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AUSTRALIA & NZ - HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD DVD IS OUT NOW

If you've been paying attention, you will by now have heard about Acrassicauda — the heavy metal band from Baghdad we originally did a story on in our Obsessions Issue called No War For Heavy Metal. Since that article came out, we've made a feature length movie about them in the wake of Saddam’s capture as they fought to stay together and keep out of harms way. It's called Heavy Metal in Baghdad and we're releasing it on DVD right here, right now.

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Described by the New York Sun as "A great parable about rock 'n' roll as an act of brotherhood and faith in collective survival", the release will include additional scenes, live performances, as well as a 45-minute featurette entitled Heavy Metal in Istanbul, which documents the band’s continued struggles in exile.

With Acrassicauda finally attaining refugee status in America this year, this comes as a timely release. Whether you love metal or hate it, these Iraqi head-bangers will inspire you with their doggedness and determination. Late last week the last of the four members of Acrassicauda, settled in New Jersey on refugee status. The New York Times will fill you in on all those details, but we hung out with them over the weekend and they’re probably the only metalheads in that state who were excited to be in it.

Friday Brian, the producer of Heavy Metal in Baghdad (he’s also the guy in charge of their relocation case), got an enormous Acrassicauda tattoo and walked around the office like he was wounded in battle. Saturday he took Marwan, the drummer, out to the Mercury Lounge, his first time into the city, where Marwan gobbled pizza while walking down the street—hey, when your practice space has been bombed and extremists threaten you for headbanging, your dreams become very simple and very beautiful.

Sunday the band went to see Metallica, and when James Hetfield bequeathed to them a hesher's dream, a black ESP, along with the holy mandate to write sweet riffs, the band jokingly announced that they’d achieved their dreams and could go back to Baghdad now. Ha ha, guys. But fuck no, you're staying.

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Heavy Metal in Baghdad is out on DVD through Vice Films from 27 February 2009.

To Pre Order your copy or for more information visit

www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com

The first 30 people to pre order

Heavy Metal In Baghdad

will receive a limited edition 7" featuring Acrassicauda's track "Message From Baghdad".

Watch the trailer

here.

Special offer! Order the HEAVY METAL IN BAGHDAD COLLECTOR'S EDITION DVD plus a 12 month subscription to Vice Magazine for only $62.95. (AU & NZ residents only. Normal price for a 12 month subscription is $44.You do the math.)

Click here.

(Photos by Monica Hampton/VBS.TV & VICE Films)