THE BEAST

Before the international headlines, before the prison sentence, and before the world realized just how dangerous metal could be in certain parts of the world— we had them on the show .

Back in 2014, I had the chance to interview Nikan "Siyanor" Kasraie of the Iranian metal band Confess on my radio show, Metal Devastation Radio . At the time, they had just dropped a killer new EP titled Back to My Future , featuring remastered tracks from their earlier work and a bold, aggressive cover of Slipknot's “Sulfur.”

👉 Listen to the full interview here

What we didn’t know at the time—or maybe just felt in the air—was that things were about to take a dark turn. Not long after this interview aired, Nikan and bandmate Arash "Chemical" Ilkhani were arrested by the Iranian government for “blasphemy,” “advertising against the system,” and “conducting an underground Satanic metal band.” They were thrown into solitary confinement in Tehran’s Evin Prison and eventually sentenced to over 14 years in prison and 74 lashes .

We’re not saying the interview is why they got arrested… but the timing sure is close. 🤐

A Metal Band Behind Bars

In the interview, Siyanor dives into the roots of Confess, which was formed in 2009 as a vehicle to push boundaries and confront the system. He spoke candidly about the impossibility of playing live shows in Iran due to heavy governmental restrictions and the risks they took just to make and share music.

Highlights from the Interview:

🎙️ 0:39 – Talk about the new EP Back to My Future and that Slipknot cover

🧨 1:58 – Siyanor explains how Confess got started and the obstacles they’ve faced

🤘 6:56 – Influences like Slayer, Slipknot, and more

🚫 7:42 – The harsh reality of being a metal musician in Iran

🎭 15:40 – The significance behind the name “Confess” and their focus on social issues

💻 18:42 – Where fans can find their music online

🙏 20:51 – Gratitude for both fans and critics alike

What stands out most in retrospect is Siyanor ’s clarity and defiance. Despite knowing the dangers, he continued to speak out through music. At the end of the interview, he even recorded a custom station tag for Metal Devastation Radio—pure class and dedication to the scene.

Aftermath & Legacy

Confess eventually fled Iran, with Siyanor later rebuilding the band from exile in Norway. Today, they continue to release hard-hitting metal that challenges authoritarianism and celebrates the raw power of freedom and expression.

This interview remains a powerful time capsule—one last moment of relative calm before chaos struck.

🖤 Throwback to one of the most intense interviews we’ve ever done. Watch it, share it, and never forget what these guys endured just for playing metal.