Metal Asylum
Metal Asylum Volume 2
(Metal Asylum)
Have you ever had a hankering to hear the latest metal tunes from Saudi Arabia? Or sample the latest metal-core or indie-pop sounds coming from the UAE? Then the second and latest Metal Asylum compilation is a must. The latest instalment is a hefty double-CD package of bands who graced the country's biggest and longest running Metal Night held in various Dubai venues. It's a great collection of tunes, dispelling the notion that the UAE is bereft of its own local live music scene. With one CD dedicated to UAE bands and the other towards Middle Eastern-based groups, Volume Two is another well-rounded package of what people are not hearing (and in some cases should be) on our pop-heavy radio stations. Some of the standout of the local batch include Dubai's melodic metal-core Obselion, whose Pictures of Me and the Moon contains some groovy riffs with vocals interchanging from gruff growls to a melodic soar. Midway's Burning Bridges is more thrashy with shouty vocals reminiscent of The Bronx. Ironically, the highlight of this brawny bunch is the Weezer-esque Sandwash, whose poppy track October is an ode to the trials of expat relationships. The second CD also holds some regional gems. Tyrant by Lebanese metal group Benevolent is beautifully broody while at the same time not for the faint-hearted. While Act I from Saudi metal crew A Breeze for the Dying tears at the speakers with squalling guitars and frenetic energy ... one can only wonder where band practice is held.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
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Huroob Ezterari
Director: Ahmed Moussa
Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed
Three stars
Anghami
Started: December 2011
Co-founders: Elie Habib, Eddy Maroun
Based: Beirut and Dubai
Sector: Entertainment
Size: 85 employees
Stage: Series C
Investors: MEVP, du, Mobily, MBC, Samena Capital
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates
The UAE squad for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
The jiu-jitsu men’s team: Faisal Al Ketbi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Yahia Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Obaid Al Nuaimi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Mansoori, Saeed Al Mazroui, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Salem Al Suwaidi, Khalfan Belhol, Saood Al Hammadi.
Women’s team: Mouza Al Shamsi, Wadeema Al Yafei, Reem Al Hashmi, Mahra Al Hanaei, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Hessa Thani, Salwa Al Ali.
