Dear Soulfly,
I recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan. We were in a remote region called Kunar province, where the Taliban influence is still strong. Before I left, my friend Tony and I sent you a Rebab that was made in Afghanistan. Music is not common for many reasons, so we felt fortunate to find this instrument in one of the Afghan stores on our base. It makes me wonder, if music was a little more popular and respected there, how could that change and improve their society? One of our translators told a story of how a girl in that region wanted to go to Kabul to be a singer. But she was killed before she was able to go, I think she was murdered by her own brother, because being a singer made her family ashamed of her. Crazy.

I just wanted to ensure that you received it with our letters. Please let us know if you're able to include it in any of your songs! I would've loved to keep it... but, uh, I can't play the guitar, so hopefully you can put it to good use. And maybe someone in Afghanistan will hear it and spread the music!

that is crazy bro, but inspiring. i hope Max and the boys can find a use for it, out of all the mail they get the story behind this one is different. Killing your sister cause she wants to sing and live her life is beyond me, I would defend family with my life. but I am not one to judge. I only wish that music could do to others what it has done for me. especially Soulfly "dark ages".

Thanks man! "Dark Ages" is defnintely my favorite album (so far)!

This brings up an interesting topic. If you don't mind sharing, what did this album do for you? Some people play music in the background, but I don't think are really inspired by it or care about it (except in materialistic ways, like wanting to look like 50 Cent or something). But I don't know what I'd do without it. It inspires me to be myself, and to be creative. It can take my anger away, or it can give me energy I wouldn't otherwise have. And to know that Soulfly is out there, making the best music with the best intentions rather than being motivated by the wrong things, that makes it even better! I'm curious how the music inspires other fans.

That is an amazing and terrible story. I hope Max is able to hear about and it would be awesome if he is able to use it or possibly even inspire him to write a song of remembrance like Kiowas on an upcoming album.

Soulfly: Tony and I received your response to the rebab - THANK YOU!!! SOULFLY IS AWESOME!!! Can't wait to hear what the rebab sounds like!

SOULFLY TRIBE!!