METAL GOAT

In South Africa, the bloody-mindlessness of politics is rife. Ask any citizen to explain the political dilemmas and you will get a list beyond infinity but ask any citizen to explain what they are doing to stop the political quandary – you won’t get any answers except a blank gaze and a mumble.

This is where the complainING stops and the investigatING starts. ING are one of the first South African English bands that address their lyrics directly to the political affairs of the nation. The Cape Town based band warped, bended and blended the local diplomacy with the familiar skills of thrash metal to create something undeniably unique. Today, 29 September 2012, marks the official release of ING’s second full-length album entitled Ingquisition.

The guitars and bass, aptly played by Darren Webb and Henk Kruger, screech and squeal with headbanging riffs on Ingquisition while the drummer, Marius Theron, compliment the not so clean singing vocalist and guitarist, Bryan Villain. Some tracks unfold with prowess and energy while other tracks feature infamous Cabinet voice samples. The highly charged atmosphere of the album is consistent and subsequently there are no breaks for a sweet melody or a lacklustre chug. The highlight tracks of Ingquisition are “Julius”, “Satan Rules”, “Ingquisition” and “My Way Or The Die Way”. A sense of the band’s enterprise comes through on the highlighted tracks and immediately the listener is drawn into the raw energy and can comprehend the theme of the lyrics. Villain’s vocals are not entirely clean singing but hold enough rhythm and vigour as well as a bit of a tainted South African accent. The high-quality production values really make Ingquisition the topping of blood on snow. It is independently produced with super studio clarity and razor precision is placed on composition and beat. 

After a few spins of the thirteen track album, the impressive satire and skill of ING is apparent. The corners of a few tracks blend a little too much but the breakdowns add some fine stylistic variation. Each instrument is heard and what truly stands out is that no instrument is superior to the other. Furthermore, the track list runs fluidly and ING’s cut-out-the-fat approach to making an album is thoroughly pleasing.

What problems do I have with Ingquisition? None.

You can find ING on Facebook and on Twitter and on Reverbnation.

I'm so glad you liked it! In the course of blogging about metal regularly, I started to discover metal bands in other parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where playing in a metal band can be a very risky proposition. I'd grown up during the PMRC years in America, and I knew how ridiculous it was when powerful people called heavy metal “evil.” But I thought the world had moved past it – and here were all these examples that proved it hadn't.

I was impressed by how dedicated those musicians were to creating and performing heavy metal music, even though it could get them harassed, arrested, or tortured. Emos and metalheads in Iraq were even recently killed. I wish their societies could make room for them. But their dedication says something important about heavy metal in general, and what it means to the people who love it. People who love metal love it fiercely, and that's something people worldwide need to recognize.

In your blog, Backward Messages, you debunk negative portrayals of teen interests and culture. Where did the concept of the blog come about and what has the reaction been like from parents and society?

Between 2007 and 2010 I wrote a book for parents about all the most controversial teen interests – violent video games, paganism, and heavy metal, and so on. Once I finished the book, I wanted to keep writing about those topics while I shopped for a publisher, so I started the blog.

I had originally hoped that the blog would be a resource for the parents of teenagers, but I'm discovering that the parents of teenagers don't seek out parenting advice or resources online; I don't know why. I know lots of folks with teenagers, and certainly some of them struggle with the challenges of parenting, but they seem to go it alone.

Still, the blog gets plenty of traffic – predominantly from people who are keyed into a particular issue. For example, goths comment on the posts I write related to goth culture. Or, if I write about a recent crime, friends of the suspect or victim will find my posts in a Google search and come over to talk about it. 

I've had quite a few commenters who thought I was totally off my rocker for arguing that these various influences can actually be good for kids. But I've also had plenty more who thank me for posting about a particular issue that's dear to them, because it's rare to find someone who says, yes, Satanism can be safe and healthy! Or, don't worry about your kid playing Skyrim – unless it's for 48 hours straight, without getting up to pee!

