Ragum is a Cha3biGrind, Maghrebcore, and Diasporic Berberic Death Metal band from the occupied interior of Palestine.
In this new conversation, main songwriter Adi Ouaknin discusses their first release, genocide, and the state of underground music and individual identities under the occupying entity. The message of the band is clear: “Free Palestine! Stop the genocidal, inhumane, killing machine called Zionism and its army.”
Hello Adi, how are you? How is Ragum, and how is life under the occupied entity at the moment? What does Ragum mean, both literally and metaphorically?
Hello Vandal, first of all, thanks for approaching us!
So, Ragum has a few meanings. First of all, in Hebrew, it’s the passive verb of “pelted with stones,” much like the word “Rajoom” in Arabic, which I believe means “a stoning.” It’s also the name of my childhood neighborhood in the north. The name is literally an acronym for Romanians, Georgians, and Moroccans.
For me, Ragum is first and foremost a place to release all the negative stuff I experienced in the 30 years of living here and growing up in a very patriotic, nationalist environment. I would say it’s the most accurate expression of how I feel. Things here in the occupied interior are kinda tense, especially with the recent shitstorm in the “Israeli” metal scene, where we were the main target. In some places, it really feels like that Zionist melting pot is about to explode, but in the hardcore punk community, it feels like we’re all doing our best in these fucked up times.
How did the band come together? How long have you been active in the scene, both with and without Ragum?
Well, Ragum has been active for around three years. It is my “baby” as a project: I had some of the riffs around for more than a decade, and it’s my vision with the best possible partners, whose output is priceless for this band. I met Adham at a punk venue in Haifa; he was new around and had a real fire to play in a band and get to work, just as I was looking to start Ragum.
After scaring most potential drummers with the BPM of the songs, Theo came in and just played everything at twice the speed, adding sick, unique parts that made everything better than I imagined. I’ve been around the metal scene since I was 14. My first “real” band was Tuberculizm, a crossover thrash/streetpunk band in Russian. I also played in a punk rock band called Good Intentions.
Can you tell us about your latest release, Beyouv? What is it focused on, and how have the reactions been so far?
Beyouv is our debut album. The name means “Sewage” in Hebrew, which is how I feel about this society I grew up in—I always had a sense that something wasn’t right. It’s not only about Israeli society, but also about that Western capitalist standard that turns people into sociopaths in their pursuit of wealth.
The lyrics touch on various issues, mostly drawn from my personal experience, ranging from police brutality to military occupation, and how dumb it is that people miss the connection between the two. The reactions have been great, especially from people whose musical taste I really appreciate.
Is the song “Efes Sentiment” related to the Efes in Anatolia?
Haha, unfortunately no. Efes means “zero” in Hebrew. It means we have zero sentiment for any worldview that makes you kill children. I just feel alienated from all these people and their paranoid, schizophrenic ideas. I culturally share more things with any Palestinian than with this European fairy tale they tell themselves.
What’s your favorite track on the record, and why? What is the message of Ragum, and how has the local scene responded to it?
That’s a tough question. I’d say “Efes Snetiment” and “Beyouv,” but I really love it as a whole. “Degel” is the most personal track, I would say.
The message is: be good to each other, don’t watch the news, resist colonization, apartheid, and racism. Free Palestine. Ragum is also a part of me taking responsibility for being a part of this genocidal, inhumane, killing machine called Zionism and its army.
Being based in an occupied city and as a citizen of the occupation entity (please correct me if I’m wrong), how does the socio-political environment influence your music and your political stance?
The socio-political environment here is the reason why I even have the privilege to play heavy music, unlike even Palestinians who hold the same passport as me but live in poverty and discrimination. It ain’t fun listening to people cheer on genocide all day.
Have you faced any backlash or significant challenges due to your firm stance against Zionism and genocide? How do you overcome these challenges?
We are facing a giant shitstorm at the moment started by some small Israeli metal outlets. They’re shocked to find out not only about us, but that punk bands have always criticized Israel and its genocidal intentions. We never wanted anything to do with these people, so I’m not too worried. We are taking reasonable protective measures but nothing too dramatic.
Do you identify yourself as Israeli? If so, why? If not, how do you identify yourself? For example, I prefer to introduce myself as Anatolian. If someone doesn’t know what Anatolia is, it shapes my opinion of them.
There is nothing Israeli about me besides a bunch of paperwork. I really tried coming to terms with “israeliness” and it’s just too unhinged. I see myself first as Maghrebi. I am an African Arab Jew. Israeli identity exists to erase what I am.
What keeps you motivated to make music and fight for your beliefs in such a turbulent political landscape?
Making music and pissing off fascists is why I wake up each day. That’s what keeps me motivated to be a functioning human, basically.
How do you perceive the power of music in terms of its ability to influence and inspire listeners? Can you share any specific instances where your music has made a notable impact on you or a listener, or sparked a fruitful discussion?
It is the most powerful tool I have to share my beliefs and open the eyes of those who wish to see. We’ve already sparked some discussions. I remember asking myself the most important questions through music: Why did N.W.A say “Fuck the police”? Why did Propagandhi say “Fuck Zionism”?
What does the future hold for Palestine, the occupied entity, and Ragum?
The entity will end, sooner than we think. The beast cannot sustain itself anymore—it’s like late-stage rabies before it kills itself from the inside. Palestine will be free, and in doing so, it’s freeing the world with it. In Gaza, we have seen the true face of Zionism and other forms of colonialism. As for Ragum, we hope to play Europe soon enough. We’re also working on our second album, so better stay tuned.
There used to be a lot of anti-zionist bands in the occupied entity, like Sinat Hinnam, Dir Yassin, and Nikmat Olalim. Are these people still active in the scene?
Many of the old-school guys are still around; many left for Europe as well. I believe we will see more anti-zionist bands coming soon in this climate.
How does the underground music scene in your area position itself regarding the ongoing genocide? Which bands would you recommend we follow?
Ragum was regarded as “extreme” even by some punks, but the scene itself is anti-genocide. My personal favorites nowadays are Holocausts, MooM, and Necrogutter. We’ve shared some lists around with lots of bands worth checking out.
What does “Free Palestine” mean to you?
Free Palestine means historical justice and healing for my brothers and sisters who are of this land. It means an end to one of the most evil regimes in human history. It also means that Jews will be free from terrorist ideas like Zionism.
What makes you happy?
Doing good for other people, making music, good food (especially local Palestinian cuisine), and old video games too.
How can people support you and your music?
Bandcamp is great—you can pre-order our cassettes or buy our new merch that’s coming soon. You can also help by sharing our music, reaching out to us, or telling everyone how we are traitors to our country and should be banned.
What are your closing words to the people reading this?
Thanks to everyone for their support, both locally and internationally. We’re grateful for everyone who’s played any part in anything we do. And thank you, brother, for giving me the platform to talk so much—I surely needed that.
Follow Ragum on Bandcamp and Instagram, and find Palestine benefit compilations at this link. Ragum is also part of the Black List compilation of punk and metal bands canceled in Israel by parts of the local music press and metal community, which was mentioned in our interview with Ka’tzon La’tevach.
