Rez Metal by Ashkan Soltani Stone, Paperback | Indigo Chapters

Rez Metal captures the creative energy of indigenous youth culture in the twenty-first century. Bridging communities from disparate corners of Indian Country and across generations, heavy metal has touched a collective nerve on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona in particular. Many cultural leaders-including former Navajo president Russell Begaye-have begun to recognize heavy metal's ability to inspire Navajo communities facing chronic challenges such as poverty, depression, and addiction. Heavy metal music speaks to the frustrations, fears, trials, and hopes of living in Indian Country. Rez Metal highlights a seminal moment in indigenous heavy metal: when Kyle Felter, lead singer of the Navajo heavy metal band I Don't Konform, sent a demo tape to Flemming Rasmussen, the Danish producer of Metallica's One album. A few months later, Rasmussen flew from Denmark to Window Rock, Arizona, to meet the band, captivated by the music. Through a series of vivid images and interviews focused on the venues, bands, and fans of the Navajo Nation metal scene, Rez Metal provides a window into this fascinating world. | Rez Metal by Ashkan Soltani Stone, Paperback | Indigo Chapters