Throughout your work, you are very strong and consistent in your discussions and arguments. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a journalist?

It's funny that you say that, because when I am making arguments or stating my opinions, I don't consider that work “journalism.” It's based on similar research techniques, but for the most part, I feel that opinions don't belong in journalism; it's a reporter's duty to collect and report the facts and let the reader make up his or her own mind.

But there are definitely times to show a side of the story that hasn't been told, to provide a kind of balance. In part, we need that because some journalists aren't doing their duty to remain as objective as possible. It's not just that they're telling only one side, but they're reporting faulty and poorly researched information, and even injecting their own (incorrect) speculation into their articles.

That said, I think the most important thing I've discovered has nothing to do with objectivity. As I said, I'm shy, so it took me a long time to work up the nerve to ask the kinds of questions that reporters really need to ask – the pointed questions about topics their sources would rather not talk about. In everyday life, we're discouraged from asking those questions, because it's considered rude. But when you're a reporter, it's your job to ask. And, some of the time, no matter what you ask, people will answer. Or, the worst they'll say is “I won't answer that.” But you have to ask. You have to be brave enough to ask. 

“Women in metal” is an on-going topic and a lot of writers, feminists and musicians are giving crude sexist metal men the middle-finger to defend the gender inequality. Can you please elaborate on such?

This is such a rich topic, and really tough to summarize, in part because it's an ongoing conversation in the metal community. Each time it comes up, people evolve a little bit.

First, I don't think the metal community – and especially individual metalheads – are intentionally sexist. There are plenty who accept women as equals, whether it's in the audience, onstage, or elsewhere. And there are others who believe they see women as equals; they may act in ways that say otherwise, but they don't realize they're doing it. However, metal as a culture is a branch off of mainstream society, and mainstream society still favors men and male power. Plus, metal in particular is founded in expressions of darkness, power, and aggression – qualities society normally sees as “masculine.” Once we can really embrace those qualities in women, I think we'll find a more balanced place for women in the culture.

Women have always been part of metal culture, and their numbers seem to be increasing. With that comes both friction – as women make space for themselves and define, both privately and publicly, what it means to be a female metalhead – and acceptance, as others get used to their presence. Unfortunately, many times women's presence is sexualized in a way that men's isn't (such as with Revolver's “Hottest Chicks in Metal” issues), or women are  treated as a novelty (as with Decibel's recent “Women in Metal” issue). The natural opposite is a “Men in Metal” issue, and when you devote one issue to women, you suggest that the rest are overly devoted to men.

At some point, I'd like to see women treated simply as part of the fabric of metal culture. We don't need to be pointed out. We don't need to be elevated. We just need to be included in the same way that men are. It needs to be clearer that we're into the music for the same reasons as men. But that hasn't happened yet, and that's why the conversation is still happening.

 As a busy writer, poet, family giver and proud Metalhead – what do you do for relaxation?

Well, I'm not very good at relaxing, let's just get that out of the way! But when I want to take a break from writing, working, or parenting, I tend to make a beeline for the computer – just to chat with friends, read blogs, or see what other people are up to on Facebook and Twitter. I also love to cook, and in particular I love to bake breads and desserts. I read a fair amount, and of course I listen to music as often as possible. Music really helps me recalibrate and return to centre.

 Can you tell us what you are working on at the moment? Perhaps, there are plans for a new novel?

Well, I freelance for local (San Francisco) newspapers, so I'm always juggling a few different projects. Right now I'm finishing up a cover story for the SF Weekly that should be published in early October, on the topic of same-sex marriage. I'm also researching another long-form piece, but I haven't started pitching it yet, so I don't want to give too much away. I will say that it relates to metal, and that I hope to sell it to a national (non-metal) magazine. That one, if it works out, could become another book down the road. I'm extremely excited about my research, so I'd love it if someone gave me the space to write about it.

You can find Beth Winegarner on Twitter and on her official webpage and Backward Messages.

