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Mark LeVine (USA):
‘Heavy Metal Islam – Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam’
304 pages.
Published by Three Rivers Press on 8 July 2008.
Language: English
American author and historian Mark LeVine has published a book about the special role of Heavy Metal music in the Middle East and its relationship with Islam |
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In the book 'Heavy Metal Islam', Mark LeVine introduces his readers to a number of young people from the Middle East who are struggling to reconcile their religion with a passion for music and a desire for change. He explains why the harsh melodies of Heavy Metal appeal to the young Muslims as a way in which they can express themselves as 'cultural rebels, and how self-expression becomes politicised in censored societies.
One of the founders of the Moroccan metal scene, Reda Zine, explained to Mark LeVine that he believes young people in the Middle East turn to heavy metal music as an act of rebellion against oppression, censorship and authoritarianism.
An album, 'Flowers in the Desert', is being released in September 2008 on EMI featuring bands discussed from the group, profits from which are being donated to Freemuse.
Mark LeVine is a professor of history at University of California Irvine |
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Mark LeVine |
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