Release date: November 9, 2024
For years, the independent rap scene in Iran has attracted a large audience. This movement, through its fresh perspective and innovations, has brought significant changes to this musical genre. It ties rap more closely to poetry and literature with greater seriousness and attention, and most importantly, approaches this genre with a uniquely Iranian perspective. These qualities have elevated Persian rap to a higher level, where even listeners of other genres are now drawn to it.
Bahram, known for groundbreaking works like Eshtebah-e Khoob (A Good Mistake) and Khoda-ha (Selves), and Sorena, with albums such as Negar and Gavazn (Deer), have both played key roles in solidifying their positions and influencing Persian rap. Released by Peeleh Publishing, this album features Ashkan Mousavi and Peymandegar as composers, as in their previous projects.
The collaboration between Bahram and Sorena has sparked immense excitement and anticipation among fans, akin to a film where two protagonists—like superheroes—join forces. Fans expect profound, social, metaphorical, and philosophical lyrics from these two, and Khoone Khorshid delivers on these expectations exceptionally well. From the very start, the album clearly demonstrates its respect for its audience.
The album begins with great intensity, showcasing distinct and innovative techniques from the outset. The fast-paced rhythm of the opening track accelerates the listener’s heartbeat, narrating events in a fresh language that vividly paints scenes in the mind. In this collaboration, the rappers neither overshadow one another nor seek dominance but instead complement each other seamlessly.
Each artist brings a unique flavor to this movement. Bahram performs melodic sections with a delicacy that aligns perfectly with the poetry, conveying deep emotions. In contrast, Sorena displays unparalleled technical mastery, delivering rhythmic and rapid flows with precision and control. From the very beginning, both rappers captivate the audience with their brilliant techniques.
In the second half of the track Gorg-o-Mish (Twilight), each artist alternates their flow, building on the other’s ideas and elevating them to new levels. This process is repeated several times with flawless coordination. While these techniques have been heard in Persian rap before, they undoubtedly reach their peak quality here.
The album’s music serves not only as rhythmic backing but also as a means of creating atmosphere. The tracks are both rhythmic and atmospheric, with Ashkan Mousavi and Peymandegar skillfully translating the rappers’ mental landscapes into musical form. The music in this album is fluid and dynamic, constantly shifting and adapting with great flexibility. These characteristics, rarely seen in rap and hip-hop, are now given more attention than ever. The music is precisely structured, following form meticulously and featuring carefully arranged instrumentation. Ashkan Mousavi and Peymandegar have pushed boundaries, crafting compositions that perfectly serve the album’s atmosphere. Additionally, the exceptional mixing and mastering and the harmony of the sounds highlight the high skill of the sound engineer. Ashkan Mousavi had previously demonstrated his expertise in sound engineering on Bahram’s albums.
As the album progresses, its energy and excitement build without losing momentum, aiming to heighten the listener’s emotions. Each track engages in a dialogue with the listener, possessing a unique turning point and spirit—sometimes angry, sometimes melancholic and sorrowful.
The storytelling in the track Sangsar (Stoning) reaches its peak. Sorena begins the narrative with a sorrowful and tragic depiction, imbued with a distinctively Iranian tone that leaves a lasting impression. While reminiscent of Sorena’s previous work, this time it is marked by greater bitterness and pain.
Bahram completes this narrative, painting a scene of justice. The pounding rhythm and meticulous composition create an atmosphere akin to a powerful, epic march, while dramatic string arrangements add to its depth. The music is designed to be cinematic and narrative in itself, creating a visual experience even without imagery.
This album represents a significant milestone for Iranian rap, with each artist demonstrating that they remain on an upward trajectory of growth and progress. This collaboration will undoubtedly be remembered and recognized as one of the defining moments in Persian rap.