Let me first ask you, how and why did you get into music photography?

In 2007, I completed an honours degree in Psychology & Counselling Studies. To get a job within the industry would take a further seven to ten years. So, being very distant towards my job goal, I was very fascinated with Art Therapy from my studies. I love Art and I’ve used it as a means, along with metal music, to control my hectic mind. It was one day I was with my partner, now of six years, I told him my experiences and showed my Art. I questioned if I should take up a course in Art and Design to expand on my interest. He simply said to follow my dreams and he’ll support me along the way. So, after learning the many art forms within the course for one year and gaining a Merit after completing my final major project specialising in Fine Art & Photography [I used a digital camera]. The tutors and the examining board expressed, however, I was of Distinction level and they’ve said to take my talents further as it shouldn’t go to waste. I got a job after the course and with the money I’ve saved up, I’ve got a ticket to see one of the incredible gigs of my life - Slipknot, Machine Head & Children of Bodom on 9^th December 2008. It was the song “Prosthetics” of Slipknot’s set that clicked [no pun intended] “I could have captured that moment with my camera”. After the show … well, I let you fill in the blanks from there! 

How would you describe your photography style?

As a wise photographer once said to me, there are no rights and wrongs, but as long you feel it is a great picture that meets the client’s requirements, it is a job well done. Coming from a self-taught background for nearly four years, my photographic style tends to change within time by techniques I gained through many assignments I’ve done. It could be a little alteration in my editing, an interesting method from a professional photographer being put into practice or whilst being on a photo shoot. I make sure the final product is authentic to the eye, but adding my own flair. It expands on my creativity and confidence in my work. The last thing you want your work to be is the same.

Your credits range from Soundshock, Ed Stone Rockwear, Punk Star (UK) and your photo work has featured in Metal Hammer as well as Roadrunner Records (UK) – what keeps you going?

With those achievements alone, I wouldn’t have thought my work would be recognised with some of the top names. Although I have a long way to go until I know I have reached that level of success, the amount of support since starting have been nothing more than delightful.

As a freelance photographer – what are the highs and lows of the job?

As you can see, there are many great things when doing this. You gain access to some of your favourite gigs and festivals; your work is recognised by potential clients and most of all, you get to have the time of your life being involved in the music scene. You meet new people and it is your chance to shine through networking with other professionals. Recently, I had two photography students from Canada and England to interview me as part of their reports as I’m one of the reasons why they started photography. Even when I am asked to do an assignment by one of my clients is a high in itself!

But, as someone greatly put it, it is a luxury lifestyle through minimum wage. Photography is an expensive job and as technology advances, you can’t do the job without raking a fortune on the latest equipment. Unless you’re working for a major magazine or you’re contracted with a client, it doesn’t pay your bills. Sometimes, you don’t know when your next assignment will be, so you have to find your own means of work. When all the fun and games are over, you will be constantly editing, networking and promoting your recent assignments to the world. It takes a lot out of your body and mind.

Recently, you were at Bloodstock Festival – please do give us some feedback.

I’ll be honoured to! I photographed the almighty Bloodstock Festival 2012 for two clients. One is coverage for my music website This Is Not A Scene and I had two photo shoots to promote a great clothing apparel Ed Stone Rockwear. So, prioritising the many bands playing across three stages to organising times for the clients’ photo shoots was a challenge worth achieving. On the first day of shooting, I had an accident in which stopped my workflow. But the amount of support I got from the photographers on the weekend was tremendous. They made sure I was okay, if I needed help and I could use their laptops if I was struggling to transfer work. I’ve seen through the weekend that the media are a very tight community striving to give it our all to make Bloodstock Festival one of a kind. The people ranging from The Noise Cartel PR, record companies, the management, the sponsors, the security, the fans and many more have been immaculate. In the end, with the intense work, it wouldn’t be complete without the memories. The music, stints on stage, laughs, an incident involving sleeping on the job, duck pout pictures and witnessing a sourball challenge balanced the chaos. It was a great festival with like-minded people with the same passion and I would it all over again!

