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Headbangers can count on a massive heavy-metal fix next Friday when Stone Metal Fire starts hammering at the walls of the Thailand Cultural Centre.

"Rock never dies," intones singer and lyricist Pong, and that's certainly true of the tunes that SMF has cranked out since 1993. Rhythmic, tough tracks like "Yom" ("Surrender"), "Nang Maew" ("Cat Woman") and "Pua Ter" ("For You") have found their places in charts and hearts, guitar-hero anthems every one.

They've sold more heavy-metal discs than anyone else in the country, with their self-titled debut still a landmark in local rock history.

"Music trends change, of course," Pong allows, "but rock will always stay.

"This show is for our fans, and also for those who might not be really into heavy-metal music but want to give it a try.

"It's going to be different from our shows in pubs and restaurants," he says. "It will be a full-scale rock concert with no compromise.

"Actually, I don't think our music makes for good background when you're dining or drinking anyway!"

Coming along for a noisy ride is guitar ace Pop from the Sun.

"The coolest thing is that I'll get to play SMF's songs, which I've always liked," says Pop, who's nicknamed "the Ferrari" thanks to his fast and articulate riffing.

"Whether you're an SMF fan or a Sun fan or both," he says, "it's going to be fun and fulfilling."

 YOU SMELL SMOKE?

>> See Stone Metal Fire and Pop next Friday at 8pm at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Small Hall.

 >> Tickets are Bt500 to Bt1,000 at www.ThaiTicket|Major.com.