ASSYAD
by Massive Scar Era
|
Kings of the Earth | ملوك الأرضية
00:00
/
04:54
|
|||
-
Streaming + DownloadIncludes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.Purchasable with gift cardDownload available in 24-bit/44.1kHz.
$10 CAD or more
-
Record/Vinyl + Digital AlbumIncludes unlimited streaming of ASSYAD via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.Download available in 24-bit/44.1kHz.ships out within 4 daysPurchasable with gift card
$40 CAD or more
-
1. |
||||
2. |
||||
3. |
||||
4. |
Inner Dialogue
03:34
|
|||
5. |
The Night | الليل
04:25
|
|||
6. |
Pretend
03:43
|
|||
7. |
about
This EP is a result of years of research into Egyptian Zar Traditions.
Zār is a possession cult that incorporates music and dance into its rituals, aiming to establish reconciliation between individuals and the spirits (Assyad) believed to inhabit their bodies, causing illness. The Assyad represent the projection of fears and anxieties, and the Zār ritual seeks to alleviate suffering, challenges, and conflicts faced by the individual. At the heart of the Zār ceremony, an ensemble guides the devotees through a trance dance, breaking down barriers to personal identity through rhythmic and melodic patterns deeply rooted in emotional and cultural contexts. This allows individuals in a trance to identify with the possessing spirits, providing a unique sensory experience.
In December 2021, I undertook a 20-day residency with Zār musicians in Cairo, Egypt, supported by Dr. Kawkab Tawfik. Immersed in traditional Zār songs and polyrhythms, I aimed to create an EP blending metal music with Zār's essence. I connected deeply with the Zār Abul Al-Gheit ensemble, led by Mohammed Abouzied.
In 2023, I united metal and Zār musicians for a three-week residency in Montreal, QC. We held music workshops to refine our collaboration, resulting in an interactive show at Le Petit Campus on August 18, 2023, and the EP Assyad, which blends traditional Zār songs and rhythms with metal. Each track is inspired by a specific Zār spirit.
Zār is a possession cult that incorporates music and dance into its rituals, aiming to establish reconciliation between individuals and the spirits (Assyad) believed to inhabit their bodies, causing illness. The Assyad represent the projection of fears and anxieties, and the Zār ritual seeks to alleviate suffering, challenges, and conflicts faced by the individual. At the heart of the Zār ceremony, an ensemble guides the devotees through a trance dance, breaking down barriers to personal identity through rhythmic and melodic patterns deeply rooted in emotional and cultural contexts. This allows individuals in a trance to identify with the possessing spirits, providing a unique sensory experience.
In December 2021, I undertook a 20-day residency with Zār musicians in Cairo, Egypt, supported by Dr. Kawkab Tawfik. Immersed in traditional Zār songs and polyrhythms, I aimed to create an EP blending metal music with Zār's essence. I connected deeply with the Zār Abul Al-Gheit ensemble, led by Mohammed Abouzied.
In 2023, I united metal and Zār musicians for a three-week residency in Montreal, QC. We held music workshops to refine our collaboration, resulting in an interactive show at Le Petit Campus on August 18, 2023, and the EP Assyad, which blends traditional Zār songs and rhythms with metal. Each track is inspired by a specific Zār spirit.
credits
released October 25, 2024
Creative producer: Cherine Amr
Zār Leader, teacher, and consultant: Muhammed Hussein Abouzeid
Community Connector, Cultural Consultant, and overseas executive producer: Dr. Kawkab Tawfik
All songs and lyrics are written by Cherine Amr.
Any Arabic vocals heard on Assyad are folkloric Zār songs.
Percussion arrangement and performance: Muhammed Abouzeid
Traditional Zār singer: Salem Atallah
Drum arrangement and performance: Simon McKay
Bass arrangement and performance: Frédérick Filiatrault
Vocal, Guitar, synth, and back vocals arrangement and performance: Cherine Amr
Additional guitar: Etienne Tremblay
Music Producer: Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer), Cherine Amr
Recorded at Studio Mix Art in Montréal, Québec, by Nicholas Pétrowski and Etienne Tremblay.
Mixed and Master by Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer)
Artwork illustration: Zeinab Gholami
EP vinyl design: AbdElrahman Hafez
Lyrics editor: Jess Amy Shead
Lyrics translator: Nansy Beshara
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
© Massive Scar Era
Creative producer: Cherine Amr
Zār Leader, teacher, and consultant: Muhammed Hussein Abouzeid
Community Connector, Cultural Consultant, and overseas executive producer: Dr. Kawkab Tawfik
All songs and lyrics are written by Cherine Amr.
Any Arabic vocals heard on Assyad are folkloric Zār songs.
Percussion arrangement and performance: Muhammed Abouzeid
Traditional Zār singer: Salem Atallah
Drum arrangement and performance: Simon McKay
Bass arrangement and performance: Frédérick Filiatrault
Vocal, Guitar, synth, and back vocals arrangement and performance: Cherine Amr
Additional guitar: Etienne Tremblay
Music Producer: Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer), Cherine Amr
Recorded at Studio Mix Art in Montréal, Québec, by Nicholas Pétrowski and Etienne Tremblay.
Mixed and Master by Etienne Tremblay (La Machine à Mixer)
Artwork illustration: Zeinab Gholami
EP vinyl design: AbdElrahman Hafez
Lyrics editor: Jess Amy Shead
Lyrics translator: Nansy Beshara
We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
© Massive Scar Era
license
all rights reserved
tags
about
Massive Scar Era
Egyptian/Canadian alternative metal band based in Canada and Egypt
discography
-
Oct 2024 -
Nov 2023 -
Oct 2018 -
Aug 2016 -
Jul 2012
contact / help
If you like Massive Scar Era, you may also like:
-
Chronicle: Prologue
by Mountain Callerfeatured on Bandcamp Radio Jul 9, 2021
go to album -
Chronicle I: The Truthseeker
by Mountain Callerfeatured on Bandcamp Radio Jul 9, 2021
go to album -
A ferocious display of blackened stoner-doom from Moscow's Moanhand, who offsets moments of bleak ugliness with clean, haunting melody.
go to album -
Summer Ends. Some Are Long Gone
by Trauma Bondfeatured on Bandcamp Radio Jan 17, 2025
go to album -
Thumb-blistering funk-metal basslines and ear-piercing screams give way to summery jazz rock on the latest from Florida fusion band Flagman.
go to album -
featured on Bandcamp Radio Feb 2, 2024
go to album -
featured on Bandcamp Radio Feb 2, 2024
go to album
