When TarantisT formed in 2000, the band members never could have guessed at the journey that lay ahead of them. Many musicians can call themselves overcoming great resistance and obstacles, but few can say they have entire governments railing against them. Their home of Iran, specifically the capital Tehran, is a hotbed of international, religious, and political turmoil. The majority of the Persian populace calling for more freedom from conservative Islamic oppression dictated by a closed minded and extremely intrusive government. TarantisT is a beacon of a growing rebellion amongst the younger generation, they are the heralds of change that speak to not only the spirit of defiance, but exemplify it in their very existence. Naturally… they are a metal band.

    Their music harkens back to Slayer, Testament and the earlier Metallica, where it is hard and fast, but melodic and smooth as silk. Their slickly composed metal symphonies take the listener on a head banging amusement park ride with darkly uttered lyrics that bring a sense of foreboding and gloom. TarantisT have packed their basement in underground shows in Tehran for years, only recently finding themselves able to make their way into the world’s bright lights. After years of practicing and playing in truly hidden underground locations, the band was able to play the Tehran Music Festival in 2005. When their time came, the authorities refused to let them play “metal.” However, a packed crowd of metalheads protested, giving them the ability to play a truncated set. They won the festival’s Gold Prize by popular demand and the then mayor of Tehran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, awarded them the prize.

    During this time, the band started playing shows outside of Iran in places such as The Netherlands. In 2007, they were invited to perform at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. However, due to visa trouble they missed the festival entirely. In 2008, they were again asked to go. Many trips to the U.S. Embassy in Dubai and $10,000 US later, they missed their gig at South by Southwest. However, they booked shows at famous L.A. venues such as the Whiskey A Go Go and the Viper Room, making the most of their time in the U.S.

    By 2009, they began the odyssey back to South by Southwest. Two of the band members were unable to come to the U.S. because of refusal to serve in the military, which prevents them from getting a passport. So the other members pressed on without them. They finally arrived to play their gig at Club 115 on March 20, 2009. Since that time they have played South by Southwest again in 2010 along with bands such as Motorhead, Cheap Trick, and Stone Temple Pilots. They have also been featured in Metal Hammer Magazine.

    Their second album, Distorted Brains, was released in February of 2010 and was well received by fans old and new. TarantisT is still working hard to gain the sort of notoriety they would certainly have were it not for their oppressive government back home. They are prevented from practicing openly, playing openly, and even playing together outside of their basement. Many bands can say they have faced adversity, however, TarantisT have embraced their love of music and dedicated their lives to rock n roll despite the threat of imprisonment or worse staring them in the face. TarantisT simply stares back, and with a metal grin, yells defiance in the face of authority, the face of oppression, and the face of anyone who says no.