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Lowen’s latest album, Do Not Go To War With The Demons Of Mazandaran, is an extraordinary fusion of metal and Middle Eastern influences, named after a Persian epic poem spanning 100,000 lines, which delves into history and myth. This ambitious title sets the stage for an album that blends two seemingly divergent worlds—traditional metal elements with Iranian musical instruments and an interesting mix of Farsi and English lyrics. It’s the kind of genre-defying project that, at first glance, might sound like a bizarre experiment. Like a world buffet where nothing fits together—a crude metaphor, sure—but one that reflects my initial hesitation about how well these elements would meld.

However, Lowen pulls off something quite remarkable here. The album is an intricate tapestry of progressive doom that both honors and innovates within the metal genre. Right from the opener, “Corruption on Earth,” you’re hit with a whirlwind of ferocious riffs, reminiscent of peak-era Fear Factory, yet layered with Middle Eastern scales and melodies. There’s an ironclad heaviness in their music that anchors it firmly in the metal world, but the infusion of traditional Iranian instruments and musical sensibilities provides a strikingly unique flavor that elevates the entire experience.

Lead vocalist Nina Saeidi, whose Iranian heritage deeply informs the album, delivers ethereal and mesmerizing vocals. Her voice has a haunting, otherworldly quality that contrasts beautifully with the churning riffs from guitarist Shem Lucas. On tracks like “Waging War Against God,” her clean, soaring vocals rise above the heavy distortion, creating a perfect blend of aggression and beauty. It’s a sonic journey where the ancient meets the modern in an utterly hypnotic way. The interplay between Saeidi’s vocals and the thunderous guitar work creates a tension and release that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

The album’s six tracks traverse ancient themes and modern heaviness in under 38 minutes, managing to evoke complex emotions while maintaining a captivating intensity throughout. Standout tracks like “The Seed That Dreamed of Its Own Creation” send Mastodon-like grooves into a desert mirage, proving that Lowen isn’t just borrowing from the metal playbook, but rewriting it with their own distinctive signature. The fusion of progressive elements with doom-laden atmospheres feels fresh, urgent, and deeply creative.

Do Not Go To War With The Demons Of Mazandaran is a bold statement from a band unafraid to reach for the heights. It’s not just a metal album, but a journey through rich cultural influences that collide in unexpected and exhilarating ways. Lowen has crafted something unique, ambitious, and utterly compelling.

Much recommended for those who crave boundary-pushing metal that explores both ancient myths and modern sounds. Out now on Church Road Records.

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