In this episode of the Native Hope Podcast, we continue the “Rez Metal” discussion, with our guest host, Vikki Eagle and indigenous musician, Thomas Manwell. Thomas is from the Jicarilla Apache Nation and is the founder of the metal festival Alien Fest and a member of “Obsolete.”  As the founder of Alien Fest, Manuel takes a trip down memory lane in this podcast, discussing what it took to create the first show and the inspiration behind it. He wanted to create a space to expose his home community of Dulce, New Mexico, to the genre of heavy metal music. He describes Dulce as a rural environment tailored to country and reggae music—musical diversity was needed. The first festival had a humble beginning but has expanded every year since. The purpose of Alien Fest is to bring the surrounding talent to his people, as well as to provide an inclusive platform for fellow musicians and metal bands. Aside from this, it brings him much fulfillment to see other bands expressing their “emotions” and internal identity. Nowadays, Alien Fest includes other genres and will continue to be open to showcasing other forms of music from all over the country within a drug and alcohol-free environment.