The Kurdish struggle for independence is one that has spanned generations. Fragmented by artificial borders imposed by foreign powers, the Kurdish people form the majority within the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan, while remaining a substantial and often oppressed minority in Turkey, Syria, and Iran. Across these regions, Kurdish nationalist movements continue their resistance, fighting for cultural survival, political self-determination, and basic freedoms in the face of ongoing repression.
One such voice 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 released its first demo, ‘Blood of Zagros’, a work steeped in both rage and mourning, channeling the ancestral struggle of the Kurdish people through fiercely driven Black Metal.
With the assistance of drummer Disdain and bassist Amêdi, Qandril presents five tracks that carefully balance aggression with atmosphere. Vocals are delivered partly in English but predominantly in Kurdish, a deliberate and powerful choice that reinforces the project’s cultural and political grounding rather than softening it for accessibility. The result is a demo that feels intensely personal and ideologically charged without descending into hollow sloganeering.
Musically, ‘Blood of Zagros’ rests on a solid foundation. The production is raw yet sufficiently clear to allow the riffs to cut through with force, steering clear of both over-polished sterility and murky obscurity. The compositions move confidently between driving, repetitive assaults and more varied structures: relentless blast beats give way to mid-tempo passages and even doomy sections, creating a dynamic flow that sustains interest throughout the demo’s runtime.
Stylistic comparisons to bands such as Moonblood, Veles, and Misþyrming are difficult to avoid, particularly in the melodic approach and the balance struck between chaos and structure. Still, Bastalak never feels like a mere act of imitation. There is a strong sense of purpose behind these songs, an emotional gravity that lifts the material beyond established genre conventions.
‘Blood of Zagros’ stands as a powerful debut and a clear declaration of intent. It is Black Metal rooted in identity, resistance, and memory, harsh, defiant, and unyielding. A release worthy of attention not only for its musical strength, but also for the voice it brings forward.
