“I was asleep when they broke in… they searched the house, confiscated my belongings. I was taken to a high-security prison, interrogated, and locked in solitary confinement,” recalls Nikan Khosravi, known by his stage name Siyanor when fronting the Tehran-originated Slayer-meets-Lamb of God political groove-thrash act. Nikan was sentenced to fourteen years in prison, plus the punishment of seventy-four lashes, alongside bandmate Arash Ilkhani (aka Chemical), who was sentenced to two years in prison.
For what crime? Blasphemy.
This is the story of Confess – the band who escaped Iranian imprisonment.
“We were an established band in Iran, actively working and present in the music scene. That visibility, and our catalogue which was full of protest songs, were the reasons we were targeted. In 2015, I was jailed for my lyrics and my work…”
Despite their sentences, Nikan and Arash’s passion for heavy music and expression against the Islamic regime proved to be indomitable – “… I first went to Turkey, where I was invited to relocate to Norway under political asylum. Moving here was never my plan – Norway chose me.”
Confess reassembled in the city of Harstad with a righteous fist back in the air on Revenge At All Costs, a biting record with tracks “Hegemony,” “Army of Pigs!,” “Evin,” and the aptly titled “Phoenix Rises.”
Not only has living in Norway allowed Confess to share the stage with the likes of Nile, Batushka, Belphegor, and Ensiferum, their new home has also affected their writing. Nikan clarifies, “I believe your environment affects you, especially as a musician and lyricist. It has an impact on your writing. For me, the state of mind and the experiences I had in the new place I was living in seemed to synchronize with the surroundings and added to the overall darkness of the new album… it definitely had an effect.”
This year, Confess independently released their heaviest endeavor – Destination Addiction, which is beyond pissed, personal, and political. Musically, the most extreme track is “Slaughterhouse,” sounding like a more death metal leaning version of Slipknot.
One can assume this more vicious delivery is thanks to featured drummer George Kollias, known for providing two decades of blast beats in American death metal act Nile. Nikan originally met George in 2023 during a European tour. “We became friends, and we had some great conversations about music. I think it was in Bulgaria when we talked about our plans after the tour, and he expressed interest in working with us on our next project… he had respect for us and we had the same level of respect for him.”
“George is one of the best drummers of all time. We grew up listening to his music… the fact that he’s George Kollias from Nile and playing the songs I wrote on our album was surreal to me.”
In addition to the impeccable drumming and heaviness, Confess‘ message still stabs through, particularly on “Expedition” – “the song was released in support of the Women’s Life Freedom Movement. There are also songs like ‘Only Shackles to Lose’ and ‘After Goliath,’ which are politically charged, empowering the political movement in Iran.“
While metal bands are often dismissed when it comes to political expression, Nikan makes his stance undeniable:
“We’ve always stood with our people, regardless of left or right politics. We don’t care about fitting into any particular movement – we are who we are, and we have our own opinion. We don’t see ourselves as part of any political group; we consider ourselves independent, almost like lone warriors.“
Given their firsthand refugee experience, Confess certainly have strong opinions on the issues of their homeland:
“Religion is one of the reasons, but I don’t believe it is the only reason, why artists are persecuted in Iran. It’s an excuse – a justification that allows those in power to feel superior and suppress those who think differently. The real reason is power. Religion is used as a tool to control people, turning them into a mass that can be easily manipulated by a tyrant to enforce their oppressive and extreme ideology. But it goes beyond religion. The main goal is to maintain power.“
From opener “Built on a Grave” to closer “Breathe In. Breathe Out.”, Nikan’s enraged, lyrical gore are beyond expression; these songs are his ammunition firing back at a country that failed him and his band.
“If the political system were to change in the future and true freedom existed, we would finally be able to express our art and ideas without restrictions. But the problem runs deeper than just politics.
Fundamental changes in mindset and societal structures are necessary. Without that, even if the system changes, any newfound freedom might still be manipulated to serve propaganda.“
This sentiment rings true beyond the niche community of death metal. Nikan explains, “Censorship isn’t just limited to metal music. Any platform that expresses independent thought is a threat to a fragile government. When those in power feel vulnerable, they try to shut down anything that challenges the mainstream narrative.“
“No matter where we are, we always see ourselves as part of the struggle in Iran. We’re Iranians, and we care deeply about our homeland. Our weapon is our music, and through it, we fight.”
Mastered by Alberto De Icaza (Crossfaith, Upon a Burning Body), Destination Addiction is available to stream and purchase on vinyl or CD.
While still competing in the cut-throat industry of extreme music, it’s safe to say that Nikan and Arash have found new life in Confess since immigrating. Collaborating with an influential drummer and playing international shows – it genuinely sounds like a rising, success story.
Unfortunately, not all Iranian metal musicians who seek refugee in Norway are successful.
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