Your portfolio has amazing shots from Spires to Lamb of God! What has been your most memorable assignment to date?

Thank you for great words on my photography! This is a tough one as each assignment is memorable to me in some way! The one that sticks to mind was when I was asked by my editors of This Is Not A Scene to be their photographer for Sonisphere Festival 2011 across all stages. This was my first ever festival to document and as you would expect, I was as nervous as anything! As the weekend went by, I became comfortable in my own skin. The moment when it finally hit me was on that heavy raining Sunday night whilst singing to every word to the emotionally-charged Slipknot stage set dedicated to the late great bassist Paul Gray. It made me realise “Wait, I was in the photopit photographing all of The Big Four [Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica], including legends Diamond Head! I photographed the British icons Motorhead! Holy Hell, I was …” It was at that point where I have something to prove in my work. I’ve worked very hard on getting to that stage [sorry about the pun] and to work alongside the professionals. I’ve met some great people and I’ve learnt so much just from that weekend. That gave me the insight that I shouldn’t quit after this.

What do you think of the rock/metal music photography industry at the moment and where do you see it 5 years from now?

So far, I hadn’t seen any problems as there are many new photographers wanting to do this and they have the same level of passion for the music in this line of work, apart from photo releases being used to some bands’ shows. I can’t exactly provide an answer as I don’t know what will happen in the next five years. As long as everyone supports each other and don’t get ahead of themselves, and then it will be good.

Is it true that you are from the gorgeous island called Mauritius but the United Kingdom is your home?

Well, it’s my parents who are from Mauritius. I was born in London, but I have lived in Manchester since the age of two. Learning from my parents of how life in a tiny island is difficult and to see how they’ve worked from the bottom of the gutter to where they are now, I am absolutely grateful to learn not to complain of what we have in this day and age! That gives me strength to work harder.

Apart from photography, what are your hobbies and interests?

Well, I keep my ideas flowing by going to Art galleries and being constantly inspired through the many aspects of life. I make sure it is all recorded in a diary of some kind, just in case of a photo shoot! I love going to gigs, whether I photograph or just being a punter. Since doing Zumba for a couple of years, it’s becoming a nice way to release some pent-up energy and keep healthy. With all the work, spending time with your loved ones is a great way to treat the soul. You need that to keep you going and sane more than anything. Every now and again, I like to go to a comedy show. I rarely watch TV but I do watch Metalocalypse, Robot Chicken and TV series The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, Spartacus, and Game Of Thrones. I need to catch a few more! Who says photographers are boring, eh?

As a metalhead, do you have any must-have albums picked out for 2012?

As a proud metalhead for over eleven years, I’ve been confronted with many recognised and new artists with their blasts of metal. This year is no exception. Recent records released from artists like Katatonia, Testament, Gojira, Kreator, Moonspell, Anathema, Ihsahn, Cannibal Corpse and Devin Townsend Project shows how great 2012 is shaping. There are new bands like Alcest, Aborted, Mark Tremonti and Storm Corrosion in line too. There are artists from the local and UK scene such as Triaxis, Saturnian, Savage Messiah, Orange Goblin and Oaf as they are fast becoming just as great as some of the major bands. My Dying Bride, Stone Sour, Cradle Of Filth and Sylosis are the last bands of this year to check out too! I am going to have a difficult time choosing my best records of 2012! I can’t wait what 2013 will bring to us in metal!

What advice would you give to up-and-coming photography journalists?

