SIFF'08 global metal

i watched the global metal film during this year's singapore international film festival.

both koff & i didn't speak a single word to each other through out the film, the only noises that we made were some nasal sniggers and occasional laughter at the funny parts of the documentary. i was quite immersed in the film, even though i was never a metal music lover. i tried, (iron maiden, lamb of god), but i didn't like.

the documentary wasn't entirely showcasing the various different metal bands and their music. it featured more on the metal culture and history, and the messages that many different heavy metal bands try to bring across, globally.

many associate heavy metal music with satanism, devil-worshipping and rebellion. stereotyping the genre narrow-mindedly based on the outward fashion - metal studded belts, skin-heads, spiked hair, black leather wear, head banging and drugs.

in fact, as the film progressed, i was enlightened so much about the distinctively unique metal culture. it was an avenue, like an energy converting angst & oppressions in life, religious conflicts, yearnings for a revolution, political dissatisfaction, social injustice into expressive, strong music. the documentary toured about several countries (japan, beijing, mumbai, dubai, bangalore, indonesia, jerusalam) and their metal scenes and interviewed their local "scensters".

most of metal music makers are generally freedom & peace lovers, they hate to conform to the society or religion restrictions/conflicts and mostly use metal music to churn their individualistic views and emotions. really really really interesting.

japan's metal fashion - a good mix of goth, metal, punk, lollita (for girls) and some kawaii-ness all in one. x-japan is considered the most popular japanese band, some what like KISS
one really cute metal group that made up of 43(if i'm not wrong) girls singing is the Death Panda.

china banned heavy metal music. but we all know we can't stop one from seeking what they really want, or expressing how they truly feel. from the show i knew the chinese way of saying heavy metal music which sounded cool to me: 重金属摇滚, a literal translation. there are several underground metal scenes in china. one successful chinese group called tang dynasty blends chinese cultural music instruments perfectly with rock/metal. and the vocalist's cute heh heh...

i hope you can catch it if you have a chance.

found a stack of ticket stubs kiap in between a narrow gap of my secret black metal cupboard.