Iraqi Heavy Metal Band ACRASSICAUDA In New Jersey; FOX NEWS Report Available

March 6, 2009

Laura Ingle of Fox News last month filed a two-minute report on ACRASSICAUDA — the Iraqi group featured in the "Heavy Metal In Baghdad" documentary (web site) — and the bandmembers' recent move to the U.S. where they are pursuing their dreams of heavy metal stardom. Watch the clip below.

METALLICA frontman James Hetfield surprised ACRASSICAUDA on February 1, 2009 backstage at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey by presenting them with one of his guitars, a black ESP, and signing it "Welcome to America," can be viewed below.

"That's for keeping the faith," Hetfield said, adding as he disappeared with his entourage down a corridor, "Write some good riffs."

According to The New York Times, the United States government has granted ACRASSICAUDA refugee status, which allows them to apply for green cards in a year, and the International Rescue Committee has placed them in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Elizabeth, N.J., where there are as yet no METALLICA or SLAYER posters on the walls but a bundle of guitars are piled in one corner.

"This is more than we ever could have expected or dreamed of," said Firas Al-Lateef, 27, the bassist, who arrived five months ago.

The Associated Press has just published a new article on ACRASSICAUDA consisting of an exclusive interview and brand new photos. Check it out at this location.

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