Interview
1. Cru cru PARHAM GHARAVAISI, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. First and foremost what got you into music?
My very first encounter with music was through playing video games as a little kid and immersing myself in their soundtracks. It wasn't long after that I was introduced to the metal genre, and I've been captivated ever since by both its soundscape and philosophy. Even back then, I had a strong desire to create my own songs. In fact, some of the previously unreleased lyrics I've included in my anthology book date back well over a decade.
2. What's "Mirror's Gaze" and why does it feel as evil as Voldmort or Sauron?
I guess the ominous vibe of the artwork might be a factor; it looks like it's straight out of a cosmic horror movie. Additionally, my generally dark outlook might have inadvertently bled through the lyrics, even though I didn't specifically intend for that in this particular song. This single is quite introspective. If you're looking for a villain protagonist more evil than Sauron and Voldemort combined, you'll have to wait until 2025 for my concept album titled Infect the Clouds to be released. I think you're going to love the plot of that one.
3. What's your top 3 death metal albums of all time?
That's an incredibly difficult question! My answer might change depending on the day, but right now, I'd have to choose these three albums, in no particular order: In Flames' Come Clarity, Dark Tranquillity's Damage Done, and Insomnium's One for Sorrow. Every song on each of these records is an absolute masterpiece, without a doubt.
4. What’s the best advice you ever gave?
You know the famous quote, "I learn from the mistakes of people who took my advice?" Well, that somewhat applies to me. I can't say with complete confidence that I'm the best person to look up to or take advice from. However, way back before 2014, I was a strong advocate for blockchain technology, believing it to be a revolutionary force that would reshape the world one day. While that day hasn't fully arrived yet, I still firmly believe it will come. At the time, no one really heeded my advice to learn about blockchain, but I can see now that many wish they had.
5. How is your experience as an indie artist going?
Alright, I guess. I don't really have a specific frame of reference to compare, but I can only hope that my music finds its niche and resonates with people whose interests align with mine. After all, that's the most any artist can hope for, isn't it?
6. Who was playing on your headphones when you were growing up?
Soundtracks, lots of different video game music at the beginning. Even though I had listened to Metallica and Iron Maiden beforehand, I distinctly remember Nightwish as being one of my gateway bands to metal as a whole. Other than In Flames and Dark Tranquillity, which I've already mentioned as being on all the time, I also used to listen to a lot of Gothic Metal & Death-Doom for a while and loved bands like Paradise Lost and Draconian.
7. Who's your favorite artist from the metalcore scene?
This one has to go to As I Lay Dying, but it's a close call. I'm deeply passionate about old-school metalcore and absolutely adore it. There have been so many legendary bands, especially during the early days when metalcore was just beginning to gain recognition as a genre. Of course, Killswitch Engage and All That Remains are also staples of the metalcore genre. But one band that I particularly loved back in the day is Darkest Hour; their record Undoing Ruin is one of the best I've ever listened to. I must also give honorable mentions to Bullet for My Valentine, Trivium, and Parkway Drive.
8. Do you consider yourself a music - nerd?
When it comes to music, I wouldn't consider myself so, but I'm definitely a massive video game nerd. I've been playing nonstop for as long as I can remember, some say I even learned to play games before I learned to walk! Currently, my focus is on competitive shooters, but I used to play a lot of action RPGs. Some of my all-time favorite video games are Dark Souls II, NieR: Automata, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, Deus Ex, and Parasite Eve, all of which have inspired songs I've written. In fact, I have an entire album dedicated to video games, aptly titled The Video Game Album. If you're a fan of any of these games, you should definitely check it out.
9. What movie makes you feel the most evil?
This one's an easy pick for me, though it's not a movie but an anime: hands down, Death Note. Light Yagami is my all-time favorite villain protagonist. I have yet to encounter such pure, irredeemable evil in any other main character, whether in a movie, game, or any other medium. His character is exceptionally well-written, and his arc is so believable that it resonates deeply with me. There's not a sliver of good in Light! While some interpret the story as a classic case of corruption by power, I have a different perspective. I view it through the eyes of Light as evil incarnate. The power of the Death Note simply granted him the means to enact the desires he always harbored.
10. Do you agree with the Pigeon?
I wouldn't ask that question to a contrarian who often has trouble agreeing with himself. Just saying...
Review
Mirror's Gaze wastes no time in crushing me with strident guitar lines and furious riffs that join the epic battle accompanied by explosive drums at full gallop. In this mirror reigns a macabre mysterious atmosphere that is displayed through an exquisite string production with textures that remind us of complex fantasy worlds. Last but not least, it would be a crime not to mention the performance that takes place behind the microphone in which the vocalist's screams seem to come from the pit of death in a dark solitary prison. Although they are extremely abrasive, Parham Gharavaisi have an enviable melodic core capable of bewitching even the most skeptical fans of Middle Earth.
The Pigeon added the new single to his Weekly Gems playlist on Spotify. You can check out the released music below. If you like what you hear, make sure to follow along so you can stay on top of future releases!
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
This coverage was created via Musosoup