Confess (band)

The band is known for facing charges in Iran for their music. The band members incur more than 14 years in prison in their country.[1]

Confess
OriginTehran, Iran
Genres
Years active
  • 2010–2015
  • 2018–present
LabelsOpposite Records

Confess is an Iranian heavy metal band.

History

Formed in 2010, the band defines its music as groove, nu metal, NWOAHM and thrash.[2] Their influences are Lamb of God, Slayer, Slipknot, Trivium, DevilDriver, Chimaira.[2]

Band members Nikan "Siyanor" Khosravi and Arash "Chemical" Ilkhani were arrested on 10 November 2015 and held in solitary confinement.[3] At that time, they potentially faced execution after being charged with blasphemy for "writing satanic music and speaking to foreign radio stations". Their second album included tracks entitled "Teh-Hell-Ran" and "I'm Your God Now", which are considered blasphemous by Iran's hardline Islamic government.

The full charges levied against the band reportedly included blasphemy; advertising against the system; forming and running an illegal band and record label "in the satanic metal & rock music style"; writing anti-religious, atheist, political and anarchistic lyrics; and conducting interviews with "forbidden" foreign radio stations.[4]

As of January 2017, according to Raha Bahreini, Amnesty International's Researcher on Iran, no band members were facing execution. However, they may still suffer consequences as a result of Iran's crackdown on freedom of expression.[5] The members petitioned for political asylum in Norway; their petition was granted. Currently, Khosriva and Ilkhani live in Norway; they are not in danger of extradition back to Iran.

On 9 July 2019, the band members were sentenced to 14​1⁄2 years in prison by the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Tehran. For the crime of playing metal, frontman Nikan Khosravi has also been sentenced to 74 lashes.[6]

Nikan and Arash have now both left Iran and are in Norway, where they continue making their music.[7]

Members
  • Nikan "Siyanor" Khosravi: Vocalist / Lead & Bass Guitars (2010–Present)
  • Arash "Chemical" Ilkhani : Bass (2011-2012) / DJ - Sampler (2014 - Present)
  • Erling Malm : Rhythm Guitar [Live Member] (2019 - Present)
  • Roger Tunheim Jakobsen : [Live Member] (2019 - Present)

Former Members
  • "Mr.Master" : DJ / Sampler (2011-2014)
  • "DicTator" : Guitarist (2012-2014) / Touring drummer (2015)
  • Samir "Outsider" Malikoghlou : Recording drummer (2015)

Discography
  • Beginning of Dominion (2012)
  • Back To My Future 2/4 [EP] (2014)
  • In Pursuit of Dreams (2015)
  • Revenge at All Costs (2020)

References
  1. Neilstein, Vince (9 July 2019). "Iranian Metal Band Confess Sentenced to 14 1/2 Years in Prison, 74 Lashes". MetalSucks. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  2. "About". Confess. Retrieved 2019-07-16 – via Facebook.
  3. Hawker, Philippa (22 February 2016). "Iranian metal band Confess reportedly facing execution". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  4. Eleftheriou-Smith, Loulla-Mae (17 February 2016). "Metal band Confess reportedly jailed and facing execution for 'blasphemy' in Iran". The Independent. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  5. Sadurni, Sumy (14 March 2016). "Welcome to Iran, Where Loving Metal Might Get You Killed". Vice. Retrieved 2017-01-23.
  6. Hartmann, Graham (9 July 2019). "Iran's Confess Sentenced to 14+ Years in Prison for Playing Metal". Loudwire. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  7. "Iranian Heavy Metal Band Members Escape to Norway After Receiving Prison Sentences". Center for Human Rights in Iran. 2019-07-30. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
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