Chinese Dissident Artist Ai Weiwei to Release a Heavy Metal Album

Heavy metal is often considered a very American and European form of musical rebellion, but the genre isn't relegated to just those geographical regions and cultures. Any self-respecting fan knows that quality metal comes from an array of Far East-born artists, from Chthonic to Gallhamer to Dir En Grey. Now, Ai Weiwei, a Chinese dissident and countercultural artist, has confirmed that he will release a metal album.

According to Animal New York, the album is inspired by his "kidnapping" –which is a matter of conjecture and speculation. Weiwei was detained by the Chinese government and spent 81 days in captivity. While detained, he was asked to sing songs by his guards. Weiwei chose to sing Chinese People's Liberation Army songs and that experience lead to his decision to do something with music upon release. Sounds like he found his metal voice while incarcerated.

The album is on its way and it's called Divina Commedia, which is a reference to Dante's epic poetic work.

Two of the songs on Ai Weiwei's album are dedicated to Chen Guangcheng, the civil rights crusader who escaped incarceration from a Chinese prison while blind and on an injured ankle.