Thrash metal band Acrassicauda (Latin for Black Scorpion) consists of Firas on bass, Tony as lead guitarist, Marwan on drums, Faisal as rhythm guitarist and Waleed as lead vocalist – all Iraqis. Acrassicauda is an Iraqi band and is featured in 2007 documentary Heavy Metal in Baghdad. It is unimaginable to form a band in Iraq let alone performing live. Acrassicauda band members in some extraordinary act of determination have not only formed a metal band, but kept their hopes and efforts alive during some of the most intense moments of war in Iraq.
As VICE magazine published a piece on the band, the magazine helped them to stage a show to sell the copies of their music. As the fighting intensified no one sitting out of Iraq could have imagined the destruction. The VICE magazine article writers returned to Iraq to find everything has gone to dogs. Band members were forced to leave Iraq. Iraq and Syria are neighboring countries and the band thought of making Syria as their headquarters, only to learn that Syrian Authorities have refused to extend their visas.
Turkey is seen more liberal and accommodating Muslim state and the band migrated to Turkey. As of February 09, 2009 the band has settled in U.S with the help of International Rescue Committee.
They have performed live for nine times only with six times in Baghdad, 2 times in Syria and only once while they were in Turkey. Their story is about persevering at the face of adversity. Dreams must be followed; the roads would appear on their own.
Acrassicauda
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