If you go delving deep into the UK black metal underground long enough you will at some point reach TRIVAX. The British-Iranian outfit are a force to be reckoned with, their DIY credentials infused by a passion for justice and equality.
Frontman Shayan fled his native Iran as a young man to avoid persecution and his commitment to music – and black metal in particular – deserves respect and admiration. Live, Trivax make for a compelling watch.
The band’s second album Eloah Burns Out is released in September with pre-orders being taken by our friends at Cvlt Never Dies right here.
The first single from the new album is ‘Azrael’ and we’re delighted to share the video with you here… and what a video it is – enjoy!
Of the new album, the band explain: “Ezraeel (عزرائیل) or also commonly known as “Azrael”, is recognised as the angel of Death across all of the Abrahamic faiths. This is a tribute to the true master of Death, embracing all of its terrifying, yet magnificent attributes.
“The flagellation scene is an inverted take on the Tasu’a and Ashura ceremonies across the Shi’ite Islamic world, which are done in mourning to prophet Mohammad’s third descendant, Imam Hussein. The flagellation ceremony in this visual piece is not one of mourning, but rather, celebration – to the true beauty of Death and what it beholds via intentional acts of suffering.
“In the same way that, in the 90s, Quorthon from Bathory would start to use their viking roots to revolt against Christianity, we are naturally doing the same by embracing our pre-Islamic roots. Of course, this isn’t done in the absence of the wonderful contortion known as Black Metal.”
Formed by guitarist and vocalist Shayan, Trivax began life in the late 2000s in the perhaps unexpected location of Iran, a country whose laws regarding music – and especially black metal – have led to punishment, imprisonment and even death.
Relocating to the UK, Shayan found a like-minded ally in bassist Sully, who had similarly left Syria due to facing imprisonment for his metal associations. Completing this power trio was talented British native M. Croton, a drummer with many years of experience under his belt.
Eloah Burns Out is released on 29 September.
