This metal band had to flee Iran after being convicted of “playing satanic music.”

There are many places on this planet where metal is not welcome. This includes Iran.

In 2017, authorities raided the rehearsal studio of a band called Asrames. The five members were thrown in jail and isolated from their families for a week. After a month, they were allowed to post bail and told to refrain from doing anything that might piss off the government. When everything finally went to court, the members of Israme were charged with “being in satanic metal band and being against the Islamic government.”

The music seemed to be the problem, even though many of their songs were based on Persian history and aspects of monotheism. A bigger issue was the skulls they used on their t-shirts. Skulls equals Satan, apparently.

Rather than submit to a 15-year jail term, Israme fled the country. They’re not saying where they are for obvious reason, but they’re making sure that their story gets out.

Here’s what they sound and look like. Meanwhile, read more here.