What's New:
Massive Scar Era is back at it! The Egyptian/Canadian metal visionaries, spearheaded by the powerhouse Cherine Amr, are ecstatic to unveil their brand-new single, "School Girls | بنات المدرسة". This track, featuring the fierce vocals of Chaney Crabb from Entheos, is the leading single from their upcoming EP, Assyad, set to drop in October 2024. Talk about blending worlds—Massive Scar Era smashes through genre limits yet again, mixing progressive rock, post-grunge, Egyptian music, and metal into a mesmerizing soundscape that’s sure to hit you right in the feels.
Cherine Amr, the genius behind Massive Scar Era, has some thoughts on "School Girls":
“This song is like a conversation between the Mu’allima (teacher) spirit—channeled beautifully through Chaney’s voice—and the outside world. The chorus borrows from the traditional Zar song, ‘Banat el Madrassa,’ capturing a pivotal moment in Egyptian society and feminism. It's all about those women from the 1950s, stepping out of the shadows, pursuing higher education, and challenging the status quo. The Mu’allima, she’s like a guide in the Zar world and a symbol of empowerment".
Cherine’s dedication to the craft is no joke. She’s spent years diving into the depths of Egyptian Zār traditions, using this profound cultural knowledge to breathe life into her music. Zār, for those not in the know, is a spiritual ritual involving music and dance, aiming to bring peace between individuals and the spirits (Asyad) believed to inhabit them, often causing illness. Talk about intense!
To craft this EP, Amr got some major support from her community and cultural consultant, Dr. Kawkab Tawfik, who introduced her to the Zār Abou El-Gheit group, led by the maestro Muhammed AbouZeid. Muhammed welcomed Cherine into one of their sacred ceremonies in a small village outside Cairo. The connection was instant. This meeting sparked the creative flame, deepening Cherine’s grasp of Zār songs and rhythms.
Fast forward to Montreal: Muhammed, along with his bandmate Salem, joined Cherine and a team of talented musicians—including Simon McKay (drummer from The Agonist) and Frédérick Filiatrault (bassist from Vvon Dogma I, Unexpect)—for a month-long musical residency. Imagine the scene: daily songwriting sessions, recording Zār songs with a trusty DR-70 Tascam, brainstorming, refining. It was all about collaboration. Sometimes Cherine would send Simon a rough cut with wonky drumlines, or even no drums at all. The next day? Boom—Simon’s back with killer beats, ready to refine it in the studio. Five days a week. That’s dedication.
Massive Scar Era's evolution is evident, with "School Girls" marking a thrilling new chapter. It’s a sneak peek into the rich, progressive musical landscape awaiting fans with the release of Assyad. This concept record promises a blend of Egyptian Zār songs, prog rock, and metal—a concoction that’s as daring as it is captivating.
Cherine sums it up perfectly:
"This EP, it’s a journey. For those who love concept albums, and for those who like to explore the less-traveled roads of metal music, I think this will resonate. In the realm of Zar, your curiosity doesn’t go unnoticed; it’s almost like the spirits themselves become curious about you. Each track on this EP is inspired by a specific Zar spirit. I’m eager to see which songs resonate with which listeners, as I’m sure everyone will find a unique connection".
"School Girls" stands as a bold testament to Cherine Amr's commitment to exploring these traditions, pushing modern metal's boundaries, and weaving traditional Zār songs into a powerful, unique sound. It’s a vivid reminder that the past can indeed rock just as hard as the present!
Recommended for fans of: Merfolk, Nawather, Zaeer
Listen to “School Girls” ft. Chaney Crabb (Entheos):
Lyric Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQoz_rPrJwE
Assyad is set to release on October 25, 2024. Pre-order now: https://massivescarera.bandcamp.com/album/assyad-2
Track Listing:
Muluk al-Ardiyya | The Kings of the Earth - 4:54
Abdel Salam Lasmar - 3:17
Genie, Lambo - 3:17
Inner Dialogue - 3:33
El-Leil | The Night - 4:24
Pretend - 3:43
School Girls ft. Chaney Crabb (Entheos) - 3:26
EP Length: 26:38
Note: Funded by Canada Council for the Arts
EP Recording Credits:
Creative Producer: Cherine Amr
Zār Leader, Teacher, Consultant: Muhammed Abouzeid
Community Connector, Cultural Consultant, Executive Producer: Dr. Kawkab Tawfik
Musicians: Simon McKay, Frédérick Filiatrault, Muhammed Abouzeid, Salem Atallah, Chaney Crabb
Producer: Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer)
Recording Studio: Studio Mix Art, Montréal, Québec
To wrap it up: Massive Scar Era is not just making music; they're creating an experience. Their fusion of metal and Egyptian traditions is groundbreaking. It’s fresh, it’s powerful, and it’s a journey worth taking.
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