Background

In the first of 2021，I took part in the group of the Heavy metal Rural tour,  Collaborated with artists, lawyers, documentary directors, and bands in the “Fight Heavy Metal Pollution” initiative.  After i brought my Led investigations in four regions and conducted heavy metal investigations in four regions, addressing pollution linked to clean energy, improper waste disposal, and Migratory Bird Deaths.

To facilitate better filming and in-depth investigation, I purchased a new iPhone and a drone through installment payments. Fully equipped, I embarked alone into various severely polluted villages and regions, initiating a long and arduous investigative journey.

This investigation was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but driven by a profound concern for environmental protection and deep worry about heavy metal pollution. I chose this path because I knew that only by experiencing and documenting firsthand could I truly uncover the hidden truths and amplify the suppressed voices.

With my new equipment, I ventured deep into each polluted village. There, alongside local residents, I breathed the air polluted by prominent corporations, consumed vegetables already contaminated by heavy metals, and witnessed firsthand the daily poisoning inflicted by heavy metal pollution. Using my humble iPhone, I recorded the living conditions and heartfelt stories of villagers affected by contamination, while also testing polluted farmlands and wastelands. These images and data not only provided rich material for subsequent music compositions but also exposed a stark and shocking reality of heavy metal pollution to the public.

Throughout the investigation, I often felt deeply shaken and heartbroken by the profound impact of pollution. Following extensive research and efforts to improve the situation, I faced minimal success against powerful corporations and state-owned enterprises, frequently encountering resistance from local authorities. The true torment was not external threats but rather the sense of helplessness. I repeatedly questioned the worthiness of my efforts—perhaps the need for someone on the ground to reveal the truth, as often local residents remain unaware of the severe contamination of their lands.

During this journey, it was the fireflies and other life forms that provided solace amid the heaviness of the environment. After each session of environmental research, I found refuge in capturing macro photographs of fireflies and other insects, finding solace in the darkness that nourished me with renewed strength.

The purpose of this deep investigation is not solely to document and expose but to spur societal awareness and discourse on these issues through tangible actions. It is my hope that these authentic records will awaken greater awareness of heavy metal pollution and foster a renewed commitment to environmental protection.

–Ping Lei

Heavy Metal Rural Tour 2021 — “Heavy Metal Summer”

China’s rural areas are suffering from the silent crisis of heavy metal pollution, leading to alarming realities like children with elevated blood lead levels and the emergence of “cancer villages.” However, the hidden nature of this pollution and the suppression of information make it difficult for the public to grasp the full extent of these issues. To unveil these overlooked environmental disasters, we initiated the “Heavy Metal Rural Tour 2021.”

Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted in-depth investigations into 11 villages plagued by heavy metal contamination. We meticulously documented the details of the pollution and the villagers’ hardships. Following our research, we invited musicians to create songs based on these findings, which were compiled into an album titled *Heavy Metal for Blessings*. This album will be performed by heavy metal bands during tours in these affected villages. Through the power of music, exhibitions, and talks, we aim to reveal the truth about heavy metal pollution, raise public awareness, and drive efforts to address these urgent environmental challenges.