Formed back in 2017, the headbanging duo Anoushbard was founded and started writing their own music. In 2020 they dropped their debut record Mithra which was well-received globally, and in 2023 they perfected their trade with the release of their second record that you should totally check Abandoned Treasure. And today, we’re gonna have a chat with them and dig deeper into their history and sound
Welcome to Rock Era Magazine guys, really looking forward to talking with you after my mind was blown by Abandoned Treasure.
- I can’t help to start with a classic question, what’s the meaning of Anoushbard? And what’s the story behind it being the band’s name?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): Anoushbard is an old Persian name, it means a place that you will be forgotten forever, The main concept comes from a historical event in pre Islamic era of our country. There was a Political prison during the Sasanid era called Anoushbard. The prisoners had not been killed by authority, they had been kept until they die because most of the prisoners from noble families or High ranks. Actually we found it very conceptual for a Metal band who really likes their culture and history.
- You have a diverse sound, what are your main influences?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): There are many bands that I really love them but I guess Swedish Metal band Opeth has a strong influence on Me.
- I’ve heard some Iranian bands and you guys have a heavy scene, how do you guys manage to form bands and proceed with such a career throughout all the restrictions? And what are the challenges facing Iranian bands in general?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): I have to say it’s really hard, People are really reluctant to listening to Metal, it’s not their taste so as a band you have to put it in your mind that a fewer people might follow you or listen to your music, Because there is no permission for having concert you don’t have any income from Metal Music. Although there are lots of restriction in our country but you can find good metal band in Iran. Hoping for one day be seen in the world.
- Your debut record Mithra received many plays and reviews from all around the world, can you tell us more about its sound and influences? And how different is it from Abandoned Treasure?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): It was our first experience, We didn’t expect to be seen. We were much more Death Metal in that album but in Abandoned Treasure we tried to have clean and harsh vocal in the same ratio and sound a little bit softer than previous album. But I guess we continue the same concept. Focusing on our Myths, Tales and historical stories.
- Listening to Abandoned Treasure shows your skill in mixing your heritage and culture with your metal influences. Can you tell us about your writing process in general?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): Actually I really like history and reading book in that genre, Most of the Idea comes from the books that I have read. Then I try to tell a story about it with feelings and picturing that scenes. After that we working on appropriate rhythm for that and so on …
- Digging deeper into Abandoned Treasure, it feels like a well-connected record, especially the 1st three songs. Will you tell us if there’s a concept behind it? And were there specific influences for the record’s writing?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): That’s right, What we tried to say in first three songs is an old story about The allegorical journey of a man called Ardaviraf through the afterlife in his dream. Ardaviraf was a devout Zoroastrian who was chosen for this adventurous mission. This story predates Dente’s divine comedy for several centuries.
- What song out of your catalog do you think describes your sound the most?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): I guess the whole Album
- What are your post- Abandoned Treasure plans?
Sherwin(Guitar/Vocal): Well, working on our third album also we are trying to have concert in some European countries.
Thanks for having us in your interview.
