WaylouN fuse Persian roots with thrash, death, and groove metal, channeling alienation, rage, and resistance. Through masks, raw sound, and bold messages, they push boundaries from Iran’s underground to the world.
1. WaylouN
means “wanderer” in Persian. What does this concept of wandering represent
for you personally and musically, and how does it tie into the themes of your
albums?
For
us, wandering is the natural state of being in today’s chaotic world. Humanity
is lost in transition, always caught between one thing and another, a liminal
state. Personally and musically, we exist in that in-between, never fully
belonging anywhere. That sense of dislocation and constant searching is the
foundation of our imagery, our sound, and the themes that run through WaylouN.
2. You’ve
blended thrash, death, and groove metal with Iranian cultural elements like the
Tombak. How do you approach fusing traditional instruments with such aggressive
styles of metal?
We never
saw it as a gimmick, it was natural. We wanted a certain drum sound for our
music, and the Tombak already had it. Since most of our rhythms carry an
eastern feel, Tombak simply belonged. Almost every song we write includes it,
because it completes the voice of WaylouN and reminds listeners that we are
Persian, even when we’re playing Western metal.
3. The
masks and anonymity have become a strong part of your artistic identity. Was
this more about rejecting societal norms, or about focusing on the message of
your music?
Both. Masks
are our way of stripping away distractions and putting the focus where it
should be; the music and the message. At the same time, our mask is a shield
against the toxicity of society, a way to reject human corruption and all the
noise that surrounds us. Censorship and safety (due to how metal is viewed by
the Iranian government) also play a role, but they’re not the main reason. The
masks are a statement in themselves.
4. Your
new single “Democracy is a Lie” introduces bassist Amir
Ali Manteghi, a veteran of the underground scene. How has his arrival changed
the energy and sound of WaylouN?
Amir Ali
brought with him a heavy playing style that instantly gave our sound more
depth. He literally added a new frequency to our bass lines, which made the
music heavier and more layered. His reputation in the scene is valuable, but
more importantly, his unique style and appearance fits WaylouN perfectly. And
since we do all our recording, production, mixing, and mastering ourselves,
having that raw low-end power at the source made a huge difference.
5. Shelterless
Rage, your second album, feels heavier and darker than your debut. How do
you see this record as an evolution from your first release?
Our debut
laid the foundation, but Shelterless Rage dives deeper into human struggles;
alienation, rage, corruption, and resistance. Every record is a step in our
evolution toward the sound we want. Musically, it’s heavier and darker, and
lyrically it confronts the same chaos we face every day, but from a more
sharpened and focused perspective.
6. Your
slogan “It’s alright to f*cking fail!” challenges the obsession with
perfection. How does this philosophy influence the way you write, record, and
perform music?
For us,
perfection means embracing failure as part of growth. Every mistake leads to
something new. If we obsessed over being flawless like everyone else, WaylouN
wouldn’t exist. Our music is raw and human, and we accept the cracks in it
because they are part of its truth.
7. The
lyrics in your songs often confront alienation, rage, and resistance. How much
of this is drawn from your personal struggles living as metal artists in Iran?
Our lyrics
come from personal experience; the things we live through every day. Of course,
restrictions in Iran shape part of that reality, especially when it comes to
music and art, but our lyrics are not just about Iran. They reflect a broader
human struggle. Alienation and rage are universal, and metal is the language
that best matches the way we think and feel.
8. Your
AI-generated music video “Failing Gods” was nominated for an
international award. How do you balance technology like AI with your raw,
human-driven music?
For us, AI
is just another tool, no different than an instrument or a DAW plugin. Living
in Iran, we face heavy restrictions on filming and major financial obstacles.
AI gave us the chance to bring our ideas to life when traditional means weren’t
possible (and still isn't for us). At the same time, the core of WaylouN will
always be human and raw. Technology helps us get past barriers, but it doesn’t
replace who we are.
9. Performing
heavy music in Iran’s underground scene comes with unique challenges. What does
it mean for you to carry metal forward in such a difficult environment?
We’ve never
made music only for Iran. WaylouN’s voice is for the world. The real challenge
is getting that voice heard beyond borders. Unlike most countries, metal bands
here attract the attention of religious fanatics and risk being labeled
“satanic”, which (depending on the situation) could be a major hindrance in
advertising the band and music.
10. Looking
ahead, what do you want WaylouN to achieve with your music—both inside Iran and
on the global stage?
Even though
we’re not a political band, We hope for change, for a more human, less unjust
world. If someone out there feels crushed by the weight of life and finds no
hope, and then listens to WaylouN and realizes they’re not alone, that’s the
real achievement. On a global scale, we want our music to cross borders and
hopefully connect with anyone who shares that struggle.
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