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Khalas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Khalas
OriginAkka, Israel
GenresFolk metal
Years active1999–present
MembersRiyad Sliman
Abed Hathout
Fadel Qandil
Dani Rooster
Past membersBassam Beromi [he]
Tarek Sha'aban

Khalas (Arabic: خلص, lit. 'Enough'),[1] also known as Arabic Rock Orchestra,[2][3] are a Palestinian heavy metal band based in Israel and formed in 1998.[2]

In 2013, they embarked on a tour across Europe along with Israeli band Orphaned Land,[3][4] an event which brought coverage to the band in Western media, in outlets such as The Guardian[5] and CNN.[6] Khalas guitarist Abed Hathout and Oprhaned Land vocalist Kobi Farhi met around 10 years before the tour in a radio station.[3]

In the following year, both bands shared the Metal Hammer Global Metal Band of the Year award, after a request by Orphaned Land, which had been chosen by the readers for the award.[7] The groups received the honor in IndigO2 amidst tensions around the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers.[7]

In response to criticism that the bands' partnership would be a validation of the Israeli-occupation of Palestine or of Palestinian terrorism, both groups stated that their message of understanding "is a sign to everyone that peace is possible".[8] Hathout also responded to criticism that the band doesn't write politically charged songs, focusing instead on less serious topics, by claiming that

"As a Palestinian, I have the right to write songs about beer, about ladies throwing bras at us on stage, and it annoys me because when I answer that, a lot of people say, now you are an Israeli. Well fuck that - if I don't talk about the occupation, I am an Israeli, suddenly".[2]

Members

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Current members

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  • Riyad Sliman – vocals[9]
  • Abed Hathout – guitar[9]
  • Dani Rooster – bass[10]
  • Fadel Qandil – percussions[9]

Former members

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Discography

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  • Ma Adesh Feeha ("We've had it"; 2003)
  • Arabic Rock Orchestra (2013)
  • The Peace Series Vol. 1 (split EP with Orphaned Land; 2021)

References

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  1. ↑ Earache, Asher. Interview with Bassam Beromi, Abed Hathout and Fadel Kandil of Khalas. HardAndHeavy.net, archived by Archive.org
  2. 1 2 3 Smallman, Etan (February 10, 2014). "Israeli and Palestinian heavy metal bands head-banging for peace". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2026-04-27. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  3. 1 2 3 Kamin, Debra (July 26, 2013). "A heavy metal, Middle Eastern band of brothers". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  4. ↑ Arad, Dafna (July 23, 2013). "Moshing for peace: Israeli, Palestinian metal bands to share stage on European tour". Haaretz. Archived from the original on May 20, 2026. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  5. ↑ Sherwood, Harriet (July 21, 2013). "Israeli and Palestinian bands unite in 'metal brotherhood'". The Guardian. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  6. ↑ Mackay, Mairi (August 12, 2013). "Rock the conflict: Jewish and Palestinian metal bands tour for peace". CNN. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  7. 1 2 Ritchie, Meabh (June 16, 2014). "Make metal, not war: 'We are the ambassadors of peace'". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  8. ↑ Suchet, Richard (17 November 2013). "Arab-Israeli Metal Bands On Tour Together". Sky News. Comcast. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 "Khalas: On Creating Heavy Metal Music in Arabic". Musiqa Mustaqilla (Arabic for "independent music" or "self-contained music"). September 21, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Kahlas - Bios". Archived from the original on 2009-03-03.
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