Acrassicauda Granted Refugee Status In U.S.

Headline News

posted Feb 4, 2009 at 5:40 PM by xFiruath. (55 Comments)

Band Photo: Acrassicauda

According to msnbc.msn.com, Iraq based metal band Acrassicauda have come to the United States and been granted refugee status. The band was recently the subject of the documentary "Heavy Metal In Baghdad." Excerpts from the MSNBC article are below:

"Drummer Marwan Riyadh, 24, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, where he was greeted by band mates Firas al-Lateef, 27, and Faisal Talal, 25. Fellow member Tony Aziz, 30, was visiting family in Detroit.

"The New York Times reported that the group met idols Metallica on Sunday after a concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. James Hetfield, Metallica's lead singer, presented them with a guitar signed "Welcome to America."

"The Times said the U.S. government has granted all four members of Acrassicauda refugee status, which allows them to apply for green cards in a year."

Read the full article at msnbc.msn.com.

Source: MSNBC

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55 Comments on "Acrassicauda Granted Refugee Status In U.S."

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1. Gytrash writes:

That's awesome news! 'Heavy Metal In Baghdad' and the Alan Yentob follow-up for the BBC showed how dedicated these dudes are - against all the odds. I hope they go on and do an album. I'd buy it, because it'd be metal from the heart and soul, that's for sure!

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:13 PM ET | IP Logged

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2. deathbringer writes:

I am sincerely happy for these guys. The hardships they faced that were documented in Heavy Metal from Baghdad were immense. If that documentary had a "to donate here..." ad at the end, I would have sent them money to get over here. That would have undermined the point and message of the documentary, but it was that moving.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:16 PM ET | IP Logged

3. texasblood writes:

now thats awesome !

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:18 PM ET | IP Logged

News Correspondent

4. Diamond Oz writes:

I haven't seen the documentary but this is great news. I'd love to live in the States so this must be like a dream come true for them!

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:20 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

5. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

The band is sweet and the movie was a great doc.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:22 PM ET | IP Logged

Reviewer

6. DeathInEye writes:

Metal gets some good publicity for once! Seriously thrilled for these guys. I hope they get their green cards and set an example for what metal should strive for.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:46 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

7. Kalis_wrath writes:

YAY! Welcome to the states guys! The more metallers, the merrier, indeed!

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 7:55 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

8. btbamfav20 writes:

that's great news indeed!!! perhaps meeting their idols Metallica will inspire them to put out an Iraqi-based metal album no ones ever heard the likes of before (which would be an awesome divirsity that metal needs now more than ever!)

Now listening to: Death Immaculate - Necrophobic

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:01 PM ET | IP Logged

Contributing Editor

9. xFiruath writes:

^ That whole part of the world is a seriously untapped resource when it comes to metal. We've heard what places like Sweden and Finland have to contribute, now it's time for places a little farther east to add something. There are a few bands who do that already though, but not many. Arkan is a great example. They live in France but are of Moroccan descent and have a lot of Arabic influences in their music.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:16 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

10. Kalis_wrath writes:

My question is; is Metallica's heart's growing, or was meeting this band a p.r stunt?

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:20 PM ET | IP Logged

11. Hot K writes:

Finally, I've been wondering what would happen to these guys. Amazing doc, sits amongst all my metal dvds. I'm glad they finally have peace n no more missiles blowing up their bass guitars.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:25 PM ET | IP Logged

Contributing Editor

12. xFiruath writes:

Unquestionably PR on the part of Metallica, but still an awesome thing to do and probably made these guy's whole year.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:48 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

13. Kalis_wrath writes:

Very true, xFiruath. Sent ya a myspace friend invite by the way. :)

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:51 PM ET | IP Logged

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14. deathbringer writes:

I dunno - give Metallica some credit. I'm sure if they've heard of the documentary or seen it, that they'd be thrilled to meet the guys. They helped out Beatallica a while back with their legal issues getting an album out (and plain not getting sued into oblivion by Sony I think it was).

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 8:52 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

15. bbristowe writes:

This is excellent news. These guys have the spirit that keeps music alive. The raw passion that drives them to keep on playing.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 10:31 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

16. bbristowe writes:

Oh and nice to see they got to meet their idols. I would like to hear a full album by these guys. Although the fact that they are from Iraq will make them original is kind of doubtful. Now if a metal band from india came I would be totally stoked. Their music blows my mind.

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 10:36 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

17. Gunface138 writes:

That's f***ing awesome. Welcome and hails to our newly-arrived metal brethren! \mm/

# Feb 4, 2009 @ 11:34 PM ET | IP Logged

18. Velcrow writes:

We need more bands like these guys.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 12:28 AM ET | IP Logged

Senior Reviewer

19. Cynic writes:

Wow I haven't seen the docco but this is pretty inspirational just reading the post. Hetfield is a great man.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 12:56 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

20. btbamfav20 writes:

downloading the docu now, what's it like guys?

