Review by Genaro Aguilera-Reza

The short: Znous (Arabic: زنوس ) is an anonymous independent folk metal band formed in Al-Rudayyif, Tunisia. It’s an interesting project that manages to blend rhythms of Arab and Amazigh cultures with elements of metal, punk, hardcore. 

The long: 

The band was named after the word “species”, which in Tunisian slang is used as a derogatory term to describe someone that goes against the norms of society. Znous is trying to create metal music for a new audience while addressing important topics such as politics, justice and society. Znous most recent EP has been described by Australia’s Blunt Magazine as “one of the most exciting hardcore punk and folk metal releases to come out of 2020.” Znous are particularly interesting act to follow because of the contentious nature of metal music in predominantly Islamic societies.  Most notably is the case of fellow Iraqi metal act Acrassicauda. After VICE magazine made a documentary about the band, their members had to flee their country after receiving several death threats and accusations of worshiping the devil. The relation of metal music with the MENA region continues to be a sensitive topic. The reality is that there is a growing scene across the region that continues to defy the standards of society, by using music creativity and preserving the Arabic language and culture.  

To listen or not to listen:

Listen! Metal is not everyone’s cup of tea, but this is a very interesting band to listen to. The blend of metal and heavy distorted guitars with traditional North African percussions is an extremely rare combination, but somehow it works. Some of the must-listen tracks include: Juna and Sidi Arbi.