Master of Persia
Iranian folk metal band exiled after persecution for their music.
Master of Persia (Persian: مستر آف پرشیا) is an Iranian band blending progressive death metal with Middle Eastern folk. Formed in Mashhad in 2005 by Meraj Ansari, their sound combines heavy metal with traditional Persian instruments such as the setar, and their lyrics draw on ancient Persian history and culture.
The band was started by Ansari in 2005, and lead vocalist Anahid joined in 2008. Their first single, "Prince of Persia," came out in 2010. In 2011, they released their debut album.
After gaining attention, the band faced severe backlash in Mashhad. Meraj was targeted by local authorities for his involvement in the underground metal scene. Anahid was also in danger due to her involvement in the underground metal scene, which angered local authorities and violated the ban on female vocalists. These threats forced the band into exile, and they relocated to Yerevan, Armenia.
Starting in 2012, they organized concerts in Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Turkey, bringing together bands from Iran and across the Middle East. In 2015, they performed at the “Peace, Love & Rock in the Middle East” festival in Çanakkale alongside Israeli metal band Orphaned Land. That same year, they released the single "Get Up And Fight," followed by "Acid Attack" in 2016, which featured the American band GATH.
- field
- Progressive/death Middle Eastern folk metal
- nationality
- Iranian
- known_for
- Fusing heavy metal with traditional Persian instruments and ancient Persian themes; founding the Persian Rock & Metal Festival
- founded
- 2005
- origin
- Mashhad, Iran
- key_members
- Meraj Ansari (vocals, 2005–present), Anahid (vocals, 2008–present)
Quick Facts
- Years Active
- 2005-present
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The band was established by Meraj Ansari in 2005; lead vocalist Anahid joined in 2008. Their first single, 'Prince of Persia', was released in 2010. In 2011, they released their debut album. After gaining recognition, the band faced severe backlash in Mashhad. Meraj was targeted by local authorities for his involvement in the underground metal scene; Anahid was in danger because her involvement in the underground metal scene drew the ire of local authorities—and was against the ban on female vocalists. The threats forced them into exile, relocating to Yerevan, Armenia.
Reader's Guide
Master of Persia's significance lies in their role as pioneers of Iranian folk metal and as symbols of artistic resistance under repression. Despite facing flogging, imprisonment, and exile, they continued to produce music and founded the Persian Rock & Metal Festival in 2012, hosting it in Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Turkey, bringing together bands from Iran and across the Middle East. Their 2015 performance at the 'Peace, Love & Rock in the Middle East' festival alongside Israeli metal band Orphaned Land highlighted cross-cultural collaboration. Their legacy includes singles like 'Get Up And Fight' (2015) and 'Acid Attack' (2016) featuring American band GATH, and their debut album Older Than History. The band's story underscores the risks faced by underground musicians in Iran and the power of music to transcend borders.
Did You Know?
- Meraj Ansari was targeted by local authorities for his involvement with the band.
- Anahid faced threats due to her role as a female vocalist in the underground metal scene.
- The band organized concerts in Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Turkey after relocating.
- In 2015, they performed at the 'Peace, Love & Rock in the Middle East' festival alongside Israeli metal band Orphaned Land.
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