In a historic move that reverberated through the desert night, METALLICA broke new ground by gracing Saudi Arabia with its first-ever concert on Thursday, December 14. The heavy metal legends headlined the opening night of the three-day Soundstorm festival in Riyadh, marking a monumental occasion in the kingdom’s evolving music scene.
Unveiling the Setlist
METALLICA’s performance at Soundstorm was nothing short of legendary. The setlist, carefully curated to captivate the diverse audience, showcased the band’s iconic repertoire. From the thunderous “Creeping Death” to the soul-stirring “Nothing Else Matters,” each song resonated through the vast expanse of the festival grounds, creating an atmosphere that will be etched in the memories of fans for years to come.
- Creeping Death
- For Whom The Bell Tolls
- Wherever I May Roam
- The Memory Remains
- Lux Æterna
- Too Far Gone?
- Fade To Black
- Fuel
- Orion
- Nothing Else Matters
- Sad But True
- The Unforgiven
- Seek & Destroy
- One
- Master Of Puppets
- Enter Sandman
Soundstorm: A Festival Extravaganza
Soundstorm, a musical spectacle organized by Saudi music giants MDLBEAST, has become a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 2019. Boasting a sprawling festival site spanning over five and a half million square meters, the event not only offers a sonic feast but also features park life areas with an array of food outlets and street performers. This amalgamation of music and entertainment has rightfully earned its moniker as “the loudest week in Riyadh.”
METALLICA’s Journey in the Middle East
While this marks METALLICA’s first concert in Saudi Arabia, the band’s journey in the Middle East began in 2011 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Park. The reception was nothing short of magical, as drummer Lars Ulrich noted during their 2013 performance in Abu Dhabi. The energy transcended borders, reflecting the changing landscape of music acceptance globally.
Shaping the Future: Emerging Metal Scene in Saudi Arabia
Beyond METALLICA’s groundbreaking performance, the Saudi Arabian metal scene has been making waves of its own. In 2022, Saudi melodic death metal band IMMORTAL PAIN achieved a milestone by becoming the first group to perform heavy metal at a large public event in the kingdom, showcasing the evolving cultural landscape.
In 2019, the grindcore band CREATIVE WASTE played what is believed to be the first public metal concert in Saudi Arabia’s history. The event marked a significant shift, challenging conservative notions and paving the way for a new generation of music enthusiasts.
Perspectives from Saudi Metal Artists
Saudi metal artist Meshari Sangora, known as “Dusk,” sheds light on the burgeoning metal scene in the kingdom. According to him, there has been a metal scene in Saudi Arabia since the late ’90s, with recent establishments like Syrup in Riyadh and The Music Space in Jeddah providing platforms for indie musicians, including metal artists, to express themselves. Social media has played a pivotal role in exposing the genre to a wider audience, indicating a promising future for metal music in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia.
METALLICA’s historic performance at Soundstorm not only signifies a major milestone for the band but also reflects the progressive changes in Saudi Arabia’s music landscape. As the kingdom embraces diverse musical genres, the emergence of local metal bands like IMMORTAL PAIN and CREATIVE WASTE highlights a cultural shift, setting the stage for a vibrant and dynamic future.
