Taking a look at the heavy metal genre of music in Guyana
SOCA, Dancehall and Reggae are musical genres circulating and dominating the Caribbean. With these types, a punchy baseline is the foundation for countless songs. However, there are very few instances of music that glorify loud screaming vocals and bass so heavy it is felt throughout your soul. Heavy metal is a unique genre of music that achieves that very effect. Guyana houses a small group of heavy metal singers. The men and women who are self-proclaimed ‘metal heads’ say that metal is more than shouting; it is a genre dedicated to individuality, and true self-expression, with every note signifying an emotion.

MUSIC AS A FORM OF EXPRESSION
Christopher Ramcharran, known by his stage name, Chris, is a a young Guyanese musician. He has always had a passion for music. He has worked many years on perfecting his melodic vocals. Although his voice is harmonious in his covers of various love songs, Chris loves heavy metal music. As much as an acoustic guitar has its appeal, for Chris, heavy metal is where he feels safe. “A lot of people think heavy metal is something dangerous, but it is just about expressing your emotions. The heavy metal community is a peaceful one.”

Chris shared that he has long struggled to find his place. Growing up, he held an excessive amount of anger. He said that he developed a temper that was explosive, which made him very unpredictable as a young man. However, this anger caused issues in his schooling, and he changed schools several times before he graduated. “I have no idea why I was so angry, but a lot of things used to trigger me,” said Chris. In 2015, just a few years out of high school, a young and still temperamental Chris found a heavy metal band and joined shortly after. This was his first experience with music of any kind. He began exploring genres and instruments. Today, he is a phenomenal guitar player who has had the opportunity to work with and sing for many of Guyana’s biggest artistes. From receiving praise from Kush to looking into recording with big producers in Guyana, Chris’ talent is undeniable.

A LOOK AT THE METAL CULTURE
He is also a champion for his genre. Chris is passionate about all music, with his fans having a particular affinity for his acoustic covers of love songs. Heavy metal remains his first love. He describes the field as a welcoming community without judgment and overflowing with love and talent. “I met a lot of good people in the heavy metal community; some are my brothers from another mother. They taught me so much, even outside of heavy metal, and they are the reason I am a good musician today,” he said.

Chris says being embedded in any musical genre is as significant as culture and tradition. Heavy metal has more customs and norms than most genres. Little is known about the community, but Chris says they could be found everywhere in Guyana; all you have to do is look. “There are plenty of rock and heavy metal bands in Guyana. My band and I used to practise in the Promenade Gardens,” he said. Heavy metal is many things; people are deterred by many aspects of the genre.

Mosh pits are something that people often point out as a flaw in the culture. A mosh pit is something that happens at most heavy metal concerts. “A mosh pit is where people at a concert either run in a circle or we run into each other; it’s all for fun, and no one ever gets hurt,” Chris said. “If you fall down, we just pick you back up.” That’s what heavy metal is all about; picking others up and teaching them to express themselves, Chris shared.