Today we’d like to introduce you to Zed Amarin
Hi Zed, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with music began in Amman, Jordan, where I was drawn to the underground metal scene from a young age. Metal was more than just music—it was an outlet for frustration, a way to push back against the challenges we faced in our society. In the early 2000s, I joined Esodic, a band that quickly became a staple of Jordan’s underground metal scene.
Despite the socio-political difficulties of playing metal in the region, we built a strong following, performing in secret shows and gaining recognition with our first demo, Coverless Truth. One of our biggest moments was competing in The Global Battle of the Bands, where we made it to the finals and won over a huge audience in Jordan.
However, being part of the metal scene in the Middle East came with risks. Shows were frequently canceled or raided, and many of us faced arrests or harassment simply for playing the music we loved. By 2010, the political climate—including the Arab Spring—forced all the band members to relocate across different parts of the world. But we never let go of our vision.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2015, I gathered all our recorded material to mix and master what would become Esodic’s debut EP, Mirrors of Disgrace, released in 2018. Since then, Esodic has been revitalized with a new lineup, and we’ve continued creating music.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist has been navigating the barriers against metal music in the Middle East. In Jordan, countercultural movements like ours were often met with hostility, leading to canceled gigs, arrests, and even the shutting down of the entire metal scene in 2008. The restrictions made it difficult to perform or even practice openly.
Even after relocating to Los Angeles, keeping the band alive despite being geographically separated was another hurdle. Releasing Mirrors of Disgrace was a long and challenging process, as we had to dig through years of old recordings and piece everything together from different parts of the world. However, the passion for our music has always been greater than the challenges we’ve faced.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a drummer, my goal has always been to bring high energy and precision to Esodic’s sound. Our music is heavily influenced by thrash and death metal, but more importantly, it’s a reflection of the struggles and resistance we’ve experienced. Every song we write is a statement—a sonic rebellion against oppression, censorship, and the political chaos we grew up in.
Our latest EP, De Facto De Jure, continues this tradition. The title itself speaks to the contrast between legal systems and reality—a theme that resonates deeply with us given our past experiences. Working with our current lineup, including Michael Nolasco (Guitars/Vocals) and Kevin McCombs (Bass/Vocals), has allowed Esodic to evolve while still staying true to our roots.
Beyond the band, I’ve been involved in various aspects of the music industry, from artist relations to event management, helping connect musicians with opportunities to showcase their art.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from the struggles Esodic has faced, it’s that resilience is everything. Whether it was overcoming censorship in Jordan, dealing with political unrest, or keeping the band alive across different continents, we never let adversity define us. Instead, we found ways to adapt, push forward, and make our voices heard.
Another key lesson is that music is more than entertainment—it’s a powerful force for change. The underground metal movement in the Middle East wasn’t just about playing heavy music; it was about giving a voice to the unheard, creating a space for rebellion, and forging a community in the face of adversity.
Despite the challenges, Esodic is still here, stronger than ever, ready to continue our journey. No matter what obstacles come our way, we’ll keep pushing forward, making the music that defines who we are.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.esodic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esodicofficial?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esodic?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@esodic666?si=4e7ufaE5GhScobQg
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/46XPKhmZCbqaixuDpJsC4S?si=Jng1ktpwTWqGuKGH2RyTBw
Image Credits
-Gilad Rom
-Rudi Yanto
