Arsames is an Iranian death metal band based in Mashhad. It was originally formed in 2002 by Ali Madarshahi.[1] Arsames has had many lineup changes; vocalist and first drummer Ali Madarshahi is the only original member remaining.[2] The band took their name from a king of the Persian empire during the Achaemenid dynasty, Arsames.
Arsames | |
|---|---|
 Arsames at Sikkim Metal Fest, India, 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Mashhad, Iran |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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The band plays death metal despite this genre being illegal in Iran and, according to them, considered Satanic by the government.[1][3][4]
History
editArsames was formed in 2002. They recorded their debut single "Adiposere" in 2005 in their home studio. In 2006, they independently released the EP Cyclopia.[5]
In 2007, Malaysian documentary maker Zan Azlee interviewed the band as part of I'm Muslim Too!, a documentary on youth in the Middle East.[6]
In April 2010, the band played at Metal Asylum in Dubai.[7] In November, they played the metal festival Sikkim Fest in India.[1][8] They released their debut album, Immortal Identity, the same year.[9]
In July 2011, Arsames announced that they would release an EP of covers titled Persian Death Metal Tribute to Warriors of Metal through the summer of 2011.[10][11]
Arrest, persecution, and escape
editIn 2017, Madarshahi, Mokari, and Kheradmand were arrested on charges of Satanism and taken to Vakilabad Prison.[12] They were later released on bail and ordered to stop their activities, an order which they did not heed. The Iranian government eventually sentenced the band members to 5 years in prison each. In August 2020, all three escaped from Iran.[13][14] Two members of another Iranian metal band, Confess, had been similarly persecuted and sentenced to prison time before fleeing the country in 2015. They were later granted asylum in Norway.[15]
Band members
editCurrent members
- Ali Madarshahi - vocals
- Saeed Mokari - bass
- Soroush Kheradmand - drums
Former members
- Levik Yeremian - guitar
- Morteza Shahrami - guitar
- Saeed Shariat - drums
- Ahmad Tokalou - guitar
- Hamed "Fetusgrinder" Azizi - vocals
- Hamid Yousefi Faverani - guitar
- Hamid Alizadeh - guitar
- Ali Sanaei - bass
- Rouzbeh Zourchang - bass
Discography
editEPs
- Cyclopia (2006)
- Persian Death Metal Tribute to Warriors of Metal (2011)
Studio albums
- Immortal Identity (2010)
References
edit- ^ a b c "Band braves ban for a blare – Iran metal musicians to rock Gangtok on Sunday", The Telegraph (Kolkata), 20 November 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2011
- ^ Georgina Enzer (25 March 2010). "Arsames: 'We have to stay and fight for it'". Gulfnews. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
- ^ Vince DiMaggio (November 2008). "Arsames Interview" (Digital). MetalStormMag. Retrieved 17 January 2011.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Wilkinson, James (2010) "Iranian metal", Time Out Dubai, 30 March 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2011
- ^ "Los miembros de ARSAMES huyen de Irán al ser sentenciados a 15 años de cárcel" [ARSAMES members flee Iran after being sentenced to 15 years in prison]. hellpress.com (in Spanish). 12 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ Johan, Rizal (28 September 2008). "A zeal for telling people's stories". The Star. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
- ^ "Arsames". jorzine.com. Archived from the original on 14 April 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "ARTIST OF THE MONTH : ECCENTRIC PENDULUM". 11 October 2010. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2011.
- ^ "Arsames - Immortal Identity review". metalstorm.net. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Arsames Posts Teaser For Covers EP, "Persian Death Metal Tribute To Warriors of Metal"". 13 July 2011. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
- ^ "ARSAMES To Release EP Featuring AMON AMARTH, KREATOR, CARCASS, SEPULTURA Covers; Trailer Online". 13 July 2011. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2011.
- ^ "Iranian heavy metal band Arsames flee the country after being sentenced to 15 years in prison". nme.com. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Iranian Metal Band ARSAMES Arrested, Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For "Playing Satanic Music"". metalinjection.net. 1 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison". loudwire.com. 12 August 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ "Iran's Confess Sentenced to 14 1/2 Years in Prison Lashing for Playing Metal". loudwire.com. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 17 August 2020.