Doomed Confessionary: Mohammad Maki (Shivered)
Shivered is a gothic doom metal band founded in 2015 by Iranian guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Mohammad Maki. In early 2016, the band initiated the production of their debut EP with the collaboration of session musicians, including Doug Ross on bass and Arnaud Krakowka on drums. The result was the release of their debut EP, »Bereaved And Gone Insane«, on May 25th, 2016, available on all major digital music platforms. Despite positive reviews and feedback from various websites, it marked merely the initial chapter in the band’s evolving narrative.
Prior to the debut EP’s release, Mohammad had already commenced work on the subsequent full album project. By the autumn of 2016, the album’s production concluded, once again featuring the collaborative efforts of the aforementioned session musicians. On May 20th, 2017, Shivered unveiled their debut full-length album, »Journey To Fade« presenting an expansive exploration of their gothic doom metal sound.
Following a hiatus, the band returned in the spring of 2023 when Mohammad Maki assumed the roles of recording all instruments and self-producing the band’s next full-length album. »Existential Mourning« was just released on May 20th, 2024, promising a continuation of Shivered’s artistic evolution and musical depth.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Dark, disturbing and melancholic.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
So far, the biggest challenge has been getting heard.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m proud of being worthy of the time and money fans spend to buy and listen to my music.
What was your biggest regret?
Taking a break from making music for almost 6 years.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Unfortunately I’ve never went to any concerts and never played any shows due to my situation in Iran.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Music is being downloaded and listened to with almost no profits going to the artists, that’s very surprising to me.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lately I’ve been listening to funeral doom metal bands such as Slow and Shape Of Despair.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I learned to never overthink while making music and since then I’ve been happier than ever.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Sometimes I listen to Taylor Swift and I think she’s a great musician overall, lol
Can you say something more about the music scene in Iran?
Unfortunately in Iran metal bands cannot perform live officially and the whole metal thing is banned here but it obviously did not stop people from performing or listening to metal music, doom metal music is very popular among people here and if metal was not banned here I think we would have a big doom metal scene in Iran.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Even though some bands say “Fuck it” and play shows illegally but we’ve seen a lot band members got arrested shortly after their playing their show so it’s risky to perform live so I don’t have any plans to play live unfortunately.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
I don’t really want to limit Shivered to only one genre and style so expect the unexpected! Shivered will evolve as time goes on.
How can people best support your band?
I’d appreciate them if they buy my records at shivered.bandcamp.com. I might print some CDs if people seem to show interest as well.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
I hope you have a great time listening to my music and please support me so I can make more.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well