All advice is based on experience I’ve been through and seen. Beware as it is a lot to take in. Document a music scene that you are comfortable in and support it. Bands work tirelessly for great music and they need your support for exposure to the public. You won’t get any attention with potential clients without a body of work. There are social media sites to reveal your adventures. Create a website and blog for your work. It is essential to have business cards and nowadays, an iPad on the go. Expect the work to be voluntary as you don’t get into major publications that easily. Once you get an assignment to document a gig by applying to a music publication, remember the rules of the photopit – respect the people involved and do not give others a hard time. They were once like you. Be wary of crowdsurfers and drinks that may come over the barrier as you will get a few knocks.  I’ve seen professionals go underappreciated whilst “fauxtographers” get more attention. It is a tough world out there so it is very important to stand out from the crowd with your own photographic style. Never copy or steal from others as there will be consequences. You’ll get critics assessing your work and even you can be your own worst critic. Ask the professionals for advice. I ask for constructive criticism so I’m aware of what to do for improvement for future assignments. You never know the accidents you may encounter so, it is important to have financial support in order to pay for your equipment and insure them.

With all of the advice, it all comes down to two imperative points if you decide to become a music journalist. The first is practice. That’s where all of the mentioned will fall into place. And the second is being careful once you take this profession. As AC/DC famously said “It’s a long to the top if you wanna rock and roll.” Don’t take it very lightly because it will be a journey of tears, tantrums and long hours if you want to succeed.

Are there any last words that you would like to add?

Remember, as an Artist, appreciate your work, embrace your achievements and learn from your mistakes. I am sure you have made some at one point. I have had mine and I’ve learned, hence I am carrying on loving what I do. Only you need to prove that you’re worthy of this. Be fearless and show other competitors that you are the competition.

Thank You Sabrina! Please [CLICK HERE] to access Sabrina Ramdoyal's portfolio. You can catch Sabrina on TWITTER 

I’ve been into journalism ever since I was in middle school, helping my technology teacher write video game reviews for the school newspaper. I was the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper, “The Accent.” When I got to college, I continued to study journalism. I never considered writing about music in any capacity until my freshman year. I saw an opening at 411mania.com for a staff writer in their music section.

I was a big fan of the site at the time, and it seemed like an interesting opportunity to undertake. I wrote a review of Chimaira’s “Resurrection,” which was good enough to land me a position on their staff. My first published review was for Machine Head’s “The Blackening.” From there, I worked on my writing, trying to improve with each review. It’s a process that I’m continuing to learn to this day.

There’s something about sitting down and expressing my thoughts on a piece of music that draws great appeal to me. Though I’ve only been doing this since 2007, I’ve developed a vast range of knowledge on music that I’ve very proud to possess. The metal culture itself, especially the people that write about and create metal, is unlike anything else out there. It’s one of a kind, and I’ve always felt accepted in it, even when I was struggling to find my literary voice in the early days.

I have to thank my mom for opening me up to heavy metal. I still remember the first time I became entranced by metal. I was 11 and driving with the family down the backroads of New Jersey in the middle of the night. My mom was a big fan of the classic rock stations, so I became familiar with bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who early on. I didn’t pay much attention to the heavier stuff, as I was more into classic rock as a young kid.

That fateful night, the radio station was playing Metallica’s cover of Bob Seger’s “Turn The Page.” It was something about the power and force behind their version of the song that mesmerized me. I knew I had to hear more like it, so I picked up the “Garage Inc.” album immediately afterwards. That was the first metal album I ever bought.

From there, I was a slave to the metal machine. I began to do research, finding out about the artists that Metallica covered on the album. Bands like Black Sabbath, Diamond Head, and Motorhead became objects of my affection. Soon enough, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer entered the fray because of the “Big 4” association. Most of my high school years were building up my CD collection with every album from the “Big 4,” along with other metal artists of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

It wasn’t until I got to college that I began to really dig deeper into metal, past the stuff that would be considered “mainstream.” That’s how I became interested in genres like death, doom, and black metal. I got recommendations from friends, spent hours on the Internet looking up bands, and tried to soak in as much about metal as I possibly could. I love listening to new music, whatever genre it might be. There isn’t one particular genre that I’m obsessed with; I honestly enjoy them all for different reasons.

