Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
구룡 (gulyong), or Kowloon in English, is the newest band that may belong to the North Korean category, as MetalInjection reports. 구룡 claims to be from Rason, North Korea, which is way up to the northern border of the country where it joins China and Russia. The music is a good example of lo-fi black metal. They have clearly heard black metal before. However, how? The DPRK has a strict policy against foreign media, hence it is unlikely that the state will punish those who make music that disparages Western media. The following is a description of their first EP, “Summon of Baekdu” (baegduui sohwan), which is rendered from Korean as “백두의 소왘”.
This recording took place over a period of six weeks in the Sonbong District of Rason City, North Korea. We used the recording studio during the permitted hours, but there were several interruptions due to equipment and power supply conditions.
All equipment is state-owned, and we handled it in accordance with regulations. Three songs were completed, and all recordings were completed under the same conditions. This album is the sound of our land. Those who will listen will hear. The record exists. That is enough.
Kowloon is an arts group from the Sonbong District of Rason City, North Korea. The group recorded music within a limited timeframe and under limited conditions. All activities were conducted in accordance with regulations, and this album is a document capturing the sentiments and spirit of our land. Kowloon members participate in national cultural projects, and this album was produced as part of those projects.
