Fearless Iranians from Hell
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | San Antonio , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Fearless Iranians from Hell was a musical ensemble originating in San Antonio, Texas in 1983. Their sound transitioned from hardcore and punk roots to a blend of crossover and thrash metal genres.
The band was formed by former members of Marching Plague and initially performed wearing ski masks while adopting a deliberately provocative terrorist-themed image. Ras Matthew (Matthew McChesney), who joined as the vocalist at age 16, eventually departed to focus on reggae music with Buffalo Soldier.
They secured a deal with Boner Records, releasing their inaugural 7" EP titled Fearless Iranians from Hell in 1986, which included songs such as "Blow Up the Embassy" and "Iranian Klan." Their debut full-length album, Die for Allah (1987), also distributed by Big Takeover in Germany, featured contentious artwork depicting Ayatollah Khomeini. This album contained the track "Chant," performed with lyrics in Azerbaijani. Later albums included Holy War (1988) and Foolish Americans (1990). A compilation CD combining these records was released in 1990 and saw a reissue in 2002.
The group maintained a mysterious public image by declining interviews and promoting a satirical anti-American narrative focused on Islamic extremism. They notably took legal action against a website that offered a reward for their assassination.
Following the band's dissolution, at least one member joined the Butthole Surfers. Their recordings are preserved within New York's ARChive of Contemporary Music.
Discography
- Fearless Iranians from Hell (EP, 1986)
- Die for Allah (1987)
- Holy War (1988)
- Foolish Americans (1990)
- Peace Through Power (EP, 2008) – featuring rare tracks and demos