The electric energy in the air is palpable as the crowd sways in anticipation of the metal concert about to begin. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation, a stark contrast to the chaos that is about to unfold. Metal concerts are often misunderstood as violent and aggressive, but for fans like myself, they are a place of solace and release.
I have been attending concerts since I was a teenager, starting in a dusty parking lot and never looking back. In those early days, I never considered the impact of blaring amplifiers on my hearing, nor did I mind being in the midst of the action. But tonight, in Denver, I am prepared with earplugs, sensible sneakers, and a brace on my knee that has been acting up.
As the lights dim and the band takes the stage, my adrenaline spikes. The music is loud, but I welcome the roar that fills my ears. I push my way towards the stage, surrounded by the pulsating sound. I find myself at the pit, where bodies collide and swirl in a frenzied dance known as moshing. It is a raw and intense experience, both individual and communal, a release of pent-up emotions.
Amidst the excitement, I can’t help but feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. As an Arapaho and Shoshone individual, I am constantly confronted with the struggles of Indigenous peoples – land exploitation, sovereignty denial, and the looming threat of climate change. The accumulation of everyday microaggressions fuels my anger, a feeling I carry with me as I jump into the mosh pit.
The ongoing atrocities committed against Indigenous communities, from land grabs to genocide, are deeply intertwined with the culture of over-consumption that drives the climate crisis. It is no wonder that heavy metal, with its signature anger, resonates with Indigenous audiences. Despite its association with darker themes, metal has always reflected on environmental issues and the state of the world.
Indigenous bands have been a part of the metal scene for decades, using their music as a platform to address a wide range of topics, from discrimination to the universal struggle for joy in the face of adversity. XIT, one of the first commercially successful all-Indian rock bands, boldly addressed colonization, poverty, and the loss of Indigenous traditions in their music, despite FBI attempts to suppress their message.
Winterhawk, led by Cree vocalist Nik Alexander, continued this tradition with their anti-colonial, pro-environmental message in songs like “Selfish Man.” The band’s powerful lyrics questioned the destructive impact of nuclear energy on the land, a sentiment that remains relevant today as Indigenous communities continue to oppose harmful practices.
As metal evolved in the 1980s, bands like Testament and Resistant Culture emerged, using their music to address climate change and its specific impacts on Indigenous peoples. Testament’s Chuck Billy sang about the burning rainforests and the slow death of the planet in “Greenhouse Effect,” urging listeners to take a stand against environmental destruction. Resistant Culture, an inter-tribal band, combined punk and metal with traditional Indigenous singing to promote sustainability, self-sufficiency, and self-determination.
Metal music has always been a platform for expressing anger, resistance, and solidarity. For Indigenous fans like myself, it is not just a form of entertainment but a powerful tool for raising awareness and advocating for change in our communities and the world at large. It’s a way to rebel against the status quo, to express frustration, and to find a sense of power in a world that often feels disempowering. Metal music has always been a platform for challenging authority and pushing back against societal norms, and for Indigenous communities, it serves as a way to reclaim their identities, histories, and cultures.
One band that embodies this ethos is Resistant Culture, a collective that speaks out against the system and advocates for independence and resilience in the face of an uncertain future. In a recent interview with the music blog Blow the Scene, the band emphasized the importance of being self-sufficient and less dependent on oppressive systems that seek to control our lives and communities. By embracing independence, they believe we can become more resilient and better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.
The evolution of metal music over the past few decades reflects a broader shift towards environmentalism and social justice. Indigenous metal bands around the world are using their music to address issues like anti-colonialism, environmental destruction, and governmental policies that impact tribal communities. Bands like Mi’Gauss, Corubo, and Biipiigwan are incorporating their heritage and cultural identities into their music, creating a powerful platform for activism and resistance.
Metal music has always been a space for catharsis and self-expression, and for Indigenous fans like myself, it offers a unique opportunity to channel anger, frustration, and resilience in a positive way. In the chaos of the mosh pit, I find a sense of freedom and release that is hard to come by in other aspects of my life. Metal concerts are about more than just aggression – they are about community, solidarity, and empowerment.
The inclusivity of the metal genre is another reason why it has resonated so strongly with Indigenous communities. Bands from all over the world, representing diverse backgrounds and cultures, come together to create music that transcends borders and boundaries. Alien Weaponry, The Hu, Blitz, Sage Bond, and Divide and Dissolve are just a few examples of the diverse voices that make up the metal scene today.
In Navajo Nation, a vibrant metal community has emerged, with bands like Signal 99, Mutilated Tyrant, and Morbithory leading the charge. Filmmaker Ashkan Soltani Stone spent years documenting the scene and found a group of musicians who are unapologetically themselves, using their music to address environmental issues, social injustices, and the unique experience of living in Indian Country.
For many Indigenous youth in rural communities, metal music provides a much-needed outlet for creativity, expression, and connection. It’s a way to push back against the limitations of their surroundings, to carve out a space where they can be themselves fully and authentically. In a world that often seeks to erase Indigenous voices and experiences, metal music stands as a powerful testament to the resilience, strength, and creativity of Indigenous communities around the world. Live music has always been a way for people to come together, have fun, and enjoy the energy of a concert. In the Navajo Nation, where opportunities for entertainment are limited, the local music scene is thriving, especially in the country genre. Many bands are formed with the simple goal of creating a lively atmosphere and having a good time while sharing their music with others. Despite the long drives to get to concerts, the passion for music is strong among the Navajo people.
