JZ: : First off, I’d like to thank you for all the excellent music that you’re making right now, which reminds me of the first era of iced earth that I’ve grown up listening to and loving, how can you define “Ahoora” briefly when it comes to influences and lineup??

Ahoora: Thanks for the kind words. I think within every record we’ve had some main influences. I think Iced Earth, Nevermore, Death and Black Sabbath have been the main ones throughout these two albums. And about the line up; Ashkan Hadavand on vocals, Mohamad Baei on bass and I, “Milad Tangshir” do the guitar works. Alireza Saeidian was our lead guitar player in our last album but he’s now living in Canada.

JZ: Do you have any favorite Middle Eastern metal bands?

Ahoora: To tell the truth No!

JZ: If you had the chance to jam with 5 musicians of your choice for a day, who would they be?

Ahoora: I’ve never thought about that! Jamming must be different from being with! But let’s say: Matt Bellamy, Jon Schaffer, Tony Iommi, Steven Wilson, and Ronnie james Dio.

JZ: Interesting Lineup, living in the Middle East myself, I’ve heard hundreds of stories about bands not being able to play and facing all sorts of tribulations, what’s your story? What can you tell us about the metal and music scene in Iran?

Ahoora: I guess you know about it all. We’ve had two illegal albums, few devastated gigs and a performed one. And we’ve failed to gain permission to work. There is no scene here in Iran and I guess that’s it for every Middle Eastern band, a little better or worse; also a lot depends on the quality of the musicians too.

JZ: With the recent political changes in Iran, would you say things are changing to the better or the worse? How do you see Iran musically in 10 years from now?

Ahoora: Things have grown worse in these past 4 years. Real worse; about the second part I really don’t know; I hope we wouldn’t be here 10 years from now to witness! But I think Iran as any other third world country needs to grow fast in cultural issues and 10 years won’t do a thing among these countries, which have been stuck by religion for centuries. But I still hope great musicians would show up then.

JZ: What about other types of music, do they face as much problems as other metal bands?

Ahoora: As other metal bands, Yes. No kind of rock is tolerated here. We’re on the level: nobody lives really!

JZ: : You’ve released 3 albums so far and none with a music label, why is that?

Ahoora: We’ve had 2 albums, plus a demo before them both. There is no music company as it is everywhere in the world. And also who wants to put money in something that is not even legal and can bring back no money!! Needless to say, we ain’t got the permission in the first place.

JZ: How can your fans get a hold of your albums in the Middle East?

Ahoora: Our debut album, Ahoora is available via Amazon; you can buy it there online. Also our latest album “All in Blood with You” is available free through KO-Recordings; you can reach it through our official website.

JZ: What are your future plans? Isn’t there anyway you can play outside of Iran?

Ahoora: We’ve had few offers to play at festivals in Us & Europe but we couldn’t exit Iran. Our main target is immigration now. I hope we can exit here as soon as possible.