The Voice Of The Voiceless…

It’s the first of the month, and as always, we like to share a few thoughts. Something to read, think about, and—why not?—comment on. It’s been a year and a half since we decided to bring this webzine—or portal, or whatever you’d like to call it—back online. This is getting bigger and bigger; the number of people who follow us is growing, as is the number of people who read us. For an underground outlet like ours, where everything is powered by sheer determination, time, money, etc.—without any significant compensation, at least financially—it’s quite a compliment. Thanks for your continued support and patience!!!!
I’ve had this phrase on my mind for some time now. Probably because of my conviction that Metal stands as a voice that shouts out amid the silence of those who remain silent—those who prefer to ignore, support, or simply be complicit with those in power. And just recently, an event occurred that somewhat illustrates this thought that’s been swirling around in my head for some time: a well-known Argentine Heavy Metal band (Horcas) performed at a working-class demonstration, playing there and showing their full support for the cause—which aroused suspicion among many, for various reasons (including their unconditional support for the current government)— but fundamentally because they claimed that Heavy Metal should not support demonstrations related to leftism or socialism, so to speak.
On other occasions, though to a lesser extent, the same situation has been observed with other bands for similar reasons, or, for example, with the festival that commemorates—and condemns—the 1976 civil-military coup under the slogan “Nunca Más” (“Never Again”).
But this is also commonplace in today’s world of social media, where people insult and attack others almost as a sport, without thinking and displaying a complete lack of common sense at every turn.
Regardless of my personal opinion of Horcas as a band, it seems to me that deliberately attacking anyone for raising their voice and bringing a workers’ demand to light overlooks which side Heavy Metal should be on—which is certainly not the side of those in power, much less those who devote themselves to fleecing the people. This isn’t about ideologies, but about which side of the issue you’re on.
Metal has no political banner, but it’s foolish to think that because of this we shouldn’t react to social injustices. And this has nothing to do with the right or the left. It has to do with justice, with truth, and with standing on the side of those who suffer—yes, those who have no voice and who are rendered invisible day after day.
And one of the values that Metal most cherishes is precisely being the voice that cries out amid the silence of conformity—a voice that denounces, exposes, and confronts reality, and demands justice and truth, even if many don’t like it.
Across the various subgenres of Metal, there’s a little bit of everything: social, political, philosophical, and anti-religious lyrics, and even messages that touch on the romantic and spiritual as well. But let’s never forget where original Heavy Metal came from—its origins and its sense of belonging. Never forgetting the starting point means keeping your feet on the ground and your conscience firmly anchored in time and space.
Heavy Metal is a vehicle of expression through which the truths no one wants to hear are spat out; it puts you in an uncomfortable situation because it forces you to think and reflect on our own miseries as human beings, and above all, it confronts us with reality and the truth.
We are Christians; we believe in Christ, but we do not follow a religion or a religious structure—which is often more aligned with those in power than with us ordinary people. Yet we are also part of the Metal scene—that overwhelming force that sweeps away everything established, and which still stands firm, fighting against power, corruption, injustice, lies, and so on.
And as Christians and Metalheads, we echo this sentiment. We live in reality and do not sleep in castles of sand. Not at all. We are dedicated to promoting the scene—the so-called “White Metal” scene, but also the Argentine underground scene—without making distinctions based on beliefs. This is something we’ve already explained on many occasions.
May Metal continue to be that voice that cries out and demands change in the desert of those who prefer silence and conformity. May it continue to awaken consciences and open minds, and may it be that vehicle of expression where the search for justice and truth are not just empty words.
Welcome to another month, another opportunity to keep fighting, believing in, and supporting Heavy Metal, and thank you to everyone who, in one way or another, supports us—whether with material, by reading, sharing on social media, etc. To us, it’s invaluable.
As always, we’ll continue throughout September with everything you’ve come to expect. A significant number of albums are waiting their turn to be reviewed. Several articles are also waiting to be published, and as always, we’ll be promoting the White Metal and National Heavy Metal scenes in our own style and way—the old-school way—with substantive content, no “cut-and-paste,” and no clowning around on social media.
Next month will be another chance to read us again… long live Heavy Metal and the true warriors of Metal!!!!!