Like every place in the world, there are bands that have hit it big (The Dillinger Escape Plan, God Forbid, Overkill) and then are the underground darlings (Evoken, Ripping Corpse). However, there are plenty of up-and-coming bands looking for any kind of spotlight. Fantastic talents like Beyond Dishonor, Windfaerer, and Grimus deserve more coverage than they may get, and that’s what I like to do as a writer. I like to give bands working their way up the opportunity to get their music out to a bigger audience, whether it’s by interviewing them or getting a review up of their latest work.

Well, it’s hard just to pick a few, as 2012 has been a great year so far for metal. The album that I will probably have near the top of my “best-of-year” list has to be Woods of Ypres “Woods 5: Grey Skies & Electric Light.” No album this year has moved me the way that this album does, and it’s really a shame that David Gold is not around to see the positive response it has obtained. CattleDecapitation’s “Monolith Of Inhumanity” is just an insane death metal record, and seeing them play almost the entire album live reinforced how incredible the album is. For those looking for the lighter side of metal, Anathema’s “Weather Systems” is top-notch. In my opinion, it’s easily their best album since they switched to a more atmosphere style of music.

This is a tougher question for me to answer than picking the “must-have” albums/EP. I love films, but I tend to stick to less contemporary material. More often than not, watch older films from the ‘70s and before; material from directors like Brian De Palma and Martin Scorsese, before they got really big. From what I’ve seen this year so far, I would have to recommend “God Bless America,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” and “Cabin In The Woods.” That list will probably get bigger once I actually stop being cheap and go to the movie theaters more than once a month.

My aspirations as a novelist/screenwriter have only come about in the last few years. I never saw myself as the kind of writer that could handle a massive undertaking like a novel or a screenplay until my senior year in college. I took a creative writing course that opened my eyes to the potential I had as a novelist/screenwriter. Using an idea that I’ve had since I was 15, I wrote a screenplay in late 2010/early 2011 called “The Lost Soul.” I’m very proud of it, though it is collecting dust at the moment until I figure out what to do with it next.

With all the music writing I handle, it is hard to find time to fit in a novel, but I’m doing my best with that. It’s a slow process, but I hope to get something done in the next year or two. Being able to act creatively like this allows me to flex my writing muscles, and not be confined to reviews and interviews. I enjoy those as well, but I get a different kind of joy out of sitting down and fleshing out characters and stories that have come from my twisted imagination.

I went to school specifically to learn about journalism, so my definition of what journalism is differs from music writers who jump into the field with no writing experience. To me, what I do is not journalism. If I was out there, reporting on hard-hitting stories and breaking news involving music, I would consider myself a fedora-wearing journalist of the classiest kind. I think of myself as a music writer or a critic, but not a journalist.

Anybody who sits and regurgitates press releases to make “news” is not a journalist either. It takes no skill to copy and paste a press release someone else spend time working on, and plopping your name on it. That’s really one of my biggest pet peeves about the so-called “metal press.” Having a blog and throwing other people’s work up there with your name in the byline doesn’t make you a journalist; it just makes you a wily Internet basement dweller.

The Internet has very few avenues for compelling metal journalism; hell, in fact, it’s hard to find it in print too nowadays. Maybe I’m being very jaded or a cynical prick, but that’s how I see things. I have no issues with people going out there and trying to make a name for themselves in metal journalism, but it takes a lot more than being on a bunch of mailing lists to call yourself a journalist.

Since 90% of my life revolves around writing/listening to music, I find I don’t have much free time. When I do find it, I spend it working out, playing video games, watching obscure films, and reading. I’m trying to learn how to cook too, but that’s shaky territory at this point.

Both actually, though I would have to say that “Say Anything” is definitely one of my favorite ‘80s movies, period. I’m a big John Cusack fan, so that helps things a bit. I enjoy all kinds of ‘80s romantic comedies, especially “Moonstruck,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “My Crazy Summer.” Like music, I have a very eccentric taste in movies. I can watch “Cannibal Holocaust” one day and “Sleepless In Seattle” the next. I enjoy watching both of those movies in different ways, as well as everything from westerners and cheesy action flicks to artsy, low-budget indie films.

