Metal Anarchy

Time for the next edition of Metal Anarchy’s “new music showcase,” the feature where I introduce you to artists that readers of this site may find interesting. This time I have a Q&A with Zayd.

METAL ANARCHY: Tell me a little about your band:

ZAYD: I’m a solo artist from Canada—a rare thing in the rock/metal genre—but everything you hear in my music is 100% me. It’s a one-man army! I started as a guitarist and songwriter, playing with various bands. Unfortunately, no matter how much energy I invested, the bands kept breaking up. By 2014, I felt drained and quit, thinking my journey was over.

In 2015, everything changed. I was with this girl—spoiler alert, she’s now my wife—who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She told me she loved my voice, something I’d never heard before. Her encouragement gave me the courage to pick up the mic and find my voice. I recorded my first song, “Father,” in 2016 but fear held me back from releasing it.

That changed in 2017 when I met my guitar idol, Mark Tremonti (Creed, Alter Bridge), at a guitar clinic during the Alter Bridge Canada tour. I played “Father” for him, and he said something I’ll never forget:

“Let the world decide where this song belongs. Don’t hold back.”

Those words ignited my Journey..

METAL ANARCHY: Who are your main influences?

ZAYD: At a very early age, my mom introduced me to Metallica and Iron Maiden, shaping my love for heavy music before I even fully understood what it meant. Those bands became the foundation of my musical DNA—the raw power, the electrifying riffs, the larger-than-life energy. But while they sparked my love for rock and metal, the real turning point came in 2000 when I first listened to “Hybrid Theory” by Linkin Park.

That album changed everything. The mix of aggression and melody, the emotional depth, the way it blended screaming with vulnerability—it hit me like a lightning bolt. Suddenly, music wasn’t just something I listened to. It was something I felt. Something that spoke to the parts of me I didn’t even know needed a voice. From that moment on, I knew music wasn’t just a passion. It was my purpose.

As I grew, I kept searching for sounds that resonated with me on a deeper level. Alter Bridge, Breaking Benjamin, Skillet, Bullet For My Valentine and Bring Me The Horizon all played a role in shaping my sound. Each band taught me something different. Over time, all these influences fused together, helping me carve out my own sound.

METAL ANARCHY: What is your latest release and why should readers of this site check it out?

ZAYD: My debut album, “Deceit and Desecrate,” is finally out, and it’s the most personal and intense project I’ve ever created. It’s a deep dive into themes of inner conflict, betrayal, redemption, and self-discovery. Each track tells a different part of the story—whether it’s the struggle to break free from the past, the fear of losing oneself, or the search for
something real amidst deception. This album isn’t just about music; it’s about emotion, raw and unfiltered.

Sonically, “Deceit and Desecrate” blends hard-hitting riffs, haunting melodies, and emotionally charged vocals to create a sound that is both powerful and deeply personal. It balances aggression with vulnerability, intensity with introspection, and chaos with clarity. This album represents everything I stand for as an artist, and I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, broken, or searching for meaning. This is just the beginning.

METAL ANARCHY: What can people expect when they go to your live shows?

ZAYD: Expect raw energy, emotional intensity, and absolute chaos—the kind that goes beyond just hearing the music. Even though I’m a solo artist, I bring a full band with me on stage to deliver the hard-hitting, immersive live experience my music deserves. I don’t just stay on stage—I jump off it. Whether it’s bar table hopping, climbing whatever I can, or diving into the crowd, my performances are full of crazy stunts that break the barrier between artist and audience. It’s all about creating a shared experience, where everyone in the room feels the adrenaline, the emotion, and the pure, unfiltered energy of the music.

My shows aren’t just performances; they’re a place to let go, feel alive, and be part of something bigger. Whether you’re headbanging in the pit, screaming the lyrics, or getting
lost in the melodic moments, you’re not just watching—you’re living it.

This isn’t just a concert. It’s an experience you won’t forget..

METAL ANARCHY: Where do you see your band heading in 5 years?

ZAYD: In five years, I see my music reaching a global audience, connecting with people who resonate with its themes of struggle, hope, and redemption. My goal is to build a community of fans—not just listeners, but people who feel like part of a movement.

Musically, I aim to expand my sound, pushing creative boundaries while staying true to my core influences. I want to collaborate with more artists, explore new sonic landscapes, and take my storytelling to the next level.

On the performance side, I envision touring internationally, bringing my music to as many people as possible. Whether it’s headlining shows or supporting major acts, I want to be on the road, sharing these songs in a way that impacts people live.

Most importantly, I want to keep evolving as an artist, staying authentic while growing my presence in the rock/metal world. This is just the beginning—I’m here for the long haul.