Confess kom med ny skive tidligere i år, jeg tok en prat med Nikan. Bandet er iransk/norsk og består av folk som har flyktet fra Irans regime, og som fortsatt tenker og kjenner på frykten.

Takk til Tom Brumpton for hjelp. Bandbilder er tatt av Arash Taheri.

I et tidligere intervju kan du lese mer om fortiden til medlemmene, klikk HER.

Om skiva: «Destination Addiction is set to land at a critical point in human history. Given the escalating conflicts across the middle east and between Ukraine and Russia, Confess’ intention with Destination Addiction is to ask the question What happens when you’ve survived things that no-one should have to? Too often this question ends in dismal fashion, be it suicide, substance abuse, declining mental health, or worse.»

So, weIcome back to Heavymetal.no, are you enjoying life here in Norway?

«Norway has become a second home for me—though the journey hasn’t been without challenges. What I appreciate most is the creative freedom I’ve gained here. I’ve become part of communities that understand and value the voice of artists with difficult pasts. That validation alone makes life feel meaningful here.»

Relocation

Harstad, still the town of choice? And if so, what is Harstad ^ls pros and cons?

«I’ve actually moved on from Harstad. Now I’m based in Oslo, where there are more opportunities for collaboration and live shows. Harstad was a peaceful place to start over, and I’m grateful for that. But Oslo offers a wider platform—more energy, more people, more artistic stimulation. I needed that change to grow.»

Unease and risk

Iran an interview back some years, where we dwelled on your situation coming from Iran and where prison and lashes awaited you if you ever came back to your homeland. What’s the status? Do you feel unsafe, do you look over your shoulder, or can you relax 100%?

«I’d be lying if I said I never think about the risks. The past doesn’t just fade, especially when it’s tied to regimes like the one in Iran. But I’ve learned to balance vigilance with peace. I channel that unease into my work—turning fear into fire. While I feel safer in Europe, I carry the awareness with me always.»

The endless chase

New album, ‘Destination Addiction’, the title, some words to explain it?

«The title speaks to that endless chase— whether it’s success, escape, love, or healing. It’s about the psychological cycle of needing the next thing to feel whole, and how sometimes we break ourselves in that pursuit. The concept was born from personal scars, but it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt lost in the hustle of survival.»

Lyrics are of importance for Confess, but do you think people listening to your album will get your message? A lot of metal bands have dark, political lyrics, perhaps without having any personal experiences to support them, that’s why I feel it’s important to interview bands like Confess, get the message out so people can grasp some of the stuff you front.

«I think it depends on the listener. Some just want the energy, others dig into the words.

But those who’ve faced darkness will feel it immediately—because it’s real. I don’t write fiction. These aren’t metaphors; they’re echoes of what I’ve lived. So even if someone doesn’t know the full story, the emotional truth still cuts through.»

What kind of feedback have you been getting since last time? That was in . . . 2021 ? Is it easier to get gigs, reviews, interviews?

«There’s definitely more recognition now, especially after our tours with Nile and Belphegor. Those experiences opened doors and introduced us to new audiences who didn’t just see us as that band from Iran, but as a serious force in the scene. Media attention and interviews have grown, but we’re still grinding, still proving ourselves.

Who I Am

And now, with the second album with a heavy political focus, and with your personal experiences as a foundation, do you ever think you can escape this aspect? To release something not politically based?

«Maybe. But I don’t think of it as a political identity—it’s just who I am. I could write about anything, but I’ve lived through too much to pretend the world is fine. If I write a non-political album someday, it’ll still have raw truth in it. That’s the part I’ll never escape. And honestly, I don’t want to.

StiII a core of two members, with hired guns to complete the lineup, this is correct? And if so, is it difficult to obtain steady members? Or do you feel comfortable solving the situation this way?

«Actually, things have evolved quite a bit. We now have more of a steady lineup. The guys we’re working with—Hawk, Jo, and Leo—have been with us for the past 2-3 years, and we’ve toured extensively together. It’s starting to feel more like a real band than just a project with session players.

We don’t want to put any rigid labels on it, but as long as we all share the same mindset, we keep moving forward together. They’re great dudes and fantastic musicians, and hopefully this lineup sticks around for a long time. The chemistry is real, and that’s what matters most.»

Thanks a lot for your time, good luck with your album, promoting it, and future endeavours. Any final words, here is a perfect place to write whatever, hate, love, anger:

«To everyone fighting their own silent war: keep pushing. Whether it’s the system, the past, or your mind—you’re not alone. Music saved me more times than I can count, and maybe it’ll save you too. Confess is more than a band; it’s a voice for survival. Thanks for listening—and keep raising yours.»