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 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 to replace 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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"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
"Room 9 is a song that manages to present a depth and feelings that fill the song very well. We have here a very progressive performance, which incorporates heavy and intense riffs, a good song to know the band!" - Metal Junk Box
"Derev offer a hard-hitting examination of war and honour on their darkly exotic and relentlessly heavy single and video Turab" - Tinnitist
"With "Leap Of Faith" Derev presents itself as a mature band with strong songs and great musicians. All the more reason to eagerly look forward to the first full-fledged album." - Progwereld
"It seems like 2020 and 2021 have given artists the isolation and the time they need to make their best music, or finally release their first music. Derev‘s first released track “Futile” was a pleasant surprise: it’s melodic and creative, and it has a fantastic video with a perfectly chosen voice. That one track led me to an interview with the band, and I get to know both them and their planned EP release “Leap of Faith“.... This EP is without a doubt the best release I have heard in 2021 so far. I would give it a 9/10 and recommended it to any fan of (New) Opeth, Haken, Beardfish, Soen." - Leb Metal (2021 - Leap of Faith)
"Leap Of Faith, an EP, featuring six songs, is their musical debut and Derev combines traditional metal with melodic progressive rock and Eastern musical influences.... Derev really surprised me with this great EP, a must listen for fans of Riverside, Opeth and Haken; highly recommended indeed!!" - BackGround Magazine
For physical events that happen at a specific time. For example a concert, or dance performance. If there are multiple shows, you can still duplicate your event to cover them all.
In-Person Event
Fri. April 25th + Add to Calendar
The Mansion
7:30pm
$20 Tour Pass
