Priests Of The Underground

Last month’s big news was the return of Mortification. It was completely unexpected—and even more so that this surprise comeback to celebrate the 35th anniversary of “Scrolls of the Megilloth” would kick off right here in Latin America, which is usually the last place anyone would look to start a tour like this.
It’s a true reflection of the history of a band that has always embraced the “underground”—the toughest and most complicated side of the scene—that has always shunned the bright lights of the “mainstream,” and whose essence has always been, and remains, metal and a message. Nothing more, nothing less.
Yes, they are clearly the priests of the underground. Uncompromising and relentless.
To speak of Mortification is to speak of the underground—where Metal emerges and endures, where great things happen, where stories abound, and where identity comes to the fore. That, and more, is the underground: effort, struggle, grit, a drive to take on challenges, keeping the goal in sight rather than the financial aspect, and where the message and identity of Metal prevail.
That’s why it’s worth emphasizing that so-called White Metal or Christian Metal is, plain and simple, underground. There may be some exceptions, but the scene remains—and rightly so—underground, and part of the Metal scene, of course.
But people’s support is essential to sustaining the scene, and this shouldn’t be limited to mere digital “support,” which gets lost in the algorithms of the internet. It has to be something real, grounded in standing alongside those who fight. Going to shows, spreading the word, setting up a media outlet, collaborating with labels and bands, etc.; being another warrior for Metal. Spreading the scene and the message.
To a greater or lesser extent, we are all priests of the underground, spreading the word and fighting alongside Metal, with the best message others can hear.
We’re dedicated to the underground, which is where our hearts lie, and that’s why we support Argentine bands, regardless of whether they’re Christian or not. The Metal scene is one, regardless of creed. We don’t practice religion; rather, what we believe in is much deeper and more supreme than any religious system itself. We add, we don’t subtract. Let that be clear.
The fact that we devote ourselves mostly to what is usually labeled as “White Metal” or “Christian Metal” doesn’t mean that, in and of itself, we aren’t part of the Metal scene. It’s all part of the same thing, and we’re all on the same front line. Our identity is with Metal.
On the other hand, I can’t help but think that today is May 1st, a day when most of the world celebrates—or rather, pays tribute to—workers and honors labor, which can basically be defined as the execution of a task, transforming reality to achieve a result. It’s not hard to relate that to what the underground Metal scene is all about.
We are the “hardworking folks,” those of us who get up very early in the morning, who dedicate ourselves daily to earning a living to support our families, who strive to get ahead, who fight against the big players, and so on. We transform reality to achieve a result. It’s no coincidence that the history of Heavy Metal was born alongside the working class, amidst a crisis of social unrest in England in the late 1970s. It’s no mere coincidence.
Heavy Metal is a channel of expression, of releasing the anger accumulated in the face of injustices, shouting truths, fighting the good fight. May that freshness and the fervor of waving the truth as a banner never be lost. That is what Metal is all about.
From our humble corner, we continue to support and promote the underground Metal scene, with great effort, taking time away from our families, investing what we will never recoup, but with the satisfaction of doing something different, with genuine content, without copying and pasting, striving day and night to keep spreading the word about the scene. And in this, we cannot fail to express our gratitude—first and foremost to God, but also to those who follow us, read us, and support this webzine; to all the bands, labels, distributors, and people in the scene who, in silence, help keep this idea moving forward. Thank you is the least we can say. I see that those gossiping parrots are still spouting nonsense, throwing stones without showing their faces, and trashing people and gangs—and then they complain that the media, groups, and Facebook pages won’t let them post anything…. Anyway, let’s put those people aside; they’re good for nothing more than sowing discord!!!!
We all make the Metal scene together. Everyone, in one way or another, is a warrior, and the battle is daily and relentless. Let’s keep fighting!!!!
This coming May, as always, brings great news, several interviews to be confirmed, and a ton of albums to discover and review. We’ve accumulated quite a bit of material, so we’ll be releasing more reviews than ever, God willing.
The important thing is to know that the fight isn’t in vain. You must never give up—it’s the only option. Always keep your swords raised, everyone!!!!!
See you next month….