The first-ever World Metal Congress is set to convene this year. The event will take place in London, UK on March 22 and 23 at the Rich Mix Cinema with the premise of bringing together a global community of like-minded metalheads.
Split up over two days, the convention has two distinct programs. Day one will focus on the music industry and feature panel discussions with some of the genre’s top labels, festivals, media, and bands. The second day will be more about the community and will be dominated more by artist and journalist discussions, documentary film screenings, and live performances.
World Metal Congress was created in conjunction with Arts Council England by former Metal Hammer editor/Twin V Ltd. founder Alexander Milas, Old Empire independent promoter Josh Retallick, Chatham Houses’ Dr. Lina Khatib and University of Central Lancashire’s Dr. Niall Scott as an effort to “connect the global metal community.”
So far, the convention looks to be living up to its intentions with very diverse panelist and band line-ups. Panelists announced so far include musicians Barney Greenway (Napalm Death), Sahil Makhija (India’s Demonic Resurrection) and Yusef Ahmad Shah (Afghanistan’s District Unknown), journalists from Metal Hammer, Noisey & BBC 1, artistic director of Netherlands’ Roadburn Festival Walter Hoeijmakers, head of A&R for Music for Nations Julie Weir and CEO of Deviate digital Sammy Andrews. Bands announced include Sinapore’s Wormrot, South Africa’s Zombies Ate My Girlfriend and the UK’s HAQ123.
Many heavy hitters in metal have gotten behind World Metal Congress’ mission. Greenway said in the event’s official announcement press release:
“human rights and universal artistic licences (sic) are tightly intertwined. Breaking tired old stereotypes, celebrating free creative expression without borders and confronting and debating challenging ethical band decisions continues to be an absolute must.”
Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi is also on board, saying:
“The metal community is huge but rarely gets the recognition it deserves. My best wishes for a successful event.”
Single day and two-day passes are on sale now at the world Metal Congress website. More panelists and performers will be announced soon.
[via Metal Injection]
