Ahoora (band)

Ahoora (Persian: آهورا) is an Iranian rock band formed in Tehran in 2001. The band is recognized as one of the pioneers of metal and progressive rock within Iran’s underground music scene, where such genres have faced significant cultural and legal restrictions. Ahoora's sound incorporates elements of heavy metal, progressive rock, and alternative music. Although their work was banned from public distribution in Iran, the band gained international attention through online platforms and was featured on various global rock and metal websites.^[1][2][3]

From left to right: Hadavand, Tangshir.

History

Ahoora performing live in Tehran, 2005. From left to right: Tangshir, Hadavand, Baei, Masoomi, Kia.

Formation and Early Years (2001–2005)

Ahoora was formed in Tehran in 2001 by guitarists Milad Tangshir and Kiavash Kia. Their material featured English-language lyrics and a progressive metal sound that was largely unprecedented in Iran's music scene at the time. In 2004, the band recorded a demo titled The Call of Beneath.

Debut Album: Ahoora (2006)

Ahoora released their self-titled debut album in 2006, independently and outside of Iran’s state-approved distribution channels. Due to restrictions on rock and metal music in Iran, the band had no access to licensed studios or professional production resources. As a result, the album was recorded under limited technical conditions, which affected its sound quality. Despite the lo-fi production, the album was praised for its raw energy and creative ambition, and it gained recognition among underground metal communities abroad. The album was later re-released by Real2Can, appearing on iTunes in 2007 ^[4] and on Amazon by 2008.^[5]

Breakthrough: All in Blood with You (2007)

Ahoora's second album, All in Blood with You, was released in 2007 and marked a transition toward a more polished and refined progressive metal sound. The album received positive reviews from international outlets and continued to gain traction through online distribution. Metal Express Radio described it as “a very intense album” with “great guitar work and vocals.” Tartarean Desire referred to it as “a solid offering from a band that deserves attention,” while Metal Storm highlighted the band's growth in both compositional technique and lyrical maturity.^{[6][7][8][9][10]}

Awkward Diary and Hiatus (2010–present)

In 2010, Ahoora released their third studio album, Awkward Diary, which is considered the band's most musically and thematically mature work. The album showcased a deeper focus on introspective lyrics, dynamic compositions, and progressive structures. The band retained their signature fusion of metal and alternative rock but introduced more atmospheric and experimental elements. DMME.net described the album "a lesson in stylistic restraint set against emotional expression." Rock Pulse described it as "spanning genre and mood to great effect," stating that "Ahoora have created a mature and thoughtful work that certainly warrants its place in the CD collection of adventurous listeners." The album was also featured in a 2011 Classic Rock Magazine round-up, signalling growing international attention.^[11][12]

Later that year, the band released the single This is Your life a cover of a Dio song, as tribute to Ronnie James Dio who passed that year.

Following this release, Ahoora went on an indefinite hiatus, with members gradually relocating abroad. Milad Tangshir later moved to Italy and began a career in filmmaking.^[13][14][15]

Discography

Studio Albums

• Ahoora (2006)
• All in Blood with You (2007)
• Awkward Diary (2010)

Singles

• Crimson Baby (2009)
• Closure (2009)
• This Is Your Life (2010)

Band Members

Current line-up

• Milad Tangshir - guitars (2001–present)
• Ashkan Hadavand - vocals, keyboards (2003–present)

Past members

• Mamy Baei - bass (2005-2011)
• Kiavash Kia - guitars (2001-2005)
• Alireza Saeidian - guitars (2007-2008)
• Farhad Khosroshahian - bass (2004-2005)
• Ali Massomi - drums (2004-2006)
• Ario Noorfardy - drums (2006)