New York Times

I'm thrilled to announce a story in today's New York Times, an article entitled A Scorpion From Iraq Trying to Sting in America. Its a review of a gig earlier this week, the first official show by Acrassicauda, Iraq's heavy metal band, now living as refugees in the US and whose upcoming EP I produced. It'll be released March 9th.

Times music writer Ben Ratliff, who is equally comfortable reviewing jazz and metal (my kind of guy), did a wonderful job reviewing the show and telling the story of my involvement with the band.

A couple small additions: it was actually a very socially aware friend, Nettie Hartsock, who first told me about the film "Heavy Metal In Baghdad." My parents had mentioned hearing of the film on NPR when I'd mentioned it to them. My point in relaying this story was that people like my parents, up on current events and politics, NPR listeners etc...had heard of the band, but not many metal fans or media organizations. I was determined to help change that. Also, I still play with the band Testament, as well as being 'once' of the band. Finally, there is a significance to the end of the story. When I said "Welcome to America," it was not only fitting for the moment, but that's also what James Hetfield wrote on the back of the ESP Guitar he handed to the band, which made it funnier to us. I might have forgotten to explain that to Ben backstage at the gig.

I want to thank Mr. Ratliff for this article. It's been an amazing experience working with this band and I'm honored to be sharing a story with them in the New York Times.