Rez Metal captures the creative energy of Indigenous youth culture
in the twenty-first century. Bridging communities from disparate
corners of Indian Country and across generations, heavy metal has
touched a collective nerve on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona in
particular. Many cultural leaders—including former Navajo president
Russell Begaye—have begun to recognize heavy metal's ability to
inspire Navajo communities facing chronic challenges such as
poverty, depression, and addiction. Heavy metal music speaks to the
frustrations, fears, trials, and hopes of living in Indian
Country.Rez Metal highlights a seminal moment in Indigenous
heavy metal: when Kyle Felter, lead singer of the Navajo heavy
metal band I Dont Konform, sent a demo tape to Flemming Rasmussen,
the Grammy Award–winning producer of several Metallica albums,
including Master of Puppets. A few months later, Rasmussen,
captivated by the music, flew from Denmark to Window Rock, Arizona,
to meet the band. Through a series of vivid images and interviews
focused on the venues, bands, and fans of the Navajo Nation metal
scene, Rez Metal provides a window into this fascinating
world.