First and foremost we would like you to know that this letter have been writing in Thursday midnight from the heart of Syria (Damascus) and the Reason that stands behind the idea of writing this message is to let you know that the Iraqi heavy metal band ACRASSICAUDA that you have been reading about lately and seen it on web sites, TV channels and also heard on radio stations from all around the world is more than just four guys with passion about playing their heavy metal music, there is an idea that stands behind this band and that idea is unbreakable.
Today we want to share this idea with you, and there are a large number of reasons why we want to do that, maybe is this new blog maybe the reason is you, the support, the dedication and most of that finding some one who truly care about us out there in this world.
We sat all together and by (we) we mean (Marwan, Tony, Faisal, Firas) and for more than an hour we have been thinking in this small room of the basement where we live what kind of terms should we use and do we need some smart words but after all we thought we should speak our minds and most important our hearts so thank you for what ever you have been doing and the double horns goes from us to you.
It's been almost 8 years since 2000 till this right moment that we writing the message for you, 6 gigs in Iraq Baghdad, 2 in Damascus Syria, 3 demo songs and God knows how many hours of rehearsing and a lot of days of suffering and bleeding for this cause and we are proud of it. But still hurts when we know that we will not going to be able to go any farther cause even though that the idea behind this band are unbreakable, still not enough to make us be able to be out there sharing these glorious moments with you. We have been denied the right to be there in the film festival of Toronto in Canada for many reasons, as they said in the Canadian embassy for the second time, and as many of you heard that we are not able to perform or to play our music any more as a band all together for a lot of reasons. Plus there is no way to make living so after all there is no chance other than going back to Iraq where the chances of staying alive there are zero%.
So the last thing that hits our mind is to seek your help to get us out of here where we going to be able to live the dream of our life and being out there on stage with you where ever you are.
Thanks to you and who ever helped us including the VICE Magazine who made our voices are able to be heard so thank you for your time and support.
Let the metal unite us let the metal rules.
Yours.
AcrassicaudA
Even though you are going through some amazing, completely insane times...keep going. Even though you think that you are not heard, no one cares, no one is ever going to hear your voice, keep screaming. You have walked through the valley of death...and that embodies the spirit of metal. I hear you...and want to see you guys succeed. I too, grew up in a metal band. Nothing ever came from it, but because of it, I have formed bonds with people and places that I never would have imagined possible.
I live in California...a world away from you. I heard your voice, and LOVE IT! Keep screaming! Would love to be able to meet you guys one day, or better yet, see you play live in LA! Take care, and keep honing the metal, forging the steel!
Jeremy
Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
Posted by: Jeremy | September 07, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Hey guys don't give up! You've got a film coming out in a little while that should surely help your cause, and I'm still working on it from my end (so lets hope the movie helps!ha!) You guys are great don't ever give up! Drop me a line once and a while! Metal is forever!
Posted by: Jake Neely | September 08, 2007 at 09:14 AM
Now that I think about it. This film had better get you guys out of there. I don't want "hollywood" to act like our troops and capitalize on you guys and then bounce and leave you hanging.
Posted by: Jake Neely | September 08, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Hi guys,
Just got back mere minutes ago from the premiere of the movie at the Toronto Film Festival. In a word: stunning.
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, the tension and strain that you guys have been living under must be nearly unbearable. I can see how metal gives you that release and why you need it. My heart goes out to you, your families, your music, your people.
I will be doing my best to spread your message out to as many people as I can.
Take care, stay safe, don't give up hope.
Posted by: Stephen | September 08, 2007 at 09:46 PM
The film is outstanding - i have hope you guys will make it out soon. Everyone here is routing for you, supporting you, we're letting as many people know about you and the film as we can. Keep your heads up, we'll be face to face someday. Much love to all of you and your families. xoxoxo.
Posted by: claudia | September 09, 2007 at 10:39 AM
i am also a musician chasing my dream and the only real difference between us is that i was born here and you were born there. i was really touched by that film and i definitely want to help you in any way i can.
as soon as the donations are set up i will give you as much money as i can find. shit, you can even marry my girlfriend for canadian citizenship if it helps.
keep the faith!
also: i really do want to donate. if you need money right away just email me.
much love from canada. sorry our government are a bunch of assholes.
Posted by: dylan | September 10, 2007 at 03:44 PM
i am also a musician chasing my dream and the only real difference between us is that i was born here and you were born there. i was really touched by that film and i definitely want to help you in any way i can.
as soon as the donations are set up i will give you as much money as i can find. shit, you can even marry my girlfriend for canadian citizenship if it helps.
keep the faith!
also: i really do want to donate. if you need money right away just email me.
much love from canada. sorry our government are a bunch of assholes.
Posted by: dylan | September 10, 2007 at 03:46 PM
Keep up the good fight guys.
The film accomplished something very special - I'm really rooting for you guys, your band and your families.
Posted by: tyler | September 11, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Hello Marwan, Tony, Faisal and Firas,
I've known Suroosh for many years and he invited me to the screening. I've worked in the Canadian music industry for over 20 years. The film has made me think and re-think) a lot about your life, my life, music and how we both approach it. Thank you for that.
I'm trying to spread the word about your situation, I hope it helps.
-Porter
Posted by: Porter | September 11, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Hey!
I heard about you guys at the Toronto Film Festival. You all are amazing <3! Im from bagdhad and i noe how hard it must be for you guys being there right now.
If it helps alotta of my gals love you here :p!
