Queens of Steel: Rock, Metal, and Our Support for the Palestinian Struggle

For almost twenty years, at Queens of Steel, we not only write about music but also about the struggles, ideals, and challenges that inspire and move us. Over this time, we have faced many criticisms when we publish political content, especially when addressing the issue of Palestine. We have been told that we get too involved, that these issues are “too far away,” or that they do not belong in the world of rock and metal. And, of course, we have also faced attacks from those who defend Zionist positions, who find it offensive that we consistently show support for the Palestinian cause. However, for us, there is no contradiction: rock and metal are genres born from nonconformity, from resistance. As such, Queens of Steel is a political webzine committed to global struggles for justice, equality, and human dignity.

For us, solidarity with Palestine is not a superficial stance, but a statement of principles. We face a context where the state of Israel acts in a genocidal manner, through a system of apartheid and repression that subjects the Palestinian population to constant structural violence. What is happening in Palestine is not just a crisis; it is a clear example of colonialism and occupation. Supporting the Palestinian cause is consistent with the values of rebellion and resistance that are part of the essence of rock and metal.

Rock, Metal, and Social Commitment

Rock and metal have always been deeply political and countercultural genres. Since their inception, rock has been associated with rebellion and denouncing abuses of power, from resistance against wars to civil rights movements. Throughout the history of these scenes, artists of all generations have found in music a means to question power structures and resist oppression. At Queens of Steel, we continue that tradition, convinced that political commitment is fundamental to the identity of rock and metal.

For us, music has never been neutral, which is why we approach the Palestinian cause with the conviction that art has a political responsibility. Metal bands like Sepultura, System of a Down, or Napalm Death have denounced wars and injustices in their lyrics, becoming references of cultural resistance. In their themes, many of these bands address issues of human rights, war conflicts, and exploitation, thus joining a tradition of artists who, from rock and metal, reject neutrality in the face of injustices.

Palestine and the Art of Resistance

The struggle in Palestine is one of the most prolonged humanitarian crises in modern history, marked by occupation, blockade, and constant violence that affects every aspect of daily life. However, despite these obstacles, the Palestinian people have found in art a means to express themselves, to denounce, and to keep the spirit of resistance alive. Palestinian rock and metal represent this struggle through sounds and lyrics filled with pain, anger, and hope.

Palestinian bands like Khalas or Mawt face unimaginable restrictions: limited access to equipment and studios, difficulties in moving, and the threat of repression. Despite everything, they continue to make music that tells their story, denounces, and demands justice. By including their struggle in our pages, Queens of Steel joins this demand for freedom and dignity for Palestine, and we carry this cause in every article we publish.

The Political Perspective at Queens of Steel

Since our inception as a webzine, at Queens of Steel, we have maintained an editorial line that goes beyond album reviews and interviews. We are interested in making visible how rock and metal are tools of resistance and change, and we believe these genres must reflect the struggles of those who listen to them and find a shared voice. In this sense, speaking about the Palestinian situation is part of our commitment as a medium, and we know that each article and each mention can help generate awareness and solidarity.

For us, metal and rock represent the «intersectionality of resistance»: a borderless resistance, united with global struggles for justice and peace. At Queens of Steel, the Palestinian cause is part of this commitment, of a global ethic of support for people facing oppression and violations of their rights, regardless of their origin or geographical distance.

The Palestinian Struggle in the Context of International Rock and Metal

Support for the Palestinian people is not an isolated phenomenon in the world of rock and metal. Internationally renowned artists have shown solidarity and spoken openly about the injustices suffered by Palestinians. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd has been one of the most active defenders of the Palestinian cause and the BDS movement (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions), and for years has actively promoted solidarity with Palestine through cultural pressure. Metal artists, such as Serj Tankian of System of a Down, have used their music and platform to express their support for Palestinians and condemn the occupation and violence.

For Queens of Steel, these examples are fundamental and inspire us to continue speaking and writing about Palestine. They remind us that, like these artists, we have a responsibility for justice and human dignity. As a webzine, we want each article to be a contribution to the cause of freedom, and we believe that Palestine is part of a global commitment to human rights.

The Identity of Queens of Steel: More than Music, a Collective Struggle

At Queens of Steel, the goal is not just to cover the rock and metal scene, but to create a community committed to the values of resistance, justice, and solidarity. We understand that art is not separate from the realities of those who produce and consume it, and that means rock and metal must reflect those struggles visibly and clearly. We are interested in connecting music with social and political causes to remind everyone that art and resistance are not alien worlds; on the contrary, they nourish each other.

Supporting the Palestinian cause and giving it space in our webzine is a way to express that rock and metal, in their most authentic form, are an active resistance against global injustices. Thus, Queens of Steel is a space where the ideas and voices of those seeking a fairer world free from oppression converge. By including Palestine as one of our struggles, we join a history of cultural resistance that is as old as rock itself.

The Future of Queens of Steel: Amplifying Voices and Resistance

Our commitment at Queens of Steel is to continue using the power of rock and metal to make visible and amplify struggles like that of Palestine. We want our webzine to be a space where resistance is heard as loudly as guitar riffs, a space of learning and solidarity where art and justice meet and strengthen each other.

In conclusion, at Queens of Steel, solidarity with Palestine is not a superficial stance, but part of our DNA. We are aware that many people would prefer music and politics not to mix, but in our view, rock and metal are not just music: they are a form of resistance and a struggle. Because rock and metal, when they are true, have always been more than noise: they have been cries for freedom.