The Kurdish struggle for independence is one that has been fought for generations. Scattered across artificial borders drawn by foreign powers, the Kurdish people form the majority in the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan and remain a significant and oppressed minority in neighboring Turkey, Syria, and Iran. In these regions, Kurdish nationalist movements continue their resistance, fighting for cultural survival, political autonomy, and basic freedoms in the face of systematic repression.
One of those voices of resistance is Qandril, operating from the United States under the name Bastalak. His weapon is not the rifle, but the guitar, yet the intent remains confrontational and uncompromising. In March 2025, Bastalak unleashed its first demo, Blood of Zagros, a release steeped in both fury and mourning, channeling the ancestral struggle of the Kurdish people through fiercely driven Black Metal.
Assisted by drummer Disdain and bassist Amêdi, Qandril presents five tracks that strike a careful balance between aggression and atmosphere. Vocals are delivered partly in English, but predominantly in Kurdish, a deliberate and powerful choice that reinforces the project’s cultural and political roots rather than diluting them for accessibility. The result is a demo that feels deeply personal and ideologically charged without ever slipping into empty sloganeering.
Musically, Blood of Zagros is built on solid foundations. The production is raw yet clear enough to allow the riffs to cut through with conviction, avoiding both over-polished sterility and muddy obscurity. The compositions move confidently between driving, repetitive assaults and more varied structures: moments of relentless blast beats give way to mid-tempo passages and even doomy sections, creating a dynamic flow that keeps the listener engaged throughout the demo’s runtime.
Stylistically, comparisons to bands such as Moonblood, Veles, and Misþyrming are inevitable, particularly in the melodic sensibilities and the balance between chaos and structure. Still, Bastalak does not feel like a mere exercise in imitation. There is a palpable sense of purpose behind these songs, an emotional weight that elevates the material beyond genre conventions.
Blood of Zagros stands as a strong debut and a clear statement of intent. It is Black Metal rooted in identity, resistance, and memory, harsh, defiant, and unyielding. A release that deserves attention not only for its musical quality, but also for the voice it amplifies.
90/100
Bastalak:
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