Indigenous metal roars against colonialism and climate change
Indigenous metal bands are creating a loud, defiant soundtrack to their fight against colonialism and environmental destruction, blending heavy riffs with deeply political and cultural themes.
Taylar Dawn Stagner reports for Grist.
In short:
- Indigenous musicians have used heavy metal for decades to address colonial oppression, environmental degradation and cultural resilience, with roots tracing back to bands like XIT in the 1970s.
- Today, bands like Blackbraid and Resistant Culture combine metal with Indigenous traditions, critiquing overconsumption and promoting self-determination while building tight-knit musical communities.
- Indigenous metal is growing globally, with bands from the Navajo Nation to Brazil incorporating native languages and instruments into their music to highlight both local and universal struggles.
Key quote:
"Despite coming from many tribes, communities and countries, the destructive force of colonialism, and the degradation of the environment, is something we all share."
— Taylar Dawn Stagner, journalist and Indigenous affairs fellow
Why this matters:
This isn’t just music; it’s a form of resistance — one that critiques the overconsumption fueling environmental destruction while championing cultural resilience and self-determination. It's a global movement, building community among fans and musicians alike, bound by shared histories of exploitation and a determination to reclaim space.
Read more: Colonialism, the climate crisis and the need to center Indigenous voices.
