Well, we've finally got our own global meeting as metal heads.
The world's first-ever World Metal Congress will take place on March 22 and 23 at Rich Mix in London, England to celebrate and examine the music and its culture. World Metal Congress was created by ex-Metal Hammer editor and Twin V Ltd. founder Alexander Milas in partnership with Dr. Lina Khatib of world-renowned policy institute Chatham House, University of Central Lancashire's Dr. Niall Scott and independent promoter Josh Retallick of Old Empire.
Here's a little more on what to expect from the congress via a press release.
Created with the support of Arts Council England, an industry-facing conference on day one will feature key decision-makers from labels, festivals, media, and the artists themselves including BBC Radio 1, Wacken Open Air festival, Music For Nations, Vice, and Barney Greenway of Napalm Death, among many others.
Human rights and universal artistic licences are tightly intertwined," says Greenway. "Breaking tired old stereotypes, celebrating free creative expression without borders and confronting and debating challenging ethical band decisions continues to be an absolute must."
Day two presents documentary films highlighting metal's triumph over adversity and a live gig from Singapore's Wormrot, one of global metal's true success stories, with much more to be revealed in the coming days.
The congress also has Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi's blessing, who said he's "pleased to hear that the World Metal Congress will be taking place in the U.K. The metal community is huge but rarely gets the recognition it deserves. My best wishes for a successful event."
More details about the congress will soon be unveiled at the event's website.
