Heavy Metal in Baghdad: The Story of Acrassicauda

Despite the fact that America has been locked into the Iraq conflict for over 7 years, it's still difficult to get an accurate or honest understanding of the popular sentiments involved with the war (at least from the perspective of Iraq's citizens). Do they want us there? How did they feel when they came? Have we overstayed our welcome? Did they see the same problems that George W. Bush saw when he pressed for the invasion? Heavy Metal in Baghdad follows Acrassicauda, a Heavy Metal band in its formative stages, through both pre and post-war Iraq. Rather than relying on an author to provide their own spin on the story, Heavy Metal in Baghdad relies on the dialogue of the band members themselves to paint a clear picture of their journey. While at times difficult to follow as a result of the transcript/interview format, Heavy Metal in Baghdad provides a level of insight that isn't present in a lot of writing about the current Iraq conflict. The story allows an understanding Iraq through the lens of pop culture without a heavily skewed perspective. The book focuses on the formation of the band Acrassicauda, but allows readers to understand how the events unfolded in Iraq with an inside perspective. Following Acrassicauda from their early days as a far away dream held by the members to a worldwide focal point proves to be an emotional roller coaster. The members attempt to hold onto their dream as they struggle to find safety and escape from war torn Iraq. The reader follows their quest through the painful separations from friends and family to anxiety ridden weeks as they work their way through bureaucratic red tape holding them back from freedom. Heavy Metal in Baghdad creates a new set of heroes in a time of tragedy. Rather than focusing on soldiers or politicians, the book shows that social change comes on a variety of levels. The passion in the book is inspirational as it demonstrates that dreams can live through almost anything, as long as we don't lose sight of them.

Despite the enthusiastic fan base (albeit small) heavy metal is not a welcome musical style in Iraq. To hard-liners it represents an embrace of Western ideals and thus is frowned upon. The musical genre, which had found some funding for public concerts under Saddam, is not welcome under the current regime. That's not to say that Saddam was a more gracious ruler or that he was necessarily a heavy metal fan. There is so much to absorb in this book (and the companion film) which focuses on young, college educated men trying to make a go at life in post-war Iraq. They work hard to support their families and to work towards the dream of playing the style of music they love most. A series of heartaches plague the band and ultimately they are broken up for a time, only to re-unite in the refugee settlements in Syria. This book weaves a fascinating story about the bandmates and providing a unique glimpse inside of the new Iraq--a county who still has huge security hurdles to overcome for both visitors and residents. A country whose biggest challenge is avoiding the drain of young, educated, professionals from their workforce. Heavy Metal in Baghdad will have you rallying around the lives of these young men and their musical dreams. There are a number of interesting twists that have come about for the band since the film's release. Please wait to Google the band (Acrassicauda) until after you've seen the film.