Khalas band– Arabic metal
from Palestine | Official page
Pioneers of Arab metal & grunge. Official page to listen, learn, and celebrate the legacy of Khalas, the Palestinian band that broke ground in Arab music with a crushing sound and a message of freedom.
Latest release!
MA ADESH FEEHA - Limited Edition - Only 300 copies
Twenty years ago, a Palestinian band from Akka made history with Ma Adesh Feeha—the first Arabic metal/grunge album. Khalas’s groundbreaking record inspired a generation, and today, Levantine Music is proud to reissue it on vinyl, preserving a timeless piece of our musical heritage.
“We always wanted to hear metal and grunge in Arabic; since it didn’t exist, we made the album we wanted to hear. The songs and arrangements were born in rehearsals treated like concerts, with total discipline. Today, 20 years later, you can enjoy it on vinyl.”
– Abed Hathot, Los Angeles (October 2024)
Arabic metal & grunge
Who is Khalas?
Khalas is a Palestinian band that burst onto the scene in the early 2000s with a novel proposition: metal and grunge sung in Arabic, with lyrics that speak of social change, injustice, and hope. Their work, born from lived experience, lit a spark that inspired new bands in the region and brought Arab-Palestinian identity closer to the global heavy-rock scene.
Sound & influences
Khalas’s sound combines heavy riffs, grunge attitude, and Arabic melodies grounded in maqamat, characteristic rhythmic accents, and raw vocals. The result is an unmistakable mix: in-your-face, emotional, and deeply rooted in tradition, but expressed in a universal language.
First metal/grunge group in Arabic
With Ma Adesh Feeha, Khalas released the first metal/grunge album in Arabic, a milestone for the Arab-Palestinian scene. The album broke linguistic and cultural barriers, proved that metal could resonate in Arabic, and projected a message of social impact to international audiences.
Bridging Generations Through Metal
Khalas has played a key role in shaping the Arab metal scene, from introducing a bold live show culture where “it’s okay to wear leather pants and scream”, to bridging generations through music. Their metal adaptation of Enta Omri, originally performed by the legendary Umm Kulthum, has connected younger audiences to classic Arabic heritage. As one fan beautifully put it:
“My mom and I both listen to Umm Kulthum, I listen to the Khalas version, and she listens to the original.”
- A Khalas fan, Palestine (sometimes in 2004)
Original release: October 9, 2004.
This anniversary edition special vinyl release of the seminal album “Ma Adesh Feeha” (We’ve had It) marked a before and after, paving the way for other Arab and Palestinian projects within rock and metal.
Ma Adesh Feeha – album & vinyl (20th anniversary)
Today, we have the privilege of releasing this iconic album on vinyl under our label. One of our missions at Levantine is to celebrate and preserve significant pieces of music history—whether lost in time or timeless—ensuring they remain heard. This limited edition pressing of 300 copies honors the legacy and impact of this seminal work. We hope you enjoy this album as much as we did in 2004, and continue to do today.
Discography, releases and appearances
Ma Adesh Feeha 20 Year Anniversary edition Vinyl - 2025 - Limited 300 copy vinyl of the album released in 2004 (Buy Now).
Arabic Rock Orchestra – 2013
Special Release for WOMEX – 2012 – limited release EP printed especially for Womex 2012 distribution. The EP included songs from the band's upcoming album.
Dam & Khalas – 2013 – Khalas featured Dam on their opening track of the Arabic Rock Orchestra album in 2013.
Checkpoint Rock Soundtrack – 2009 - Khalas did a track featuring Fermin Murguza, Manu Chao, Dam, Wallaat, Amal Murkus and many more in addition to their song The Naked King.
Ablek Single – 2004 – a special limited release for Valentine’s Day.
Nowsal La Jeneh – 2003 – first single from Ma Adesh Feha album.
Hini Arfeen – 2004 – 2nd single from Ma Adesh Feha album.
Biladi – 2000 – special radio release (2nd intifada).
La Wen Wselna – 1999 – Khalas first Radio single.
Band members
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Guitar (1998 - Present)
Founding member lead guitars and songwriter in the band. From skull crushing riffs to red leather pants.
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Drums and Percussion (2001 - Present)
The main force behind the bands unmistakable groove.
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Vocals (2010 - Present)
Taking the band to higher notes than ever.
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Drums (1998 - 2000)
Founding member: drums, songwriter from 1998 to 2001 and the band’s spiritual guru; think of him as the Sid Barrett of Khalas.
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Vocals (1998 - 2012)
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Bass (2004 - Present)
Bass and rock’n’roll.
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Rhythm Guitar (2000 - 2006)
The silent man behind those tight guitar rhythms and tighter pants.
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Bass Guitar (1998 - 2000)
Bass guitar and biker gang vibes.