I just want to thank you so much for letting me be a part of this. Anybody interested in keeping up with my work or wanting to learn more about me can visit me on Twitter @heavytothebone2. I’m very sarcastic and a little goofy, but that’s where you can find any articles that I write. I’m more than happy to respond to any tweets sent my way as well!

Edward Banchs tells Air Guitar about his book on African Heavy Metal, expresses his opinions on Pussy Riot and talks about his obsession with guitars!

Please give a brief introduction of yourself?

Well, I was raised in a small industrial city/town in Central Pennsylvania, Altoona. I moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when I was 19 just to get out of that place. I wanted to pursue music. I started a band with some like minded gentlemen called Negative Theory and we gave it hell for four and half years. Playing thoughout the region; Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, even as far west as Arkansas. We shared the stage with bands such as DRI, Sworn Enemy and Rwake. We were dirty, loud and angry. I MISS IT! I left Pennsylvania for South Florida in 2004 just to get back into college (university as you may say). At the time, it appeared that our band was not going to do much. In retrospect we just needed a break. We got back together after five years to play with a band that we are all fans of, Architect (Syracuse, NY- Metal Blade). It was great seeing those guys again, they are my best friends. And I really do miss living among the mountains and winters of Pennsylvania. Florida is flat, hot and too much of a contradiction to my personality. I live in Orlando now, which is a little better than south Florida in terms of peronality. Who knows what the future has in store, maybe some more music with my best friends, maybe some change of seasons again. Florida lacks a proper autumn.

Into the gritty, how did you get introduced to heavy metal?

Growing up, my neighbor and I were obsessed with guitars and the sound that came from them. MTV, at the time, was heavy into the glam metal, and we ate it up, I even made a guitar out of carboard with the Poison logo on it! They were the local guys who ‘made it’, so everyone was into them…as was I. So I learned about the other types of metal through a show that he and I were told about, Headbanger’s Ball. Saturday nigths at midnight. Every Saturday, we soaked every note, of every band. Needless to say, the glam was ditched as the Anthrax, Skid Row tapes came in. Once the ‘90s came it was Helmet and Biohazard and even my Korn phase. Once I got into hardcore in the late ‘90s, extreme metal got into my radar. Here I am today with the same obsession.

You are based in Florida, what can you tell us about the metal scene over there that we don’t already know about?

The local musicians complain frequently and often, like anywhere else. They think that no one here cares. Often they are oblivious to the history of metal in Florida, and rock in general. Besides the death metal that are well known, all of which still call Florida home, bands like Marylin Manson, Poison The Well, Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Less Than Jake, Saigon Kick, Nonpoint, and even Matchbox 20 and Creed, are among the many who started out of Florida. Lynard Skynard and Tom Petty are also with Florida origins, so the complaints are ridiculous. A local Orlando band that is doing well is Trivium, they will be the first to tell the work that is involved with getting a break music. The work ethic, the dedication, all are involved. In general, American bands are thought of as being in a great spot, and yes the opportunities here are better, but the work must be put in, all of the bands I mentioned worked ridiculously hard and were extremely dedicated to their passion. Luck goes a long way, but talent goes even further.

As far as who is up and coming, I must confess I’m oblivious. I go to few gigs, and local support is rare for the national and international touring acts.

Currently, you are working on a book about heavy metal in Africa. Do give us a short synopsis of why you have chosen to write about the once ‘dark continent’?

