Steeped in Metal, but bridging the gap to Egyptian music, Massive Scar Era is a Metal band you need to know about in 2023. The brainchild of visionary artist Cherine Amr, their new EP Metal Goes Egyptian, the seventh release in her career, is coming out in November. Not only does the band creative a ground-breaking mix of Metal and world music, Cherine had to flee her country where “the devil’s music” is forbidden to create, let alone defying gender norms that could lead to punishment, or worse. With its unique fusion of Prog Rock, post-Grunge, Egyptian music, and Heavy Metal, the group just released a new single “Between Waves!” The group has teamed up with us at Ghost Cult to bring you the new music video! Watch it now!
Cherine Amr comments:
“Between the Waves was the first song that we worked on. It’s one of the oldest songs for MSE that wasn’t released digitally. In this song’s intro, a heavy riff is playing in the background, consisting of just two notes. Weka was free to incorporate the Hijaz scale without constraints, and he used maqam kord as a secondary “gens,” a modern approach to this maqam. That’s how the song began. As the song progresses, it transitions into a new section with modulation on the G note, leading into maqam Rust. Finally, the ending of the intro (“Taslim” in Arabic) concludes with a return to the Hijaz scale, creating a glamorous ending. I wrote this song when I was very young. It was even before I moved to Cairo in 2009. I was still in the process of discovering myself as a person before a lyricist and a songwriter. While I don’t resonate with the lyrics anymore, singing this song again reminded me of an entire lifetime.”
Bio:
Originating from Alexandria, Egypt, and currently based in Montreal, Canada, Cherine Amr has led Massive Scar Era on an incredible journey since its inception in 2004. The project’s music reflects the cosmopolitan allure of Alexandria intertwined with the raw essence of Cairo’s urban landscape. This distinctive sound and cultural blend have garnered widespread recognition, including appearances in influential documentaries such as “Microphone” (2012) and “Before the Spring After the Fall” (2013).
“Metal Goes Egyptian” represents a unique concept that will particularly appeal to metal enthusiasts who appreciate a diverse range of folkloric influences. With its fusion of metal and various folk elements, this EP promises an unforgettable musical journey that transcends genre boundaries. It is recommended for fans of Merkfolk, Aeternam and Huntress.
“Metal Goes Egyptian” is due out on November 3, 2023.
EP pre-order at https://massivescarera.bandcamp.com.
“Back to the Sun” (music video)
Track Listing:
1. Between Waves – 3:22
2. 30 Years – 4:43
3. Oblivious – 3:46
4. Back to the Sun – 3:41
5. Color Blind – 3:14
6. Endorphins – 2:37
EP Length: 21:26
Credits:
All songs performed by: Violins: Kristin Molnar, Zoé Dumais, and Rasha Masalkhi
Viola: Omar Abou Afach
Oud: Mohamed Masmoudi
Qanun: Nizar Tabcharani
Percussions: Phyras Haddad, and Bertil Schulrabe
Drums: Julia Geaman
Bass: Etienne Tremblay
Songwriting, Vocals, Guitar: Cherine Amr
Arabic Music Arranger: Weka Soliman
Music Copyist: Hugo Mayrand
Sound Technicians: Jacob Lacroix-Cardinal, and Nicolas Pétrowski
Music Producer, mix and master: Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer)
Recorded by Nicolas Pétrowski and Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer) at Studio Mixart, Montreal, QC,
• All songs written by: Cherine Amr
• Produced by: Etienne Tremblay
• Mixed by: Etienne Tremblay
• Mastered by: Etienne Tremblay
• Album Artwork by: Biggg Rock Films
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