One such band that has emerged from the Navajo Nation is Dogs Throw Spears, a group that describes their music as “Native raw dog metal.” Playing death metal, a style known for its heavy guitars, growled vocals, and complex rhythms, the band explores themes of Indigenous identity and community issues in their songs. Despite the dark and aggressive nature of their music, Dogs Throw Spears aims to convey deeper messages beyond the surface level.
The rise of bands like Dogs Throw Spears is indicative of a larger trend within the Indigenous metal scene. From Chicago’s Pan-Amerikan Native Front to Salt Lake City’s Yaotl Mictlan, these bands use their music to highlight Native struggles against colonization and oppression. By blending traditional Indigenous elements with the intense sound of metal music, these bands create a powerful and unique form of expression.
The themes explored by Indigenous metal bands often revolve around the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities, such as environmental degradation, historical trauma, and the impact of colonialism. Through their music, these bands shed light on the struggles and resilience of Indigenous peoples around the world, creating a sense of solidarity and understanding among listeners.
Despite the heavy subject matter of their songs, Indigenous metal bands provide a platform for engaging with these difficult issues in a productive way. By sharing their stories and experiences through music, these bands offer a voice to the voiceless and a source of empowerment for Indigenous communities. In a world where Indigenous people continue to face systemic challenges and injustices, metal music serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering a sense of unity and strength.
As I reflect on the night of the concert, I am reminded of the power of music to connect people and create a sense of community. The small interactions and connections made at concerts like these serve as a reminder of the shared experiences and struggles that unite us all. As I make my way home through the cold winter night, I carry with me the memories of the music, the energy of the crowd, and the sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of something bigger than myself. The world is constantly changing and evolving, and with that comes new challenges and opportunities. One of the most pressing issues facing our planet today is climate change. As the Earth’s temperature continues to rise, we are seeing the devastating effects of this phenomenon play out in real time. From more frequent and severe natural disasters to rising sea levels and shrinking ice caps, the impacts of climate change are impossible to ignore.
But amidst the doom and gloom, there is reason for hope. Around the world, individuals, communities, and governments are coming together to address the issue of climate change head-on. From grassroots movements advocating for renewable energy to companies committing to reduce their carbon footprint, there is a growing awareness of the need to take action.
One of the key solutions to combatting climate change is transitioning to renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of climate change. By shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help slow the rate of global warming.
In recent years, there has been a surge in the adoption of renewable energy technologies. Solar panels can now be found on rooftops across the country, wind farms are sprouting up in rural areas, and advancements in battery storage are making it easier to harness the power of renewable energy sources. These developments are not only good for the environment, but they also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
But transitioning to renewable energy is just one piece of the puzzle. We also need to address the root causes of climate change, such as deforestation, industrial agriculture, and unsustainable land use practices. By protecting our forests, promoting regenerative agriculture, and implementing sustainable land management strategies, we can help sequester carbon and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Ultimately, combating climate change requires a collective effort. It will take individuals making sustainable choices in their everyday lives, communities coming together to advocate for change, and governments implementing policies to support a clean energy transition. But with determination, innovation, and collaboration, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the way we live and work. With the rise of remote work and virtual meetings, many are starting to question the need for physical office spaces. As a result, the concept of coworking spaces has gained popularity as a flexible and cost-effective solution for individuals and businesses looking for a professional work environment.
Coworking spaces are shared workspaces where individuals from different companies or industries work alongside each other in a communal setting. These spaces offer a range of amenities such as high-speed internet, conference rooms, printing services, and kitchen facilities. They also provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and social interaction among members.
One of the main advantages of coworking spaces is the flexibility they offer. Unlike traditional office leases that require long-term commitments, coworking spaces typically offer monthly or even daily memberships, allowing individuals to use the space as needed. This flexibility is especially beneficial for freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses that may not have the resources or need for a dedicated office space.
Another benefit of coworking spaces is the cost savings they provide. Renting a traditional office space can be expensive, especially in major cities where real estate prices are high. Coworking spaces offer a more affordable alternative, as members only pay for the space and amenities they use. This can result in significant savings for individuals and businesses looking to reduce overhead costs.
In addition to cost savings, coworking spaces also promote productivity and creativity. Working in a shared environment with like-minded individuals can help inspire new ideas, foster collaboration, and boost motivation. The diverse mix of professionals in coworking spaces can also provide valuable networking opportunities and access to potential clients or partners.
Despite the many benefits of coworking spaces, there are some challenges to consider. Privacy and security can be a concern in shared workspaces, as sensitive information may be exposed to others. Noise levels and distractions can also be an issue in open-plan coworking spaces, making it difficult for some individuals to concentrate.
Overall, coworking spaces offer a flexible, cost-effective, and collaborative work environment for individuals and businesses looking to escape the confines of traditional office spaces. As the way we work continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, coworking spaces are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of work.