Now listening to: Hammer Slammer - Gama Bomb

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 12:57 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

21. btbamfav20 writes:

completely off topic, but i need some insights, and couldn't think of a better place!

i just wrote these songs down that i wrote. go over to purevolume dot com / davefbrownell to check out some of myy stuff :D lol unfortunately i just went under pinky finger surgury so i couldn't record them, so it's in MIDI/guitar pro format :( just try to imagine what they would sound like for real

thanx, comments are MOST welcome

Now listening to: Baggage - Lagwagon

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 3:16 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

22. wilco writes:

no i think james truely means it when he did give the guitar
think its awsome news for this dudes to come to the usa
did watch a litlle on tv about them i almost shed a tear
again good for them hornsup

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 6:00 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

23. ODIE0220 writes:

it is a great story.....look ahead 1 year....what label is gonna jump the shark and sign them.?
i am all about the great human interest story and all, and this one was tops......but it's bound to happen, before anyone kills me, remember we heard this band because of the story behind them, not because of their musical talent. i hope america doesnt americanize this story past what it really is.
that being said, i would love to shake these guys hands. true metal fans !!

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 8:12 AM ET | IP Logged

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24. deathbringer writes:

The documentary definitely did not have a happy ending, so perhaps it will be re-done in a few years when/if they get signed.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 8:21 AM ET | IP Logged

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25. InfernoNecrosis writes:

This sort of makes me proud to be an Iraqi. Well, if they ever come to Canada, you know I'm going to see them :P

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 8:54 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

26. Jenny writes:

I too am very happy for Acrassicauda. Welcome.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 2:15 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

27. Jomama writes:

Will have to check out this documentary. Sounds intriguing.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 4:18 PM ET | IP Logged

28. androphobic writes:

the documentary is phnomenal. music is all that drives them. the hardship and the obstacles couldn't even be imagined to the spoiled musicians in america (its a general statement). seeing musicians trying so hard just to make music makes me feel angry towards those that take music as a joke. music takes talent, heart and soul to create, and these guys have just that. hearing that they have came to the us gives me hope that finally their dreams will (possibly) come true. the world is cruel. lets see how it goes with them

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 4:59 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

29. InfernoNecrosis writes:

"Spoiled"? Well, I'd hardly say they're spoiled considering how hard it is to make a living off JUST being a musician. I don't live in America but I live close enough to know that.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 5:03 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

30. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

It sure as hell would be a LOT harder to make a living as a metal musician in Iraq than in the US. They had their practice space hit with a scud missle. Would that happen to ANYONE in the states?

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 6:00 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

31. InfernoNecrosis writes:

No, but you cannot judge the situation for musicians in the US as being "spoiled." COMPARATIVELY to the Iraq situation they might be, but on its own... nah.

# Feb 5, 2009 @ 6:07 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

32. ChassMasterPlus writes:

metallica is obviously one of the rgeatest metal bands of all time, but if ANYONE has seen "some kind of monster", you would know that they are a bunch of prissy whiney b****es. of COURSE it was a PR stunt. it's all they want. though for these guys, right on. iraqi metal has to be brutal as tits, theres sh** all sorts of sh** going on around them all the time! woot for them.

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 10:05 AM ET | IP Logged

33. androphobic writes:

very true inferno. but not only is it hard for it to be a musician there, obviously that cannot be there only profession in iraq. how envious must they be to see that the musicians here have tried to what seems (in their eyes) very expeditously and they have recieved none? of course it is the way of the world, but americans (musically) have almost no problems other then financial ones.

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 3:49 PM ET | IP Logged

Reviewer

34. DeathInEye writes:

^Financial problems can lead to food and residencial problems which lead to health problems that can lead to death. No we don't have it as bad as Iraqis, but we're not "spoiled". Spoiled would be giving any American a two year, no clause, unconditional salary to focus on your music.

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 4:17 PM ET | IP Logged

35. androphobic writes:

very true, but we dont live with that at birth. "spoiled" might have been the wrong word to use. so VERY unfortunate ones might be suffering in poverty, but those who are fotunate enough choose not to see the beauty in the music and take it for granted while those who dont have the hadships iraqi musicians do, technically do have the time to focus on thier music

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 4:27 PM ET | IP Logged

36. androphobic writes:

fortunate and foolish enough*

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 4:29 PM ET | IP Logged

Senior Reviewer

37. RememberMetal? writes:

I've had this movie set aside in Netflix for a long time, need to move it to top of the list, the girlfriend can wait on her "6 Feeet Under" final season..heh.

Now Playing: Katatonia - "Ghost of the Sun"

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 5:48 PM ET | IP Logged

Contributing Editor

38. xFiruath writes:

^ The documentary is available in the "Watch Instantly" area so if you have Internet Explorer or an XBOX Live membership you can watch it at home and the gf can still get 6 Feet Under! f*** I love Netflix.

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 5:58 PM ET | IP Logged

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39. RememberMetal? writes:

Awesome! I had no idea, thanks XFiruath!

