A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Extreme heavy metal and blasphemy in Iran: the case of Confess




AuthorsEckerström, Pasqualina

PublisherSpringer Nature

Publication year2022

Journal: Contemporary Islam

Volume16

First page 115

Last page133

ISSN1872-0218

eISSN1872-0226

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-022-00493-7

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-022-00493-7

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505828729


Abstract

Since the revolution in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has imprisoned musicians, especially punk, hip-hop, and hard rock bands, as well as those playing heavy metal subgenres. Extreme heavy metal artists and fans emerged in the 1990s. The government soon targeted them as Satanists and began a systematic crackdown on metalheads. The metalcore band Confess is the most well-known case. The band was arrested in 2015 on counts of blasphemy, disturbing public opinion through the production of music, participating in interviews with the opposition media and propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, among other charges. The majority of secular countries today do not consider extreme heavy metal to be transgressive. This is not the case in contexts where religious traditions have a significant influence on society. By analysing the narrative of the band Confess, the purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of how Iranian extreme metal musicians resist religious oppression, challenge their government, religious precepts, and social values through their music.


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Funding information in the publication
Open Access funding provided by University of Helsinki including Helsinki University Central Hospital. This research is supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation. Grant 00210278.


Last updated on 09/12/2025 10:39:32 AM