Living in America, we tend to take things for granted; for instance, “Freedom of Speech,” among many of our other liberties. We seem to forget that there are people in other countries that lack many of the freedoms afforded to us. Take for instance the Iranian metal outfit Ahoora, who just released their aptly named album “Awkward Diary.” In the Middle East, “Westernized” culture is often banned and at times could land an artist in jail or worse. So, in order to keep hope alive, Ahoora has taken to the internet by posting their art on as many social/musical networks as they can. And so far, it’s working. They’ve garnered a following on a global scale including interviews with many music magazines. They’ve literally fought to get their music to the masses.
I cannot classify Ahoora as a strictly “Metal” band. They would be best described as a “Rock” band with “Metal” influences or simply an alternative band. Here’s the reason why: “Awkward Diary” is an album that dives head first into the depths of experimentation, and it very rarely comes up for air. There are simply too many styles heard throughout the album to ever adequately list them all. The album by turns is influenced by acts as varied as Iron Maiden, Tool (at times), Iced Earth and 30 Seconds to Mars (to an extent). There are other influences heard throughout, but again, too many to name. Whether it’s a melodic instrumental segment that switches to a heavy metal-esque tempo or a synth solo then to a jazz solo, there’s a lot to grasp your ears around.
“A.D.” has got it all, and it’s all done amazingly well. As a band, Ahoora frequently shifts gears between Heavy Metal, Groove Metal, Hard Rock, Alternative and Jazz melodic meanderings mixed in with synths and other varied instruments. I know it seems crazy but, they do a great job of putting it all together, and pretty much each song has something interesting and new beyond the last. This is by far the most painstakingly crafted and superbly executed experimental album that has a little of everything. Even the singing is varied. Lead vocalist Ashkan Hadavand impressively shines throughout the album as he switches from growls to ethereal vocals that at times sounds like David Bowie mixed with Jared Leto.
From the very first note of “Masks And Balefires” to the aesthetic closer “Egoless,” “Awkward Diary” is non-stop musical mastery. Even the weaker moments, the few that exist, are still of the highest caliber where this brand of rock is concerned. Please support Ahoora by visiting http://www.ahoora-band.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/ahooraband . Bless Cypher777 a.k.a. C73
