NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – June 6, 2025
Toronto Prog DEREV Explores The Beast With New Lyric Video “Darker Self” Off 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)
Wrapping up their Western Canadian Tour this past May, in support of their first full-length, “Troubled Mind”, Toronto prog rock Derev is sharing their latest lyric video “Darker Self”. It is the album’s closing track and speaks of embracing our true selves. Specifically, the instinctual, animalistic side we often suppress in an attempt to please others. Ignoring the value that this side of us brings in dire times renders us weak, fragile, and miserable.
“Our darker self is portrayed as a beast in hibernation, the lyrics start by enticing this animal to ‘Rise up and shake the dust off..”. As the song progresses, we begin to understand the true value of these traits that were deemed disgraceful and learn to embrace them, rather than bury them,” adds the band.
Watch and listen to “Darker Self” – https://youtu.be/lLDZfkebxkM
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
Live Video – “Cyclone” at Supermarket in Toronto – https://youtu.be/lhwZR9ItKIo
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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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