Belnejoum
Dark Tales of Zarathustra

Belnejoum is a U.S.-based band founded by Mohamed Baligh, also known as «Kaswad.» The group's music blends symphonic arrangements with Eastern instruments, particularly the ney flute, alongside traditional classical instruments like the violin and cello, but with a more powerful and darker sound.

The band features world-class musicians from groups such as Nile, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Annihilator, as well as collaborations with a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist skilled in melismatic singing. The mixing and mastering were handled by the renowned producer Fredrik Nordström.

«Dark Tales of Zarathustra» presents a conceptual story about the moral downfall and madness of Zarathustra (the ancient Iranian prophet). The narrative follows his attack on the capital and its subsequent destruction, as well as his submission to the demonic entity Ahriman. In parallel, a tragic subplot unfolds — the story of a child and his mother, killed during Zarathustra’s assault and reunited only in death.

The prophet then embarks on a journey to the underworld, riding a demon named Aeshma, where he witnesses the horrors of hell — dark aquariums trapping human souls. In one of the side storylines, the child is imprisoned within such an aquarium. Returning to Earth, Zarathustra eradicates the remnants of humanity. Watching the planet consumed by fire and losing all sense of purpose, he ultimately chooses to take his own life.