Armaghan Yari has issued the following report on Iran's underground metal scene:

Black Metal In Iran

“There is shadow of silence which is stubbed on every wall, I can’t see meaning of freedom in any mind…” ('Silence' - ARAS)

We bawl you to hear our toxic silence. Come, every black metal music fan. Pass the dark and cold paths; step down from narrow and wet stairs. Here is the underground. I want to introduce you to them. Here is a place for men and women, with bloody eyes, and shaking hands, who scream for us. They create songs in the black metal genre.

Iran, a country with more than 5,000 years of history, full of forgotten cultures, sects, and philosophies, full of unknown emperors and rules, has over 20 black metal underground and unsigned bands. Their musical themes are about freedom, anti-religions, poverty, crime, depression, suicide, and other social problems.

Black metal for them, is not just music, but also philosophy, and a way of life. Unluckily after 8 years of composing music, they haven't been able to release their albums, because of the government. They are in serious danger. At any minute, they may be taken and killed by the government. But they don’t stop composing, and continue this holy way, even to death. Let's protect them, they need you.

Listen to their music, give them your opinions and hopes, and encourage them.

These are are top seven Iranian black metal bands: ARAS (www.aras-band.com), AVINAR, DAMOON, EKOVE EFRITS (http://ekoveefrits.awardspace.com/), NAZHAND (www.blogs.cjb.net/nazhand), SHAB, SORG INNKALLELSE (www.sorginnkallelse.com).