Impasse Of Mind by Khak (XAK)

Shahriar's devotion to music in Germany

His first musical cooperation in Germany was with Arnold Pougliese from 1986 to 1988 (guitar and flute/saxophone). Together they played several gigs across Germany for international and German audiences.

Shahriar's first band, Harmonie was formed in Heidelberg in 1988 and featured three guitarists: Shahriar, Vaahaan and Farzaan. Both Vaahaan and Farzaad now live in the US.

Harmonie recorded and produced an album entitled "DIVAR". They sold about 750 copies of this album in Germany. Shahirar wrote all of the songs and lyrics (music style: classic pop and flamenco with bilingual lyrics in English and Persian).

His second band was formed in 1991 and was called Integrant Zero (0). They arranged, composed and recorded their own rock and pop music and played several gigs in Germany. The members of Integrant Zero were: Afshin Tahmasebi and Khodayar Bahmani (both also played with Khak) and Farugh Senturk on Bass (music style: abstract rock in English).

Shahriar's latest band was formed in 1995 and is called KHAK.

Band History

In 1995 three Iranian musicians living in Germany founded the band "Khak":

• Shahriar Khatam (Vocals, Guitars)

• Afshin Tahmasebi (Keyboards, Guitars)

• Khodayar Bahmani (Drums)

The guys had already known each other for a couple of years and had played together in other bands.

Khak's primary goal was to change and improve contemporary Iranian music with a mature and elegant blend of Oriental and Western music (pop, rock) - making Khak a world music band.

In 1998 Konstantinos Kostis, a Greek citizen who was raised and lives in Germany joined the band as a bassist. Now the band was complete.

During the following years the band was very active and made music that raised many people's hopes and expectations. In 1999 the first album "Ashegham Bash" was recorded at Khak's own studio and released by Khak.

The band headlined several gigs and played as support act for well established Iranian musicians such as Farrokhzad, Ebi, Moin, Shahram Shab-pareh, Noosh-afarin and earned recognition in the industry.

Khak received offers and suggestions from people from the USA and other countries but the band was determined to make its own music. Khak stuck to their guns and did not follow shallow passing trends.

Private matters effectively shut Khak down from early 2002 until early 2004.

In March 2004 Shahriar and Asghar agreed to revive Khak. Konstantinos joined them with no hesitation. Asghar took over management.

Now Khak is alive and kicking again:

• New singles have been prepared for the new album (lyrics in Persian and English). Video Clips for the singles are also being filmed

• The band's homepage has been completely reworked and is updated more frequently

• Existing media contacts were intensified and new contacts have been established

• Khak works energetically and with high motivation to enter the international music scene

Khak tries to represent Iran with dignity on international level. We rely on the support of our fans, friends and partners and everyone with a heart for people, life and music.

What does Khak mean?

Khak is a Persian word and has a number of meanings such as: dirt, dust, earth, ground, soil, territory. When we chose the name, we had "soil" in mind but also a number of properties associated with the Persian word Khak such as purity and generosity. Some people spell it differently like "Xâk" or "Xaak". Never mind. Things like that happen when you transcribe something using a different alphabet.

Khak connects everyone across the globe, nourishes and protects us. Khak as a band is a musical combination of Western music and Persian, German and English lyrics, created by experienced musicians with broad and colorful musical roots. Their sheer love of the music is plain to see, and the result is music that appeals to everyone, not just Iranians or Germans. Music is, after all, a universal language.

Shahriar's message to all of you: WE ARE ALL KHAK (XAK)!

Music belongs to all of us. That's why I always say that we are KHAK (XAK) - and you too, yes YOU TOO.

Anche ke az del ayad be del neshinad (What comes from heart, will go through the hearts).

Khak is not political. Our goal is just MUSIC.

My lyrics are about pain, love and real life and how to deal with them. My art is to pass on my experience to the next generation - and that's why I try to combine music with real-life experiences. To awaken the mind.

Each country's art and music are a bit like an identity card for that country's people and how they live in their country in each epoch.

I believe we should try to write this down for our children so that they can make things even better than we have done.

Music is not only the sound of our soul but also a voice for silent thoughts - it's a picture of the time we live in, and the time we feel in.

Khak is not just me but I am Khak, too. Khak is a movement in Iranian music.

Yes and again: If you are open minded... you are also Khak /XAK

LOVE AND PEACE

Shahriar (www.khak-music.com)

To read the external reviewed on the very last Khak's album please have a look in to: http://www.zirzamin.se/reviews/khak.html

....... The very first thing that will jump at you by listening to Khak, is Shahriar Khatam's (vocals and guitar) voice. It kind of reminds me of Chris Rea. It's one of those mesmerizing types of voice that you either love or hate. I am one who has fallen in love with this guy's vocals. His vocal range is also pretty impressing (however I prefer his deeper range personally). Then comes the musicianship starting from the Drums all the way to the guitar melodies. This is one tight band. I am certain that if Iranian rockers were operating on a grander arena, Shahriar and Khak would have had a great chance of being known internationally.....

Average Customer Review: 5