Through various conversations and rumours at punk gigs and the likes, there has long been a discussion of the Sowetan metal scene.

Although, you would have to be there to really experience it.

Now, a new documentary out of South Africa with a focus on breaking stereotypes features the genre of music the Sowetan locals have created: black black metal.

The scene, inspired by the likes of “Misfits. Beatles. Led Zeppelin. The Ramones. Black Sabbath,” harbours a group of people who are not only passionate about punk, rock ‘n roll and heavy metal, but they wholeheartedly embody the movement.

Johannesburg-based production company, Picture Tree, captured the black black metal movement through “candid interviews and excerpts into the local scene, where the kids who are at its forefront welcome the team and us, the audience with open arms to become privy to how these guys rock out,” explains Alexander Lendrum for Be Street.

So who are these guys? From The Daily Beast:

One of the most prominent Black Metal bands from Soweto, Gauging is Demogoroth Satanum. The band was founded by guitarist Brian also known as “Thornum” and drummer Martin who goes by the name “Funeral”. A year later, they released their first demo, “Flesh Viaticum to a Dying God”.

In late 2011, second guitarist, Modiba, known as “Belgaroth” joined the band and together recorded the songs, “Elizabeth Bathory,” “Of Death and Destruction”, and “Deathcrush” in preparation for their sophomore album “True Black”.

Vocalist, Sabelo, known as “Lord Azazel” joined the emerging rock stars in 2012. The band devoted the remainder of the year to solidify their sound and successfully conquer the South African Heavy Metal scene.

In 2013 Demogoroth Satanum recruited their bassist, Thapelo, known as “Thane Bellicose” During this year the band was complete and proceeded to tour South Africa along with bands “All of Eternity” and “Touched by Nausea”.

As 2013 progressed, Demogoroth Satanum began to build and larger fan base and received a positive response at their shows. That spring the band was invited to perform at “The Death Corpse Explosion gig” with several popular acts: “Death Pegasus and Casket”, and “Once again destroyed”. This opportunity granted the band to be featured in an upcoming book exploring Heavy Metal in Africa by Edward Banchs. They continue to follow their passion and dismantling the boundaries placed on marginalised musicians in South Africa.

Here’s the synopsis for the doccie:

In South Africa, rock music is massive… but limited almost exclusively to white communities.

In Soweto, a microscopic punk and metal scene is emerging, demolishing some long-held cultural stereotypes.

This is the new wave of South African rock music.

Watch:

[source:thedailybeast&be-street]