By Celine Zeineldine | Staff Writer

We all know the famous heavy metal band Metallica that was formed in 1981. Their worldwide success resulted in the release of 11 albums full of cathartic music. Its current band members are James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo. Since this astonishing band has come such a long way, a Lebanese band has decided to plan a tribute for them. Ӕterna, named after a song from their most recent album, is a Lebanese band of men in their early 20s. In fact, most of its members are AUB students which include: firstly, Youssef Sioufi, the Lead Guitarist and face of the band, a fourth year Business Marketing major; secondly, Amjad Khaddaj, the Bassist, a second year Computer and Communication Engineering major; and thirdly, Ibrahim El Khansa, the Drummer, the Vice President of the AUB Music club and a fourth year Computer Science Engineering major (who I might have a little crush on). Other members of the band include Vocalist Jad Badr, a fourth year Information Technology Management student at LAU, who is also the LAU Music club Vice President, and Rhythm Guitarist Roudy Seukunian, a fresh Physical Education graduate from CIT.

The band has been planning this event since December 2022. That’s more than a year ago! They started practicing regularly, twice a week, and to be more precise, since August of 2023. In my opinion, that shows huge dedication which is deserving of our support. Furthermore, while this tribute might seem like it’s just a fun event, it is far more than that. This is because the members have confirmed that a good portion of the proceeds will go to urgent aid of Palestinian children in Gaza. I highly admire this needed kindness since I also hugely advocate for the rights of Palestinians. And I hope you do too.

The event will take place on the 17^th of February (a Saturday) at Metro Al Madina. It is generously sponsored by various Lebanese accounts such as Lebtivity, LebMusicGear, WeRock, the AUB Music Club, MuseIn Events, and Instruments Clinic. Out of Tune, another Lebanese band that includes Karim Sherry, Mohammad Karaki, Mohammad Hammoud, Rayan Merza, and Sari Ahmadieh, will be opening for Ӕterna. You can buy your presale tickets for $10 from Antoine ticketing and from the AUB Music Club or buy a $15 ticket at the door at Metro Al Madina! I am definitely buying a ticket as soon as possible (you should too). I hope to see you there!