We love music as much as we love death –ARSAMES

Formed in 2002 AD, ARSAMES is an Iranian death metal band that sings about Persian history, mythology, folklores and literature. Consequently, the five men band call themselves ‘ancient death metal’. "People tend to quickly forget history, and it is good to remind them time and again," Armin Ghauforian, band manager of Arsames said. The band likes to infuse the essence of ‘extremism’ in their music which they love as much as they love death. Pratik Rimal had the opportunity to know more about the band:



Usually death metal bands name themselves with darker and devilish imagery. Your band's name comes from one of the Persian kings during the Achaemenid dynasty.

Death metal has come to be a broad genre these days and so has the names. Death metal does not just confine to death growl music. Nowadays, it also includes history, mythologies, and literatures. Therefore, it is natural for bands to choose a familiar name, and that is how we chose Arsames. Moreover, our band's name goes well with the lyrics we make, and that counts. However, newer bands are coming, and they are starting to choose awkward names.

Why are you are called as illegal and considered ‘satanic’ by the Iranian government?

We try to wipe out the theme of being called ‘satanic’ because we love and are passionate for music. In a sense, we are illegal because the Iranian government has banned us to promote our albums, or have concerts in Iran. We practice in basements. The government has not just banned us, it has banned every metal band, and sometimes rock bands too, share the brunt. For all these reasons, we travel abroad. Nonetheless, there are many underground heavy metal bands in Iran. Since we cannot promote ourselves from any media in Iran, we go online and connect with other underground metal bands.

Your debut song was ‘Adiposere’ in 2005 A.D. How was the record received in Iran and elsewhere across the world?

We would not like to call it a debut. It was more of a demo song. Nonetheless, it was our first death metal song. Because of the government's ban, we used to share it on MySpace. We now use Facebook to promote our videos and songs. We continue to receive good feedback from our audience.

How do you feel to be called as the Iron Maiden of Iran?

Iron Maiden was our earlier influence, and because of the melody, we were called so. Persia has its own unique melody and we try to use them in our songs. However, nowadays, we are completely death metals.

One of your major themes is of Persian history and mythology. You describe your music as ‘ancient death metal'. Why have you selected Persian history and mythology? How do you define ‘ancient death metal’?

Persia is rich in history, and we have so much to choose from its literature, mythology and folklores. It talks from the early human civilization to everything and anything up to modern age. We share Persian history not just because we are Iranian, but also to share what we know. We are a part of world culture.

In July 2011, you released your album, Persian Death Metal Tribute to Warriors of Metal. How was it received?

It is good to know that since our initial days, we have been receiving good feedback from our audience. The album was an appreciation to all the bands that we have listened, to reach where we are now. Like the demo song, we received good reviews and it was encouraging.

Why do you prioritize Persian history and mythology? By prioritizing it, what do you intend to say?

We are a global citizen, and we all share parts of our history. People tend to forget history quickly, and it is good to recall them time and often. However, yes, we are proud to have our roots from a rich culture.

What are your influences?

Our earlier influences on heavy metals were Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest and various other metal bands.

How did you go into Death metal?

Tape trading culture was very difficult in Iran because we had to hide it from the police. If they caught us, there would be hassles. Our relatives, who lived abroad, would send us tapes, and we would share it. That is how we got into the genre.

Do you have any songs about the Iranian revolution?

We have a lot to talk about apart from our political system, and we do not deal with political themes. That is not our priority. We focus on music and by its help, we try to show a different face of Iran. We are global and just like any other person.

Who plays what instrument?

Morteza Sharami and Ahmad Tokalou are on guitars, Ali Madarshahi on vocals, Saeed Shariat on drums and Saeed Makari on bass guitars.

What is music to Arsames?

Music is more than entertainment for us. It is something that releases you from reality and focus. It also takes you to a different dream, imagination and creativity. It also helps you to meditate, and there is meditation in death metal too. It also has been our asylum. Music has pulled us together and it has been with us in both good and bad times. We have felt close with it and are continually intrigued by its world.

What are your future plans?

We are optimistic to be global, and we will make out. We are also working on our next album, and it will be an eye catchy one.