Armenians Rock Out at the Knitting Factory (Spring 07)

by Anahit Khachatryan

The night of April 24 at the Knitting Factory became both a memorable and successful benefit for the new Hrant Dink Memorial.

Local underground Armenian bands such as Medagh, Onesidezero, Vokee, Red Snow and the Mercenaries (now known as Twenty Four Black) came together to recognize and commemorate, in their own way, the loss of loved ones from the genocide.

The concert was also a tribute to the Armenian culture and history.

Although these bands are strictly singing in the genre of rock, heavy metal, and alternative, they have each adopted an infamous Armenian song and incorporated it to their modern artistic styles.

For example, Vokee not only sang “Hye Kacher” in Armenian, but debuted their new song, called “Visions,” which is specifically about Ararat and Masis.

The Mercenaries and Red Snow also left quite an impression on the crowd by reinventing the “rock” version of “Hisoon Tari.”

In its entirety, the night was a complete success with an enthusiastic and worked up crowd matched only by the performances.

It is important to note that although these bands have their own styles, they are still staying true to their culture by doing their part.

That these local underground artists are able to reach the souls of not only those who appreciate good music, but to all age groups of the Armenian Community is quite an admirable feat.