When it comes to the documentary that follows a heavy metal band called Acrassicauda, ​​from Baghdad, it is evident that Western influence is prevalent in the heavy metal scene and also in the band members' lives. At the beginning of the film, when they began to discuss their interest in heavy metal, they mentioned watching videos of American artists such as Slayer and Metallica, which were also bands that helped them learn English in their home, the Iraq. However, the only discrepancy between American and Middle Eastern heavy metal is the freedom that those involved can embody. The heavy metal genre has a great sense of individuality, but in Iraq these members of heavy metal bands are not allowed to fully express themselves to the extent they would like. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThere are many restrictions imposed by the government on the Iraqi people, forcing them to limit their sense of individuality. The band members have to deal with the consequences by doing things like wearing Metallica and Slayer t-shirts, growing their hair long, and even having facial hair that is a goatee, rather than a full beard. These actions they take based on their heavy metal lifestyle can have harmful effects, leading to imprisonment or death. These strict regulations established by the Iraqi government reflect the current state of society and the war at the time of filming the documentary. In general, when we think about heavy metal in Western culture, there is a great deal of individualism and expression that goes into the genre. Many times, these American heavy metal bands take very controversial political points of view; sometimes taking the opposition against the government of its leaders. With Iraq's strict regulations, it would be extremely dangerous for a band or artist to have a political message behind their music without facing dire consequences such as prison or death. In the documentary the band told stories where they were forced to play songs that were a tribute to Saddam Hussein at their shows, and if they didn't they risked being thrown in prison for no justifiable reason. reflect on the difficulties and conditions in which they were forced to play; usually the venue was some sort of old hotel, surrounded by barbed wire and tanks, where they were forced to use old power generators to supply electricity to their instruments. They were forced to finish their shows by 7.30pm so customers could go home before Baghdad's 9pm curfew. For the band and audiences these shows offered an outlet to "let loose", so to speak, and forget about the destruction and war going on around them. Many audience members would never have the opportunity to see their favorite bands like Slayer or Metallica live, so seeing Acrassicauda cover these bands was something they really enjoyed witnessing and being a part of. Through these shows, band members and audiences had the chance to vent their anger through headbanging and the general craziness of the shows. In one part of the documentary there are mortars and gunshots exploding in the distance as the band members are continuing with their daily activities and lives, talking about the fact that they had become desynthesized by the death and war that was going on in their city Christmas. Additionally, the band members said they had several problems with security solely because of their appearance with goatees and Iron band T-shirts..