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Volume 10, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 2052-3998
  • E-ISSN: 2052-4005

Abstract

The Egyptian metal scene has persevered with a committed and enduring community since the late 1980s, despite facing significant challenges and enduring stigmatization. This article examines the resilience of Egyptian metal enthusiasts in the face of adversities. It explores the religious reasons behind some Egyptian metal fans’ unwavering dedication to cultivating and sustaining their metal subculture. The dominant narrative in Egyptian public opinion has long associated metal fans with Satanism, leading to confrontations with the media and law enforcement. Nevertheless, the metal community in Egypt has persisted, actively organizing events and fostering a sense of camaraderie, even amidst occasional internal tensions. Notably, the allure of metal music for some Egyptian fans is uniquely influenced by religious considerations, providing a pious alternative to local and western musical offerings. Drawing from existing literature on the appeal of metal music and using first-hand sources gathered through interviews with many Egyptian metal fans, the article presents personal accounts from several Egyptian metalheads, focusing on their experiences of pious self-cultivation through metal music. These accounts challenge stereotypes, revealing the intense passion and personal motivations that sustain the Egyptian metal scene. The findings suggest that metal music serves as a means of pious self-cultivation for some Egyptian fans. By presenting a nuanced view of the Egyptian metal scene, this article contributes to understanding metal subcultures and their relationship with religion and spirituality. This research highlights the resilience and determination of Egyptian metal fans, shedding light on the complex reasons behind their continued involvement in the metal scene. The article concludes by discussing the implications of these accounts, calling for further exploration of how metal music provides a unique avenue for self-expression and religious devotion among Egyptian metal fans, defying societal stigmas and enriching the diverse cultural landscape of Egypt’s music scene.

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2025-01-22
2025-03-17
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/content/journals/10.1386/mms_00136_1
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): conformity; identity; Islam; metal scene; modernity; piety; religion

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