Parham Gharavaisi is an artist that we’ve featured a few times now, with his track Divided (I Have Become) particularly grabbing my attention. It’s a metal song that mixes together a sense of heaviness and melody perfectly – why not give it a stream at the end of this interview?!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new song titled Divided (I Have Become), which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the track?
Divided (I Have Become) and its accompanying music video explore the theme of internal conflict and the struggle to find one’s place in a seemingly unwelcoming world. My upcoming album, Ghosts of Nations, emphasises lyrics and guitar solos, with this song’s solo in the middle mirroring the emotions expressed in the lyrics.
Another single was also released (stay tuned for our review!), titled Fatal Wings. What can you tell us about that song? How do you choose your singles?
Fatal Wings is a tribute to the video game Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. As a huge fan of From Software and the Dark Souls series, I was instantly captivated by their new release. The track references the game’s plot, especially its three endings, requiring familiarity with the game for full lyric comprehension. Additionally, I mixed and mastered this track myself.
How has the reception to both tracks been so far, and where can they be purchased?
My music is available on all digital streaming platforms as well as Bandcamp: reav3r.bandcamp.com/
Do you have any more singles planned for release in the near future?
The current plan is to release at least one single on the first Friday of every month.
You’ve released three albums so far. Are there any plans for another album soon?
I have two full-length albums, Ghosts of Nations and Infect the Clouds, scheduled for release on October 14, 2024, and October 14, 2025, respectively. The former addresses mature themes such as societal collapse, domestic abuse, self-harm, suicide, mass shootings, and loss. The latter, a concept album, revolves around hatred and vengeance, featuring a misanthropic villain protagonist. Additionally, I am re-recording a selection of my older songs for a greatest hits compilation and working on a brand-new album titled Versus, I.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up in the next few months?
More singles from my upcoming album Ghosts of Nations will be released monthly.
Your music has an old school metalcore sound. What/who are you most influenced by?
It may come as a surprise, but as a huge video game enthusiast, my greatest influences are actually soundtracks! I’ve recently covered my all-time favorite song, Dirge for the Planet by FireLake from the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl Original Soundtrack. Akira Yamaoka, Olivier Deriviere, and Mick Gordon are among my favorite composers, and I greatly admire their work. My journey into metal began with melodic death metal bands like In Flames and Dark Tranquility. Then, in the mid-2000s, as the metalcore scene was emerging, I found it captivating, and it’s a sound I’ve always sought to emulate.
What is the writing and recording process like?
My music production process typically starts with creating riffs and chord progressions on a classical guitar, which I find most effective, regardless of the musical style I’m pursuing. Once content with the foundational structure, I proceed to record the rhythm guitars, then program the drums. This is followed by adding the lead guitar parts and bass. Subsequently, I either write or refine the lyrics, and then record the vocals. To finalise the track, I incorporate synth and atmospheric components. After a song is completed, I seldom revisit or modify it; in my view, it’s done, and I shift my focus to the next creation.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not at the moment.
Any last words for the fans?
Be kind to animals.