Now Playing: Braindrill - "Revelation"

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 6:09 PM ET | IP Logged

Contributing Editor

40. xFiruath writes:

Of course, if you want to stave off seeing the show a little longer (like when my wife wants to get Buffy...) you can pretend I didn't tell you that!

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 6:12 PM ET | IP Logged

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41. RememberMetal? writes:

lol

Now Playing: Belphegor - "Sanctus Perversum"

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 6:19 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

42. BenjaminBreeg writes:

Wow this is simply amazing! I'll have to check out this documentary soon.

NP- Megadeth: A Tout le Monde (Youthenasia version)

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 6:33 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

43. InfernoNecrosis writes:

I did a google search on these dudes. Funny result:

http://acrassicauda.s5.com/images/dscn1088.jpg

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 6:47 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

44. Txmetalhead writes:

This is a very happy time for new metal acts. I am so happy for these guys. I am always interested in hearing new metal bands. I am sure they will kick major a$$! Very cool, indeed. It makes me happy to know that they are getting a chance to prove themselves. I will pick up their album, once it is released.

Ripping - Sepultura (A-LEX) Strike
Brilliant concept album...I love it! Yo Oz - what's up? How ya been?

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 8:32 PM ET | IP Logged

Senior Reviewer

45. RememberMetal? writes:

Just finished HMIB
I'm almost without words, which doesn't happen often.

I need to track down that demo and the ost stat. I've long held this opinion that thrash has the potential over other metal genres to be more universal, inclusive and timeless....This movie makes it fact.

Really happy for those guys, hope things continue to fall in place and that HMIB can one day be updated to the point where we see them signed with a full length, on tour...one of those rare happy endings that the world needs today.

Now Playing: Acrassicauda - "Message From Baghdad"

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 8:40 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

46. metalheaddrummer101 writes:

RM-Great song!
If you find the Demo, tell me were it is!

# Feb 6, 2009 @ 8:41 PM ET | IP Logged

47. jimmy j. writes:

good to see that these guys are in america i wish them the best.

# Feb 8, 2009 @ 2:02 AM ET | IP Logged

Senior Reviewer

48. RememberMetal? writes:

I think these guys will have a great story to tell on their American full length.

I don't think the world and Americans in specific have gotten even a crude grasp of a day in the life of occupied, civil war, suicide/roadside ied Blackwater Iraq.

When you read about the headlines regarding Iraq it's always American soldier casualties...the number of innocent Iraqi deaths can only be estimated and that number is massive.

Now Playing: Shining - "Claws of Perdition"

# Feb 8, 2009 @ 2:53 PM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

49. InfernoNecrosis writes:

I think last I checked it was a few hundred thousand Iraqis that died. Not completely sure on that number though... so yea... lots of them.

# Feb 8, 2009 @ 3:03 PM ET | IP Logged

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50. deathbringer writes:

RememberMetal? Yeah, it's is really a wake up call seeing what really goes on over there from a different perspective than CNN, Fox news, etc. HMIB made it so much more real and personal and the emotions invoked were therefore so much more real too.

# Feb 8, 2009 @ 5:23 PM ET | IP Logged

51. freddy lounds writes:

Never thought i d see the day......good luck to them

# Feb 8, 2009 @ 9:08 PM ET | IP Logged

Member

52. btbamfav20 writes:

just finished the docu now. it was verry informative about how hard it is for musicians over there, and these guys deserve a final sigh a peace, relief, and AMBITION!! ahahahaha

but seriously now, the reason y i like Acrassicauda's metal much more than say, metallica is because it is 100% real, and from the heart of the most degraded music scene there is. and these guys struggle through the thickest of the thick and come out on top. it's a real story of real human spirit, perseverance, luck, and they got their hard earned reward(s).

i'm just wondering... what happens to their #1 fan? and did their families come over the boarders with them? (one would think so...)

Now listening to: Chain Hooks Falling - Vicious Art

# Feb 9, 2009 @ 3:44 AM ET | IP Logged

Writer / Reviewer

53. InfernoNecrosis writes:

I remember hearing this story about metal musicians in Tehran just suddenly disappearing without a trace... it was pretty creepy! Anyone else hear it?

# Feb 9, 2009 @ 8:41 AM ET | IP Logged

54. Danny_the_axe72 writes:

it was really an amazing and inspiring documentary, i've watched it in england, were i've been rocking for about 7 years trying to get a record deal witch seemed to be an impossible mission at the moment due to the state of the music industry, f...ing chaos isn't it? just two weeks before the return to my homeland (portugal), trying now to find just a drummer to get some rithm section into riffs i wrote, proving a nightmare to, oh well, just like these guys, we have to keep on.
all the luck to them. rock on bros, wherever you come from, no borders on our art type.

# Feb 18, 2009 @ 11:49 AM ET | IP Logged

Member

55. Jackrum writes:

only seen a BBC special on the documentary.

at least they are out of the warzone and safe.

# Feb 18, 2009 @ 12:19 PM ET | IP Logged

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