Metal Band/Club

Photo | Samantha Wang

Banding Together Junior Cruz Garcia played an original piece called “2056” with his band, Iron Front, at Arroyo’s Annual Talent Show on February 21 in the cafeteria.

President of metal club describes the in’s and out’s of running a band. By Sarah Amani

Junior Cruz Garcia recalled his first time hearing metal music on the radio. “I was in fourth grade when a commercial came on of Metallica; the song playing in the commercial was the best thing I had ever heard.” Garcis said.

Inspired by his love for metal music, Garcia created the metal club where students come together twice a month to share their mutual interests for metal music; such as through bonding activities and games where the members pick specific songs and discuss the origins of the genres.

As president of the metal club, Garcia is attempting to expose AHS to metal music while gaining exposure for his own band, Iron Front, as well. Metal club is a place where Garcia hopes to make students spark their love for metal music and have a good time connecting and reflecting with the music. As for his band, Iron Front, Garcia performs along with his fellow bandmates in locations such as the Ashkenaz Center in Berkeley to publicize his music as well as having rehearsals at Bandworks in Oakland to practice before they reveal their final product on stage.

Garcia’s experience with metal music from a young age opened his horizons at AHS to allow him to not only further his passion for the music itself, but to also make a successful band of his own as well as improve the quality of his high school experience.

“The impact [of being in metal club] on my high school experience has made me become more social overall,” Garcia said.

However, he is aware of the many negative stereotypes that are often associated with metal music, despite his opposing perceptions and interpretations regarding the music.

“I would tell those who believe the negative stereotypes that they should actually listen to the lyrics,” Garcia said. “Most of it is actually about politics and what people are feeling.”

Junior Vincent Boac has the behind the scenes view of just what it takes to be in Garcia’s shoes because of his position as vice president of the metal club as well as his many visits to Garcia’s concerts.

“You have to be really organized, know what you’re doing, and how to lead the activities efficiently,” Boac said.

Boac also admires the talent it takes to run both a club simultaneously with a band.

“Iron Front is successful because they have good vocals and good rhythm with the guitar as well as a good bassist in the band,” Boac said. Junior Michael Kvashin has experienced first hand what it is like to be in the crowd, watching as Iron Front performs.

“The show lasts around an hour to an hour and a half,” Kvashin said. “It’s very loud and energetic, with lots of lights and even a mosh pit, it’s a really fun time,”

Similarly, Boac enjoys the energy of the Iron Front concerts.

“I love the chaoticness and craziness of it all,” Boac said.

Without hesitation, Garcia, Kvashin and Boac can all agree that with increased representation for Iron Front, their following will grow.

“To get more people, we could advertise more with posters and shout out our instagram page,” Kvashin said.

Based on their current success, Garcia has high expectations for what the future of Iron Front holds.

“My goal for this band is to play more gigs and make a career out of it,” Garcia said. •