The last
year or so has been by far one of the most interesting and crazy for me as far
as music is concerned. I've started composing again although royally suck at it
but somethings better than nothing, I guess. Also, I've had the opportunity of
delving into genres other than Heavy Metal, Rock n Roll and Blues. However,
every time I did go down that road, always ended up listening to over-driven
guitars and headbanging music which apparently noobs called noise. Yes,
you...YOU are a noob if you call the likes of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Van
Halen and Black Sabbath, noise!
Pakistani
Rock has evolved over the last decade or so. There were a few very promising
bands that broke into the scene in early 2000s; Aaroh and [eP] being one of the
most prominent of them. Both outfits were extremely talented and could've gone
on to do wonders had they stuck on together; wasn't meant to be, they were just
another 'one-album' wonders. For the record, I think Aaroh's second album
sucked and without Nabeel Chishty on guitars, it was just not Aaroh. On the
other hand, the break-up of [eP] was even more saddening. Around that time
another Rock band came into the picture; Call. They were impressive at first,
playing some hardcore alternative rock music but was, sadly, short lived. What
happened to Call was much more tragic than a break-up; they lost their bollocks
and became the Pakistani version of Backstreet Boys.
I could
go on and on about a zillion Pakistani bands who would've done so amazing had
they continued to make the kind of music they initially intended to, but I
won't. Instead, I'm going to talk about a new band that has caused quite
a raucous in Pakistan of late, 'Qayaas'.
The one
and only reason why Qayaas caught my interest was the beast on vocals; Umair
Jaswal. I listened to Umair sing for the first time back in 2006, I think, at
Islamabad Club auditorium. He was with a band called Silversmoke at the time
and I vividly recall them covering GnR's version of 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'
and 'Sweet Child O' Mine'. I, too, was in a band then, 'Aaraiz' and somewhat
prided myself as being a pretty decent vocalist within Islamabad's underground
music scene at that time. But then there was this beefed up character, full-on
attitude with a downright throaty, hoarse made-to-sing-metal
voice mimicking Axl's antics and actually bloody well pulling it off.
Umair Jaswal had blasted himself onto center stage with a bad-ass attitude
found so desperately wanting in Pakistani bands. Needless to say, I was
absolutely impressed.
Soon
after, Silversmoke released their first single, 'Zakham', and I traveled to
Australia to pursue a Masters. They went onto to release another single, 'Soch'
and that was it from Umair until 2009. During that time I was too busy with
University and was not too keen on listening to songs by new Pakistani bands;
they were all pretty darn disappointing and reminiscent of our very own version
of Justin Beiber, 'Atif Aslam'. However, I was asked by a friend to listen to
two new songs by a band called 'Qayaas'; 'Tanha' and 'Umeed'.
I still
remember the chill down my spine when I listened to Umeed! The build-up to the
chorus was so beautifully done, blew me away. And then there were Umair's
trademark heavy metal screaming backing vocals which he displays right at the
end of the song as well. And then there were the guitars with a decent solo -
which wasn't overdone which a lot of lead guitarists in Pakistan end up doing -
beautiful licks and fillers throughout the song which made the song an instant
hit with me. The second song 'Tanha' which was heavier of the two numbers, and
lyrically richer as well. The vocals were a lot more raw and the guitars
heavier; this song displayed the potential of Qayaas as one of the first Heavy
Metal bands coming out of Pakistan after Mizraab, only much more refined,
melodic and complete.
Qayaas
released their first album, 'Uss Paar' in April 2011. The Heavy Metal
inclination I was teased with in 'Tanha' was given a massive steroid-boom right
from the word go. The album is metal galore with songs like 'Uss Paar',
'Inquilaab', 'Halaak', 'Shehrezade' and especially the crazily heavy, full of
aggression, rage and frustration 'Mera Wana'. I highly recommend everyone to
give the album a listen; if you don't like it, please get your sanity verified
or even better, kill yourself.
I
definitely hope Qayaas is not a 'one-album' wonder and do go onto release a lot
more records. Its definitely one of the most complete Heavy Metal outfits to
have come out of Pakistan. And the time is nigh for a second album. I wish the
band good luck with all their future projects. Umair Jaswal, you're a goddamn
beast of a vocalist, and one of the most talented metalheads I've ever known.
You solely carry the Heavy Metal torch in Pakistan; don't drop it. Qayaas is
destined for bigger and better things; keep at it. Metal forever \m/!
Until
next time...
P.S.
Ironically, Umair is teaming up with Beiber in the first Coke Studio Season 5
episode...oh shit, I said Beiber?? I honestly meant Justin...oh dammit...I
mean...Atif Gayslum. Definitely wish Umair best o' luck, and Atif a sore throat
:P.
P.P.S.
This post is dedicated to my friend, poco pinzone. Thank you.
