Ahoora Continues Its Fight Against Iranian Censorship, Regulations, and Rule
(PRWEB) -- Few countries are as known for their censorship, rules, and regulations than Iran. Ahoora, an Iranian based heavy metal band, has just released their third album, Awkward Diary. The album release not only shows the bands musical talent but is demonstrating to the world the struggles and hardships Iranian musicians are facing.
Every great musician or band has a story to tell. Stories about artists learning to love themselves, about fighting addictions, about beating the nay-sayers and becoming something more than anyone thought was possible. These stories are what make music more than just lyrics and melodies. These stories are what connect the listeners to the music. These stories are what cause those listeners to think and feel. These stories are what cause changes in the world and Radio Submit is helping to bring the world together by helping artists, such as Ahoora, to get their music to radio stations and ultimately, fans around the world.
Ahoora’s story is about struggle and suppression.
The Iranian government is sensitive to the cultural influence of the West into the Middle East and one such easy influence is through music. Iran encourages musicians to explore classical and regional music instead of other genres. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 banned the listening to, playing of, and imitation of all Western style music in Iran. Iranian musicians face tough government sanctioned censorship laws. All concerts and album releases must follow strict requirements and receive government approval through a board. These requirements hinder the development of music other than regionally influenced or classical music, therefore eliminating most genres of music, and suppressing women from pursuing music careers. Playing, much less recording and releasing, music is difficult; most of the time it is impossible.
Ahoora was formed in 2001 by Kiavash Kia and Milad Tangshir in Tehran, Iran. Playing primarily progressive heavy metal, the band originally used Persian lyrics blended with heavy metal music. Over time the band has changed members and currently includes Tangshir, vocalist Ashkan Hadavand, and bassist Mamy Baei. Their sound has also evolved into indie modern rock.
The band’s first official gig happened in May of 2005. It marked the first concert ever in Iran that incorporated heavy metal music and vocals. While the band’s music was eagerly anticipated by excited audience members, the show was canceled after the first night. In 2006, the band released the self titled album, Ahoora. Due to the constraints set by the Iranian government, the band had to independently record and produce the album. The album, despite being outlawed in Iran and still somehow being recorded, was absorbed by an international audience with open arms. The album received rave reviews from foreign fans and opened Ahoora to an entirely new audience and promising opportunities.
The band received notice of their first new opportunity in late 2006. Ahoora was invited to play in Washington, D.C. at the Evergreen Music Festival. Iran’s tough exit laws forced the band to miss the irreplaceable opportunity. The band received more disappointing news in 2007 when the exit laws again forced them to miss another performing opportunity at Metal Camp.
Exit laws were not the only constraint Ahoora faced in 2006. A concert was planned in Iran to celebrate the release of the band’s first album, but the show was canceled by authorities. Ahoora was viewed as a forbidden act. The band was trying to create new music but was not allowed to rehearse, record, or perform. Somehow, they put together a second album, All in Blood with You, and released it in 2007. Like Ahoora, the album was a huge success in foreign markets.
Despite facing adversity, the band released a new album, Awkward Diary, and has received air time over internet and foreign radio. They have struggled against tough Iranian censorship laws and somehow survived.
Currently, the band’s main goal is to get out of Iran. “Our major goal for now is leaving Iran, because in order to survive we must exit Iran and the best way is booking gigs; we need to have this chance to perform outside of Iran, on a free stage,” Tangshir explains. The band has already proved their music is successful enough to be in the music market, but they now need the chance to expand, experiment, and see where they can take their music next.
Ahoora may seem like just another rock band. They may dress and act like just another rock band. But Ahoora faces a different set of limitations than other rock bands. Ahoora is fighting against censorship, rules, and regulations which should eliminate the existence of the band entirely. Ahoora’s story is about struggle and suppression, but it is also about hope and change. Ahoora is the band that brought the world rock from Iran when it wasn’t possible. Ahoora is the band changing the world one song at a time.
Lindsey Bartosh
Roots Music Group
Listen to Ahoora's CD quality tracks today go to http://www.radiosubmit.com/rs/Ahoora/
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