(self financed) Total Time: Tbc
This review is special for the reason that AHOORA comes from Iran and rock music there is banned and legally persecuted by the state. There is no need for further politico-theological conversation, the only thing that matters is that freedom of expression is suppressed and people can’t develop their personalities as they wish even though they don’t do harm to other people. From the official site of the band we learn how many problems they faced to record their albums, how difficult rock concerts are held (if ever) in Iran – especially with a real singer – and how easily they missed an opportunity to play in a festival in the U.S. since they weren’t permitted to exit the country. Just check it and learn about the band and its impossible history. I can’t imagine how they managed to record this demo anyway. This may seem bizarre in Europe, but it is the tragic reality in Iran. Having this in mind it is easy to reduce the content of this album in just an act of freedom (which it is, but there is also the artistic side), yet I believe that AHOORA wants its music to be listened to, evaluated and enjoyed.
“All In Blood With You” is mostly an atmospheric record with doom vocals. Piano is used in many of the songs and some electronic sounds along with some eastern tunes give a sense of mysticism in the album. Its diversity continues with some outbursts of heavy metal riffing close to that of early Iced Earth (especially in “Out Of Mind Walls”), a band that AHOORA is really fond of since they have covered many of their songs in the past. There is also one great instrumental (“The Journeyman”) and a few deep brutal growls and female vocals pop up in other songs. The production is not of high quality, but what can you ask from a band that recorded in its home made studio with no special knowledge since their city has no proper rock studio? In any case and only from the music side of the story, AHOORA is a band with inspiration, their songs are interesting and well crafted while they seem to move through different styles with ease. They would surely gain a wider recognition if only they were living in a more tolerant society.
It would be unfair to judge AHOORA with the same criteria as with bands coming from Sweden or Canada f.e., where the state pays you to be an artist after they have educated you as one. AHOORA deserves tons of respect and support and millions of wishes to continue with courage and strength.
P.S. Watch the movie picture “Persepolis”. It couldn’t be more related to AHOORA’s story and it will give you a picture of what was happening in Iran the past few decades.
