Znous

A band from Tunisia, active since 2019

Genre: groove; hardcore metal/punk; black metal

In Tunisian slang, "znous" means "species", a derogatory term often used for outcasts and those who deviate from conservative societal standarts. The band has reclaimed this slur to define those who stand up against oppressive norms.

Their music serves as a reaction to the social and political injustices in post-revolutionary Tunisia. Combining sad poetry and angry protest, Znous has ''become the voice of the voiceless'', mentioning suffering, resilience and a relentless fight for freedom in their lyrics.

All Znous merch in Tunisia has been confiscated by the police forces, and after VICE magazine made a documentary about the band, the members received several death threats and accusations of devil worship, forcing them to flee Tunisia. They are now based in France and continue their work.

Their discography is a chronological manifesto titled "Znousland", treating their work like chapters in a history book of resistance. The first album has industrial metal elements. In the second one they start to incorporate more distinct North African melodies, twisting them into something darker. Also the punk influence becomes stronger. The third album feels more experimental, blending traditional mizwad (Tunisian bagpipes) with electronic samples more seamlessly. The fourth album balances the ferocity of death metal with the soulful melodies of Tunisian folk.

Songs that stood out to me:

"Sidi Arbi" - a groovy, stomping rythm. The title serves as a sarcastic salute to the "Arab Masters" (corrupt authorities and religious hypocrites).

"Khoroto" - a cover of a famous reggae song by the Tunisian band Gultrah Sound System. Znous strips away the chill reggae vibe and replaces it with fast and chaotic energy, transforming a song about nonsense into a violent rejection of the status quo.

"Rotzhey Yeladim" - "Children Killers" is one of their most disturbing tracks. The music is mechanical and cold, driven by a suffocating industrial beat.

If you are a fan of the political aggression of System of a Down, the folk-fusion eras of Sepultura and Soulfly, give them a listen.