Massive Scar Era, envisioned and led by the innovative artist Cherine Amr, embarks on a collaborative musical journey with a diverse array of musicians on each EP. Hailing from Alexandria, Egypt, and now rooted in Montreal, the band transcends genre limitations, crafting an enthralling blend of progressive rock, post-grunge, Egyptian music, and metal. This fusion captivates global audiences with its deep resonance. In November, they unveiled their seventh recording, “Metal Goes Egyptian,” accompanied by a video for the single “Color Blind.” Amr describes the process:
“We decided to rearrange this previously released song for inclusion in this project primarily because of its numerous delicate vocal ornaments. These ornaments provided an opportunity for an Arabic arrangement. Once the Arabic arrangement was introduced, these subtle elements became much more pronounced compared to the original arrangement. I wrote this song after I was denied entry to the USA to play at SXSW with MSE due to the Muslim ban implemented by Trump. Although Egypt wasn’t on the banned list, the border officer was cautious about bands from our region participating, fearing it could add to the ongoing protests at the festival. Fortunately, that’s all in the past now, and I’ve been able to perform many shows smoothly in the USA since the situation has improved.”
The selection of songs for the EP was a joint effort between Weka Soliman and Cherine Amr. Soliman’s role as the Arabic music arranger was pivotal, leveraging his profound knowledge of Arabic music to pick tracks suitable for incorporating Arabic elements. Katia Makdissi-Warren, the project consultant, recommended transposing some songs to authentically integrate Arabic instruments, thus preserving the essence of both the original and Arabic influences.
Since its formation in 2004, Massive Scar Era has consistently led the way in musical innovation, expertly blending powerful vocals, complex violin strains, heavy guitars, and dynamic Egyptian percussion. Amr’s music is a reflection of Alexandria’s cosmopolitan charm and Cairo’s raw urbanity. Their latest offering, “Metal Goes Egyptian,” is a must-listen for enthusiasts of metal with Middle Eastern flair.
Recorded and filmed alongside a traditional Egyptian Arabic music orchestra at Studio Mix Art in Montreal, “Metal Goes Egyptian” was released on November 3, 2023.
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