In the United Arab Emirates, a homegrown metal band named Metarust is gaining recognition for its passionate approach to music, drawing heavily from global influences and personal history. Formed by brothers Saif and Samir Sami, along with their longtime friend and bassist Marwan El Messeery, the group recently performed at the Odyssea Rock Fusion Festival in Romania, marking a significant milestone in their evolving career.

The origins of Metarust trace back to the brothers’ early childhood, shaped by a musical household where 1980s and 1990s pop and rock played regularly. Saif and Samir credit their parents for nurturing their interest in music with early guitar and drum lessons, noting that both brothers showed an unusual comfort on stage even at a young age. Their initial exposure was broad, ranging from classic rock bands like Scorpions to pop artists such as Michael Jackson, reflecting a diverse soundscape that influenced their development.

Marwan’s introduction of Metallica’s music into the mix proved pivotal. While Saif briefly stepped away from guitar, Marwan’s enthusiasm inspired him to return and hone his skills on the electric guitar, solidifying the trio’s dynamic and dedication to heavy metal. The band’s name, Metarust, originated from a chemistry quiz about rust that Saif had to face on the same day the band attended a Metallica concert in Abu Dhabi—a show that reignited their commitment to the genre and to each other.

Balancing academic pressures and artistic ambitions posed challenges for the group, particularly in a region where a career in metal or punk rock often raises questions about financial stability. Saif’s brief enrollment in business school and eventual shift to studying sound and music production at SAE Institute underscored this tension. Both brothers found in formal education a language and structure that complemented their creative pursuits, with Samir joining later and similarly embracing music production.

Metarust’s debut single, “Killing Me Psycho,” released in 2019, emerged from an impulsive session but quickly resonated with listeners. Despite Saif’s initial reservations about its simplicity compared to other tracks, the song gained traction and became a defining entry point for the band’s growing fan base.

Although the UAE metal scene remains somewhat underground, Metarust’s members assert it is vibrant and expanding for those willing to seek it out. They describe metal as more than just a genre—it is a core part of their identity, influencing how they express themselves and connect with others. As Metarust continues its journey, the band exemplifies how passion and perseverance can cultivate a distinctive voice within the region’s diverse musical landscape.