls indeed. Tough stuff, heartbreaking at times, but as a portrait of the lengths to which some will go for their art, this hits all the right notes.

Best bit

Watching the group record their first ‘professional’ demo after fleeing to Damascus as "heavy metal refugees."

Metalness

You try making music while bombs are going off outside. Hey, if that ain’t metal…

Available?

DVD. Or you can watch it on Snagfilms here.

Buy

HMV | Amazon