Chicago-based metal mavens, Marazene, have been recruited to perform in "Second Life," which is a bizarre "Matrix"-style social interactive virtual world.

"Second Life" currently has more than 7.2 million "virtual residents" from the real world, who log in for free and use downloadable free software (www.secondlife.com) to create a second "life," where they can build virtual homes, establish virtual businesses -- and even take classes to learn more about "living" in the "Second Life" world.

Now, "virtual headbangers" also can enjoy "virtual concerts" by "virtual versions" of real-world bands such as Marazene

The Chicago group's virtual performance is scheduled for 9 p.m. on June 21 with an "encore" performance at 6 p.m. on June 22.

According to the band, their "virtual performance" will consist of Marazene original music performed by band members represented by computer-animated "avatars."

The process is said to be similar to video games such as "Grand Theft Auto" or "Resident Evil," only entirely unscripted and taking place within a real-time "virtual venue" of "virtual friends/fans/spectators" from around the real world.

Essentially, real-world participants will log in and move about as their avatar selves and participate in the performance as in any other real-world concert.

While other bands previously have performed in "Second Life," Marazene is the first nationally touring metal band to make the jump into virtual performance.

"We're proud to be representing the metal community and Chicago in this new avenue of entertainment," said multi-instrumentalist and Marazene cofounder DieTrich Thrall.

"This is the first significant performance of this kind in this medium and the first for the metal genre, and it puts us in the position of beating to the punch our peers in the metal community."

"Marazene are a testament to all of the bands out there that do everything themselves," said Sara Ballenger of the San Francisco-based "Second Life" in a prepared statement.

"They understand what is needed to get their music heard in this new age of music distribution. New options are emerging every day and 'Second Life' is one of the most exciting."

She said artists now can import real photos or music into "Second Life" and have a "virtual gallery" to see, hear -- and sell -- their works.

There are even "Second Life" newspapers dedicated solely to the cyber world's happenings.

Ballenger discovered Marazene online via the band's page on Myspace.com (www.myspace.com/marazene), where she listened to songs from its self-released debut album, "MachiNation."

Marazene has been promoting the album heavily on the road, supporting major metal groups like Mushroomhead, Deadstar Assembly and others since the album's release last June.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at beatboss@aol.com.