I am an Africanist. I studied the continent academically, I was an intern for a lobbying firm in Washington D.C. working the Diplomatic Corps on issues such as development, foreign policy and aid for Africa. I LOVE Africa. I have an MA in African Studies from the University of London. I want to earn a living somehow, someway working with Africa.  Aside from metal, it is the other aspect of my personality that I consume my self with. Everyday, I check the African news sites and the metal news sites. Everyday. So it made sense for me to pursue the book. I was tired of finding nothing about metal in Africa, and I knew it existed. I fear that many judge it as a novelty, and that is a gross misrepresentation of the genre in the continent. The photos of Africans with guitars were not taken seriously, often they were mocked and the comment boards were not kind. Thus, I want to write about the dedicated and passionate thoughout Africa that defend the faith everyday. Frank Marhsall, the photographer in South Africa, did a fantastic job of capturing the passion in Botswana, yet it is getting overlooked.

The idea was in my head for years, I just went for it. I was tired of telling people that metal in Africa was real. It is about time the metal world includes Africa in their conversation.

What are the myths about Africa that you would like to dispel – in terms of music?

Everyone has the image (outside of Africa) of the percussion cirlces, the chanting, the hymns, the prayer songs. While that is respectable, the demand for Western music is incredible in Africa. Heavy metal fans are no different. The beauty of the genre is its adaptability with tradition and culture. Quite often, many do not believe that this music exists in Africa, yet they can believe that hip-hop exists because of some bogus stereotypes. It is no different, a Western genre that spead globally, much like metal. Africa has long surprised people, hopefully African metal may do the same.

The generalization of Africa in Western culture is patronizing. Too many fall into the trap of generalizing an extremely disparate and diverse continent.  Few realize that Africans have the same interests, goals and passions as anyone else in the West would. My book is called, Heavy Metal Africa; Life, Passion and Heavy Metal in the Fogotten Continent, because I feel that Africa is fogotten as a result of stereotypes and generalizations.

I fear that the stereotypes of Africans is the biggest obstacles metal musicians in Africa are going to have to face. I hope my book changes that.

What can you share with us about your book, so far?

It is ambitious, it is challenging, and it is taking on a life of its own. It will be a while more before I’m near completing it, but I look forward to sharing it with the rest of the world. I’ve met the nicest, sincerest people throughout this process. There are moments where I’m so humbled by the generosity of everyone involved, I get even more motivation to keep going. They trust me, and that means the world to me.

What are the challenges of having to publish your book?

Books about Africa and Heavy Metal have small audience. The industry is very competitive, more so than music I feel, and it is taking a hit, much like music as a result of the pirating of books. So it is difficult  getting someone to take a chance on a new author writing about a topic that many already feel is a contradiction. But I am optimistic something will happen.

I’m going to be biased here and ask you, what do you think about the metal scene in South Africa? What do you like or dislike about it?

I love it. So many talented acts. Dedicated, passionate, and most importantly, in my experience, there is a mutual respect and a fraternity. Bands are proud of the other bands’ acheivements and applaud the other bands’ efforts. I LOVE it. Overall, throughout Africa I notice the same thing. Everyone is there to support each other in the ‘game’, as we say in the US. Great respect for each other. Too many good bands that stand out for me, I cannot just name them. I love the diversity of the scene, black metal, death metal, thrash, glam/sleaze, power metal, prog, metal-core, hardcore, and blues/stoner. I LOVE IT!!!

As a BA degree holder in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University, what are your thoughts about the punk-rock group Pussy Riot?

Well, well. Russia is showing itself to be the ‘free’ country is disguise. I applaud their efforts. They struck the wrong nerve with the government by protesting in the church, that perhaps hurt them in court. But the message was clear and in many ways, they won. They showed the world what sort of country Russia really is. Still!

What are your hobbies outside of music?

I read a lot, I explore vegan cooking , and enjoy sports here and there. I write about sports for theopinionation.com as well.

Are there any last words that you would like to add?

Thanks for the opportunity, thank you South Africa for having a great metal scene and I look forward to shaking all of your hands, sharing a beer with you and talking about metal! I need to get back out there soon. I love SA. Beatiful country, great people. All the best.