Well... I hope all goes well
-Aly
Posted by: Aliza Williams | September 11, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Hey guys,
I'm not even going to try to sympathize with your situation, because there simply is no possible way for me to relate to what you endure on a daily basis. What I can say is that everyone who saw your film at the festival in Toronto (including myself) is rooting for you, and our hopes and intentions do not reflect those of the Canadian Embassy. I truly hope that through donations from those who see the film (or even hear about it), you will be able to be 'free'.
Good luck... we're rooting for you.
-- Lauren
P.S. They were talking about the film on MTV Canada today, so please know that word about the film is spreading. Don't lose hope!
Posted by: Lauren | September 11, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Hey guys,
I'm not even going to try to sympathize with your situation, because there simply is no possible way for me to relate to what you endure on a daily basis. What I can say is that everyone who saw your film at the festival in Toronto (including myself) is rooting for you, and our hopes and intentions do not reflect those of the Canadian Embassy. I truly hope that through donations from those who see the film (or even hear about it), you will be able to be 'free'.
Good luck... we're rooting for you.
-- Lauren
P.S. They were talking about the film on MTV Canada today, so please know that word about the film is spreading. Don't lose hope!
Posted by: Lauren | September 11, 2007 at 06:11 PM
Hey guys,
I'm in a metal band in Canada, I just saw your film on MTV Live. Keep at it guys, I can't even begin to understand what you're going through, but if you're passionate about it, try to find a way. You have so many people behind you supporting you, so keep at it. I hope one day we'll be able to share the stage!
--Jared
http://www.wiifitchallenge.com
Posted by: Jared | September 12, 2007 at 10:24 AM
Hello Guys:
Don't let the flag of Heavy metal fall down, keep strong, whit a lot of pride, in our hearts the flame is alive, feeded for our precious music, Heavy metal rules here, there and wherever ...
I'm with AcrassicaudA music style from Bogota Colombia!!!
Posted by: Fernando | September 14, 2007 at 03:54 PM
The movie looks awesome and the band looks awesome.
http://www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com./
There is a donation VICE set up on that site so they don't have to go back to Iraq.
Posted by: Randy | September 16, 2007 at 09:35 PM
The movie looks awesome and the band looks awesome.
http://www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com./
There is a donation VICE set up on that site so they don't have to go back to Iraq.
Posted by: Randy | September 16, 2007 at 09:35 PM
The movie looks awesome and the band looks awesome.
http://www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com./
There is a donation VICE set up on that site so they don't have to go back to Iraq.
Posted by: Randy | September 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM
The movie looks awesome and the band looks awesome.
http://www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com./
There is a donation VICE set up on that site so they don't have to go back to Iraq.
Posted by: Randy | September 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM
The movie looks awesome and the band looks awesome.
http://www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com./
There is a donation VICE set up on that site so they don't have to go back to Iraq.
Posted by: Randy | September 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM
The movie looks awesome and the band looks awesome.
http://www.heavymetalinbaghdad.com./
There is a donation VICE set up on that site so they don't have to go back to Iraq.
Posted by: Randy | September 16, 2007 at 09:36 PM
So what do you need money for? What are you going to spend it on? How much do you need? I'd love to help out, but you are being rather vague.
Posted by: moose | September 18, 2007 at 08:36 PM
Hi guys,
What about seeking asylum somewhere else? What about simply fleeing? I live in Austria, and if you get in touch with me via the contact form on my website, I could ask if you could come here.
Maybe there's some kind of "standing" like "political refugee" or "displaced person" or something like that, and with the money you've collected, you could move to a new country.
Anyone else willing to check out if their country will take on some heavy-metal refugees?
Maybe Austria won't work out, but maybe another country will.
Do you have access to the airport? If you have an airplane ticket along with some kind of asylum papers, would they let you onto a plane?
Sincerely,
Dainis
Posted by: Dainis W. Michel | September 20, 2007 at 07:53 AM
Surfed on yr link this morning. Tough and intense life you lead.
My guess is you'll stay there. Hope you get bigger speakers.
Good luck
Posted by: BlackDragon Riverboy | September 21, 2007 at 07:14 PM
the guy from the Sex Pistols has a fondness for Baghdad ; try to hook up him
Posted by: BlackDragon Riverboy | September 21, 2007 at 07:15 PM
Hails from New York City! I was surfing videos on U-Tube yesterday and ran across the trailer for Heavy Metal in Baghdad. I am absolutely sickened that the rest of the world is just standing by while you and so many others are being sentenced to death by their ignorance (particularly by my own government) of the trouble Iraq and its citizens are in right now. I've sent out postings, messages and blogs to everyone I know who would be willing to help you. I know your visas will be expiring soon and you all must be very anxious, but you must not give up hope! As you say, the message, the idea behind your band is SO much more powerful than any of you as individuals and I take what you are doing very seriously. It takes much courage and strength to stand up and be a part of what you believe in, especially when that means choosing between your life and these ideals. This band has sacrificed everything, but has also gained everything that is really important. I hope that soon you can taste (and play!) the freedom you have fought so hard for.
Do not give up hope. Then you are lost to this tragedy. Keep your hope, and you will never lose your innermost freedom. Freedom is a force that begins within and bursts out into the world. It is something we all must fight for everyday in some way. Your fight is so much more desperate, so much more urgent than many's, but have faith. Have hope. Have dreams and desires for these are yours, no matter what, and no one but you can take them. They are the source of your freedom.
I don't know if you guys are connected to the internet, or if you will even be alive to read this. However, know that I and so many others are here to listen, to speak, to help. Please, write anything, anytime: [email protected]
With much love and hope for your future,
Karlynn \m/\m/
Posted by: Karlynn Holland | September 24, 2007 at 05:55 AM