Last month in Austin, Cuban metal band Escape played their first ever show in America. Much like the Iraqi metal band Acrassicauda in Heavy Metal in Baghdad, Escape was a metal band imprisoned by their country. Having grown up with metal influences despite hardships (access to instruments, practice space, social acceptance etc.), the members of Escape persevered, and with the help of independent movement UnBlock the Rock, were able to bring the band to SXSW on March 15.
Now the band are looking to play a few more shows in New York City, including Hells Kitchen club Tobacco Road on April 27th. To do that, they need some donations, and are offering a pretty cool download in exchange. The Red Album, which is available at unblocktherock.com, is a compilation album featuring not only Escape, but some of the acts that helped get the band to America in the first place, including Testament’s Alex Skolnick. Among the other bands appearing on the album are Black Tusk, Supersuckers, Eyehategod, Arson Anthem, and the Alex Skolnick Trio. You an pick the album up here. Proceeds will go not just to flying the band to New York, but also to feed them once they’re there. They’re seeking $2,000.
