The Iranian punk band Hypernova are visiting the States after a tour in Europe. The band claims The Ramones, NOFX, as well as Interpol and The Strokes among their influences. Despite being generally apolitical, the band faces fines, imprisonment or flogging just for performing.

Middle East Times has an article on Hypernova, while MTV recently did an interview with the band members. Some music from the band can also be found on their MySpace page.

The band aims to act as ambassadors with the hope of presenting Iran and especially the Iranian people in a more positive light around the world. To that end, they will be performing this Thursday at 11:30 pm at Snitch, 59 West 21st Street, New York, NY.