“Metal music is considered a crime in Iran. During the years when we were working there, we were hardly able to perform, and even if we succeeded, it was underground and with a lot of stress,” explains the Mashad-originated metalcore band from our interview from a couple years ago.
This is the story of Out of Nowhere – the group who immigrated from Iran to the neighboring country of Turkey.
Now settled in Istanbul, we caught up with Out of Nowhere to dig deeper into their lives and music career since moving. The five-piece admitted immigrating “was a major shift—not just geographically, but mentally, and emotionally. While we respect and appreciate Turkish culture, we wouldn’t say we’ve fully assimilated. We still carry the identity and spirit of where we come from, and honestly, that’s what fuels our music.”
“We’ve connected with a few people in the Turkish metal scene. There’s definitely talent and passion here, but it remains quite underground. As immigrants, it hasn’t been easy to fully integrate, especially when there are language and cultural barriers. Still, we’re pushing forward,” affirmed Out of Nowhere.
While the other Iranian acts we spoke to sought asylum in Norway, that option wasn’t as accessible – “We definitely considered moving to a country with a more established metal scene—places like the US and Germany were on our radar, but when you come from Iran, the path to those destinations isn’t always straightforward. Turkey became our first stop—a place to breathe, reset, and figure out our next steps.”
Since finding home in Turkey, the group have dropped a handful of singles, most recently “Off the Book,” a track about feeling trapped in a system you did not choose. While not overtly political, Out of Nowhere‘s music and lyrics inherently hold the weight of a refugee.
If you’re seeking out a single that best reflects Out of Nowhere‘s experience immigrating, try “Dying Sun,” which the band explains is “a direct reflection of everything we were feeling: anger, fear, confusion, and a strange sense of hope. That track came from a very raw place, and it still feels like the most honest representation of what we were going through at the time.”
There is an inspiring optimism sewn through the lyrics of “Dying Sun”: “I dig my dead memories & throw them away / What hurts now, won’t hurt forever / I’m so powerless, but I decide to fight back / Now or never, my wounded heart beats till my death”. Such resilience also rings out in the music of the other Iranian metal acts we spoke to – Kaaboos and Confess. Out of Nowhere actually was quite inspired with the aforementioned latter band – “we’re familiar with Confess and have a lot of respect for what they’ve done. Their story hit home for many of us in the Iranian metal community—they took real risks and managed to build something for themselves in a more supportive environment.”
Racking in tens of thousands of views on YouTube, their “Deja Vu” single features a santoor – a hammered dulcimer instrument from India. The group added that the track was a “turning point in sound and direction. It blends heaviness with a more cinematic, emotional approach, and really captures the internal conflict of someone who’s haunted by the past while trying to move forward.”
While the now Istanbul-based band are finding their footing in the growing Turkish metal scene, it seems their music will always be influenced by the obstacles, risks, and painful experiences as an Iranian metal band and immigrant.
Regarding the source of the Iranian government’s stance on metal music, Out of Nowhere claims that “they label metal as satanic or dangerous because it doesn’t align with their religious values. But underneath that, it’s really about control. Music like ours—raw, emotional, and questioning—doesn’t fit the system they’re trying to preserve.”
“The younger generation in Iran is incredibly open-minded and hungry for real expression, but as long as the current power structure remains, real acceptance for metal bands isn’t likely. At least, not without major consequences.”
The band will be unveiling a concept album soon with themes of “identity, trauma, isolation, and survival—all shaped by what we’ve been through.”
From what we’ve heard so far, the upcoming material will be right up the alley of modern metal fans, resonating with modern melodies alike Architects or Stone Sour as well as the djent-y side of Periphery.
“It’s heavier and more emotional than anything we’ve done before. We’ve also got a few music videos in the works, and we’re planning some live sessions. Hopefully this year leads us to more live performances and festival appearances. There’s a lot coming.”
If you haven’t yet, learn about the story of the Iranian refugee act Confess and the black metal protest of Kaaboos.