Southeast Desert Metal is an Australian Aboriginal heavy metal band who have released a number of albums. They have also had a documentary made about them.
They are described as the most isolated touring bands in the world.
Background South East Desert Metal was formed in 2013 and they have their own take on classic heavy metal.The Metal Archives - Southeast Desert Metal The group comes from the remote Aboriginal community of Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa) and are a self-proclaimed 'family band'.ABC, 6 Jul 2021 - Southeast Desert Metal make big riffs for a big country - Lochlan Watt
The band is led by Chris Wallace. In his family background, his uncles played country music. However AC/DC, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath was his preference.ABC News, Sun 11 Jul 2021 - 'Most isolated touring band in the world' celebrating Arrernte culture through metal music They also list their inspiration as being inspired by Metallica and Judas Priest.
The original lineup included vocalist Cedric Ross. He left the group at some stage. The band also had Derek Hayes on bass but he was replaced by Garry Bird sometime around 2018. As of December 2018, the band was made up of Chris Wallace on lead vocals and guitar, Gavin Hayes on guitar, Robert Wallace (Chris' nephew) on drums, and Gary Bird on bass.The Guardian, Sun 9 Dec 2018 - ‘That warrior sound’: the band fusing power metal with politics in remote Australia - Nathan Dunne
Career The group released their self-titled album in 2015.Blunt, September 23, 2020 - Meet Southeast Desert Metal, the world’s most isolated metal band
In December 2018, their third album Break The Silence was released.The Guardian, Sun 9 Dec 2018 - ‘That warrior sound’: the band fusing power metal with politics in remote Australia - Nathan Dunne
The group was the subject of the documentary, Desert Metal Dreaming which was released in 2021. It was referred to as the "unexpected spiritual cross section of heavy metal and the cultural history of Indigenous Australia".The Rockpit, 8 July 2021 - Southeast Desert Metal drop new documentary video for “Desert Metal Dreaming”
It was reported by Scenezine on 8 July 2021 that the group had completed their album at Black Wreath studio in Alice Springs. It was due for release that year.Scenezine, July 8, 2021 - “My guitar is my spear!” Desert Metal Dreaming Out Now On ABC iView
It was reported by NME on 6 July 2022 that Southeast Desert Metal had released their version of the Midnight Oil song "Beds Are Burning" that day. The chorus of the song was sung in Arrernte language.NME, 6th July 2022 - Music News, Southeast Desert Metal share cover of Midnight Oil’s ‘Beds Are Burning’ with chorus sung in Arrernte language By David James Young
Supported by acts Run and Primitive, SouthEast Desert Metal appeared at the Bendigo Hotel in Collingwood on 5 October 2023. They performed their classic "Desert Metal". They received a positive review by Metal Roos.Metal Roos, 7 October 2023 - GIG REVIEW: Southeast Desert Metal supported by Primitive, Run, Melbourne October 5th 2023
Discography Southeast Desert Metal (2015) Break the Silence (2018)
Members Current line-up Chris Wallace — lead vocals, guitar (2013-present) Gavin Hayes — guitar (2013-present) Gary Bird — bass (2018-present) Robert Wallace — drums (2013-present)
Former members Cedric Ross — vocals (2013-?) Derek Hayes — bass (2013-2018)
References
External links Discogs - Southeast Desert Metal TheBlackWreathTV channel, Sep 4, 2015 - Southeast Desert Metal - EAGLE (Official Video) TheBlackWreathTV channel, Nov 7, 2018 - Southeast Desert Metal - BREAK THE SILENCE (Official Video)