The Court of Appeal in Norway has rejected the final appeal of Iranian black metal musician Atash (who performs under the project name Kaaboos), leaving him with no further legal recourse. He now faces imminent deportation to Iran, where he is at grave risk of torture and prosecution due to his music and activism.

Atash’s case highlights the severe persecution faced by artists in Iran who challenge the regime’s oppressive laws. Heavy metal music is considered blasphemous and forbidden, with those associated with it facing severe punishment, including imprisonment and even death.

Atash’s situation is particularly precarious due to his public profile. He has openly protested against the Iranian government, including a performance outside the Iranian embassy in Oslo in 2023. “My face is all over the internet,” Atash stated in a previous appeal to the Norwegian government. “Upon return to Iran my life would be in great danger due to the recognition I have received from the governmental people, also known as Basij.”

In addition to his music and activism, Atash faces compulsory military service in Iran, which he has been absent from since leaving the country. This absence, combined with his artistic expression and public protests, makes his return to Iran a near-certainty of imprisonment and further persecution. He previously expressed concerns about facing execution.

“I beg you to spare my parents the thought of losing a son,” Atash pleaded in his letter to the Norwegian government.

Atash’s music project, Kaaboos (کابوس), which translates to “Nightmare” in Farsi/Persian, uses black metal as a vehicle to express his experiences and challenge the oppressive environment he fled. His music reflects the struggles against religious and dictatorial oppression in Iran. His latest album, “Anti-Cosmic Rebellion”, is available digitally, with physical versions to follow in 2025. Two videos from his performance outside the Iranian embassy in Oslo, “Wrath of Gods” and a Taake cover, are available online. “Wrath of Gods” was  featured as Metal Hammer UK’s track of the week.

Listen to “Anti-Cosmic Rebellion”:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ioi-80FWIWE?si=CqTpV8uLXsraAcld
Bandcamp: https://kaaboos.bandcamp.com/album/anti-cosmic-rebellion
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7yqaCC0OjNXVcj4qefZtqW

Kaaboos online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaaboos.atash/
Bandcamp: https://kaaboos.bandcamp.com/

Iblis Manifestations online:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/iblismanifestationspodcast
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Kaaboos, a one-man Iranian black metal project, is facing deportation from Norway. Due to cultural differences and the genre’s association with anti-religious sentiment, Atash, the sole member of Kaaboos, fears for his life if he is forced to return to Iran.

Donations are welcome here

Omid, known by his stage name “Atash,” fled Iran in 2019 seeking refuge in Norway, known for its deep black metal history. He envisioned Norway as a place where he could freely express himself musically and delve deeper into the genre’s spiritual and empowering aspects.

However, in response to his music and antitheocratic stance under the Kaaboos moniker, Atash faced threats from certain groups. Fearing for his safety, he sought asylum in Norway.

After four years of residing in Norway, the Norwegian Immigration offices (UDI & UNE) rejected Atash’s asylum claim and issued a deportation order. The decision disregards the potential dangers Atash faces upon returning to Iran.

Heavy metal, punk, and rock are deemed blasphemous and illegal in Iran. Participation in such music can lead to severe punishment, imprisonment, or even death.

Atash has a chance to appeal the decision, but legal representation comes at a steep cost. His lawyer requires a total of €17,000, of which Atash has already exhausted €6,000. Currently unemployed due to his asylum seeker status, Atash is struggling to cover basic necessities, let alone the remaining legal fees.

Atash has launched a fundraiser to raise the necessary funds for his legal battle. He pleads with the black metal community and anyone who values artistic freedom to donate and help him fight for his right to remain in Norway. Donate here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/urgent-fundraiser-for-metal-refugee

Message from Atash:

Kaaboos previously released two videos from his performance in front of the Iranian Embassy in Oslo, Norway: Wrath of Gods & a Taake cover. 

Most recently, “Wrath of Gods” was selected among Metal Hammer UK’s tracks of the week.

Kaaboos (کابوس) which stands for Nightmare in Farsi/Persian, hails from Iran, but currently residing in Norway. Main man ‘Atash’, whose name translates to ‘Fire’, left his home country of Iran and sought refuge in Norway, the true home of black metal, in order to freely express himself via this unique and versatile subculture, away from the religious and dictatorial oppression of the Middle Eastern country.

Kaaboos online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaaboos.atash/
Bandcamp: https://kaaboos.bandcamp.com/

Iblis Manifestations online:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/iblismanifestationspodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iblismanifestations/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IblisManifestations/