This summer I was involved in a German Documentary, which has been recently released. A brief insight into how this music can, and does, have a huge impact into people’s life, especially the ones who feel are outcasts.
I never thought my life to be particularly different or interesting to anyone. Nor that my involvement with metal music was something extraordinary. As it turns out, it makes for a pretty good story.
When I was around twelve, I heard a song called Redeemer of Souls by a certain band called Judas Priest. Coincidentally, around that age, I also realized I was transgender.
I won’t spoil how this story goes on, but you can guess where it led me, as today I am here, alive and well despite hardships. And I can guarantee I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for this music, which has always supported and welcomed me, in a community of underdogs ready to support each other. Even when it comes to things I was sure people weren’t going to accept me for.
This story ends in a little village in northern Germany, among a roaring crowd in front of a stage.
It’s the story of how Heavy Metal Saved My Life.
The documentary tells many other stories as well, and it features some pretty important guys as well! Gaahl (ex-Gorgoroth and many more) and Roddy Bottoms (Faith No More) are in episode 2, same as me; in episode 1 you’ll find Bruce Dickinson himself!
Heavy Metal Saved My Life is available in both English and German on ARD Mediathek, for free. A
heartfelt thank you to Andreas Krieger and Mariska Lief, not to mention the wonderful crews who
made this possible!
Rick is a physics student from Italy, who besides loving metal music, also digs books, movies and science. He plays the drums, guitar, and kazoo.
Antinoë, Shores of Null, Convocation, Depravity, Decrepit Altar, Morbikon
Lamp of Murmuur, Nuclear Dudes, Storming, Ghoulhouse, Strigiform, Tempestuous Fall
Stillbirth, Runemagick, Thron, Black Soul Horde, The Other, Damned By The Pope