Exclusive Interview with Sina of the Blackhearts Film / From The Vastland Part II

Exclusive Interview with Sina of the Blackhearts Film / From The Vastland Part II by R.G.B. Robb— In part one of this series, vocalist/guitarist/mastermind of the black metal group From The Vastland—and one of the subjects of the Blackhearts documentary—Sina, spoke about what it was like being a musician in Iran, where recording and performing heavy metal music is frowned upon, though not illegal per se. In this final part, we will find out where the opposition for metal music truly comes from, and how his life has changed since moving to Norway, along with what the future holds. Sina had spoken of how other metal musicians in Iran would be fined, imprisoned, and have their equipment destroyed when playing concerts. When it comes to the rationale of this restrictiveness, he answers clearly and emphatically. “Many [of the restrictions] come from Islam, and you can’t talk negatively about Islam. We’re born and raised in a country where we are just Muslims, without even having the chance to choose if you want to have religion or not. Islam is completely against music—or at least, that’s what they say. The supreme leader and the religious groups are against music because they say it is ‘the source of sin.’ When it comes to metal music, it’s even more complicated because they just don’t call it ‘Western Music,’ they also call it ‘the Devil’s music,’ and say that it’s blasphemy.” Of course, metal is one of the most passionate forms of music out there and Sina believes that it’s this emotional intensity which has caused the virulent opposition. “Music is strong. Generally, art in any form—but specifically music—is a really strong language. And when you’re talking about passionate music like heavy metal, it breaks down all the lines. So they are afraid of that kind of stuff. Using religion, they can control people. But if you can open people’s minds and talk about this spiritualistic stuff, this is why they are afraid.” When he was finally able to escape the religious clutches of his homeland, Sina spoke of the vast differences, and culture shock in his new home. “It’s like a different world. When I first came to play a show here [in Norway] in 2013, the Inferno Festival, I couldn’t believe it. Just imagine, when I came here, not just the welcoming I got from the metal community, but I was, for the first time after all those years, being active in the metal scene without fear. When I came to Norway I felt like a real musician. When I went to the record label to sign the contracts and release my album, I was like ‘Wow, everything is official here.’ They had an office, you can go meet people, talk to them, they listen to your music and you sign a contract. I couldn’t believe it, because for more than 30 years, I was living in a completely different situation: you feel like you are a criminal, just for being a musician. Back in Iran, you always have to hide it. You don’t want to talk about it, you never say ‘I am a black metal musician.’ But here, in Norway, it’s a completely different world. People respect you because you are a musician. They see you as an artist.” It was these massive changes that helped spur him to release more music. “After the show at Inferno, I continued working with my Norwegian friends, the musicians. They became my band members. In 2014 when I came back to stay, I released another album—and it was really successful here—and then another E.P., the Blackhearts E.P. that I wrote especially for the film which was released in 2015, and September 2016 I released my newest album that I worked with my Norwegian band members. Since being in Norway, I’ve become super-active.” As much as he loves his new home, Sina admits that he still keeps tabs on Iran and the music scene there. “Iranians love music because it’s in our culture. Whenever I talk to young musicians in Iran, and they ask me ‘We have a band, what should we do?’ I just tell them ‘Follow your dreams. Everything is possible. Don’t give up. You can make it if you want.’” For the final question, I had to know his feelings on what he believes will happen in Iran, and what he thinks the future will look like when it comes to the releasing of heavy metal music in the open. “I’m sure that sooner or later, the government will have to release these boundaries, and give some freedom to the artists. There are hundreds of musicians, and people like them because it is such a part of our culture. They are going to have to do it.” Blackhearts was officially released on January 27th, 2017. Though the stories of the other two subjects cannot be understated, watching the journey of Sina and the triumph of the human spirit to overcome immense obstacles in pursuit of your passion is truly inspiring, and reason enough to go check it out immediately. Link to Part I of the interview: Official From The Vastland page: Official Blackhearts page: