When heavy metal was a "danger to the state": CNSAS reveals how the Security Service monitored young rockers

In the context of the Metallica concert at the National Arena, CNSAS reminds that, in 37 years, the communist regime banned Western music, and young metalheads from Iași were monitored by the Securitate. In 1989, some metal student were targeted for the courage to stand out, being considered 'infected' by Western influences.

The regime promoted folk music and 'light music', while musical currents such as rock and heavy metal were viewed with suspicion. CNSAS mentions that the Securitate documented the activities of a student organization called 'Aspida', which gathered young rock music enthusiasts, influenced by television stations from the USSR. The communist authorities initiated surveillance measures, including infiltrating metal groups. Although the Securitate tried to control this movement, they were unable to complete the investigations before the fall of the regime in December 1989.