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Montreal declared heavy metal city of excellence

The Montreal city council has unanimously approved a resolution to recognise the Canadian city’s metal scene, declaring it a “city of excellence in the world of metal music”.

The motion was proposed by councillor Craig Sauvé, an associate member of the executive committee and a metal fan.

The motion was seconded by councillors Sterling Downey and Jocelyn Pauzé, before being put before Montreal’s city council yesterday (Monday 15 April). Prior to the vote, Sauvé played songs from metal artists Cryptopsy, Necrotic Mutation and Despised Icon for his fellow councillors.

“It’s about time to collectively recognise the contribution of Québécois metal music, our local scene and the thousands of people who have contributed to help make our city’s metal scene shine across the world-stage,” writes Sauvé in the motion.

Sauvé declares that Montreal has played a “decisive role” in the development of metal music and that the metal community is an “essential part of the cultural ecosystem” in the city. The councillor also references the “quality” of Québécois metal music and the “vitality of its local scene”.

“It’s an immense thrill to be able to talk about this art form that I love so dearly”

“It’s a good day for our metal community,” posted the councillor, after the motion was passed unanimously by the council.

“It’s an immense thrill to be able to talk about this art form that I love so dearly,” says Sauvé. “We’ve been getting an amazing response around the world.”

Sauvé stated that metal music does not always receive the same amount of respect as other kinds of music, as it is viewed as an “extreme music form”.

“It’s loud, but it can be very quiet and meditative as well,” he says.

Independent opposition councillor Marvin Rotrans proposed an amendment to the motion, raising concerns that some metal music contains violent lyrics or imagery. Council speaker Cathy Wong ruled against the amendment, passing the declaration as written.

 


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