Derev: Combines their Arabic and Armenian heritage with prog…..

Derev - Leap Of Faith

Posted on 19. juli 2021 av Ulf Backstrøm in Nyheter, Snakk // 0 Kommentarer

I have always enjoyed bands that combine different influences in the music, and makes really good music. Derev from Canada combines their Arabic and Armenian heritage with western prog. The album Leap Of Faith Derev was released recently, and this is short but brimming with quality. The music showcases in a very good and fascinating way to blend influence from different culture. As a bonus the music is really good and very listenable and with a fair amount of different sounds and exploring soundscapes.

Derev states our story so far…

Derev is a progressive rock/metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed by the Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian and the Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach. Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.

The plan for what eventually became Derev was in the works since Michel Karakach and Armando Bablanian met in high school while living in Kuwait. At the time, they were unable to pursue the project due to circumstances of living in the Middle East.

After obtaining his dental degree in Syria & immigrating to Canada, Michel joined Armando in Toronto to form the band after an eight-year hiatus, where they met the bassist Liam Horrigan who recently joined the project.

Armando Bablanian (guitarist/songwriter), an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, has been an active musician for over 10 years. His most notable work is with the Canadian metal band “Till I Conquer” with whom he released an EP and 3 singles.

Michel Karakach (drummer/songwriter) has been an active drummer for the past 10 years. He was constantly organizing and playing shows while obtaining his dental degree in Syria. Fortunately for him, he had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and pursue his musical career with Armando Bablanian to bring Derev to life.

Liam Horrigan (bassist) who’s also an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, started his musical career with Ottawa-based act Open Season. He has diversified across instruments, genres, and locations (including performances throughout southern Ontario and the release of an alternative rock solo EP as @t_ii_f).

Tracklist:

1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)

2. Turab (5:15)

3. Futile (8:22)