Vice Magazine + VBS.tv just sent out their newsletter and in it was their documentary on Iraq’s only heavy metal band, Acrassicauda. If you’ve got 84 minutes, you’ll find cameos from Gideon Yago and a great perspective on youth culture in a violent setting.

Vice did such an excellent job here on several levels.

First of all the coverage of just getting into Iraq in 2006 was harrowing. I could tell they were excited by the threat and also terrified of the reality that faced them. They spoke of having to spiral on the aircraft so as not to get shot down by anti-aircraft weaponry. Then, having to swerve around on the 7 deadliest miles of highway on Earth.

Second, I love that Vice chose to cover these guys. There are some incredible things that come out of their mouths in response to the constant threat of violence, being young and angry, losing their country, and being told how to act. They seem quite apolitical, and interested in what helps them cope; heavy metal.

Most Americans should be able to relate. We all had that tumultuous time when we found music to be the soundtrack to our angst. Imagine being told that you can’t, while being shot at for wearing your band’s T-shirt, or perhaps, growing longer hair.

Halfway through the base guitarist talks about how wearing a Slipknot T-shirt was taking his life in his own hands, or that even speaking English on the street could get you sniped. His wife and he appear not to care. “I’m ready to die, destiny is in my own hands” he says.

These young men are much stronger then I’ll ever have to be. Respect, Acrassicauda, respect.

Full documentary