NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – April 30, 2025
Toronto Prog DEREV Shares New Live Video “Cyclone” and Kick Off Cross-Canada Tour Dates (ON/MB/SK/BC) For Debut Album “Troubled Mind”
New Album Out on Vinyl!
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L-R (Clockwise) – Live Lineup – Ran Zehavi (Keys), Stan Komarovsky (Bass), Armando Bablanian (Guitar), Mike Symons (Vocals), Michel Karakach (Drums)
Getting set to hit the road for their Western Canadian tour (dates listed below) in support release of their first full-length, “Troubled Mind”, Toronto prog rock Derev is sharing their latest live video performing their track “Cyclone”, which was filmed during a hometown album launch show at the Supermarket.
“The Troubled Mind’s release show at the Supermarket was one of the best experiences we’ve had on stage to date. That night was one of those nights when the stars were aligned and everything went as well as we could have hoped. From the energy of the crowd to the impeccable sound and lighting on stage. We wanted to release a video of that night to give people a glimpse of what they can expect coming to see us live. We can’t wait to kick off the tour and bring the whole “Troubled Mind” live experience to our fans out west and all across Canada,” adds the band.
Watch and listen to Derev performing “Cyclone” at Supermarket in Toronto at https://youtu.be/lhwZR9ItKIo
Derev‘s new album “Troubled Mind” is the follow-up to their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith,” and takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.
Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
The band adds:
“This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”
Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.
Derev‘s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on “Troubled Mind”.
Recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Soen, and Riverside, “Troubled Mind” was released on March 26th, 2025, and is available at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (on Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass) and all digital platforms (Spotify, Bandcamp).
Music Video – “Tides of Time” – https://youtu.be/rklJp_t3CdM
Lyric Video – “Cyclone” – https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U
Animated Video – “Room 9” – https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M
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DEREV – Troubled Mind – Western Canada Tour
May 2 – Sudbury, ON – The Townhouse w/ Jeidei, Codos
May 3 – Marathon, ON – Biloxys Wings and Things
May 4 – TBA (North Western Ontario)
May 6 – TBA (Manitoba)
May 8 – Regina, SK – Revival Music Room w/ Fame Fatale, 66 Aces
May 9 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigos Cantina w/ Out Of Frequency, 66 Aces
May 10 – Edmonton, AB – Rendezvous Pub w/ Darkened Skies, Silent Script, Misplaced Intentions
May 12 – Grand Forks, BC – 4th St. Studio w/ guests
May 13 – Kamloops, BC – The Blue Grotto w/ Augur, Gregarious
May 14 – Vancouver, BC – The Roxy Cabaret w/ guests
May 16 – Vernon, BC – Longhorn Pub w/ None The Wiser, Scared Soul Empire
May 17 – Cranbrook, BC – The York Public House w/ Phaeton
May 18 – Calgary, AB – Verns w/ Humans As Totems, The Future Relics, Rocky Mountain Maniacs, 13 Strikes
May 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage w/ Valley Narrow, Sunbreather
May 22 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub w/ Cycle Of Disobedience, Along The Lines, The Fixer
May 23 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Soo Blaster w/ guests
May 24 – Timmins, ON – Victory Tavern w/ guests
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Track Listing:
1. Buried Voice (7:23)
2. Cyclone (5:39)
3. Crawl Space (1:16)
4. Room 9 (6:15)
5. Paracusia (4:35)
6. Tides of Time (5:59)
7. Darker Self (5:44)
8. Trace Within (5:01)
Album Band Line Up:
Adel Saflou – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
Live Band Line Up:
Mike Symons – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic
About: “Divided by war, United by music”
Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.
After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.
Derev’s debut release, “Leap of Faith,” melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of the traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.
The band’s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev’s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who replaces previous singer Adel Saflou, who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering “Troubled Mind”. Symons’ compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.
As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album, “Troubled Mind,” on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.
Discography:
2025 – Troubled Mind – LP
2021 – Leap of Faith – EP
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“Toronto prog quintet Derev will release their debut full-length album, Troubled Mind, on March 26. The yearning, epic tones of Cyclone is the second single to be taken from the upcoming album, and Derev will be touring throughout Ontario and Quebec over the coming months to support the new album.” – Prog Magazine – Great new prog you must hear… Tracks Of The Week – Cyclone – Feb 21, 2025
“The best part of the album (Troubled Mind) is the band’s ability to carry strong emotions into their music. Many of the songs are not complicated, but they are loaded with feelings. I’m not sure I have heard a Progressive album that is this unpretentious and this emotional at the same time. 8/10” Metal-Temple
“its eight tracks draws us into a music that combines intensity and peaceful atmospheres of old school prog. The melodies thus highlight many sound universes from one composition to another including beautiful vocal harmonies and important instrumental parts… Derev delivers retro-sounding music with plenty of late 70s and early 80s progressive influences… Troubled Mind, with its instantly relatable melodies, is a resounding success. 4/5” – Prog Critique
“every minute is a blessing to your progressive ears. Porcupine Tree and Opeth enthusiasts might appreciate this.” – Rock Portaal
“I definitely find myself looking forward to putting on my headphones again and letting myself fall and drift after enjoying the thickly produced record “Troubled Mind, to close my eyes, sit back and just enjoy. DEREV: Great band, great discovery. Playing tips: Room 9, Cyclone, Paracusia 8/10” – PowerMetal.de
“Excellent music and a beautiful, intelligent album.” – Plus PROG de Vous
” Troubled Mind is a great album as Derev redefine what rock music can and should be. ” – Background Magazine
“Solid debut from this progressive metal band from Canada. Not your typical “noisy” prog metal, some real soul and dynamics to it. Really love Adel Saflou’s vocals.” – Prog Radio
“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 Prog Space
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