Tabahi - The name means "Destruction" / The Only Thrash Metal Band from Pakistan

Tabahi is an "Urdu" Language word that means "Destruction" in English.

The band was formed in 2008 by Faiq Ahmed - Lead Guitars and Daniyal Buksh Soomro - Vocals & Bass Guitars,

the drums are currently led by Mr. X, season member of the band.

Tabahi, the only thrash metal band in Karachi, delves deep into the heart of Pakistan's tumultuous and perilous city. Their formidable sound boldly tackles social upheaval, political turbulence, and personal adversity. Through their intense compositions, they expose the daily challenges they face, delivering an unfiltered and raw representation of their reality. With their lyrics, they strive to raise awareness and drive change. In the face of adversity, Tabahi aspires to take their music global, forging connections with audiences and igniting resilience through the power of metal.

Wondering how a thrash metal band can survive in a country with a different culture, I had a mini interview with the band's guitarist Faiq Ahmed.

How difficult is it in a city like Karachi with so much danger and people fixated on tradition to create and endure over time a metal band?

Τ. Creating and enduring as a metal band in a city like Karachi, with its unique challenges and traditional values,can be quite demanding. Karachi is known for its complexity, including safety concerns, and traditional values that often clash with the rebellious spirit of metal music. To persevere, we've had to navigate these challenges with resilience and determination. It's not always easy, but our passion for metal and the message we want to convey keeps us going.

Considering that you play a very different type of music from what is accepted from the people in your country, how was the band accepted in your city at the beginning? Haved positive or negative reactions?

Τ. In the early days, the band faced a mix of reactions in Karachi. While we garnered support from the international metal community and like-minded individuals, we also encountered skepticism and misunderstanding from the local people. Metal is a genre that's not widely accepted or understood in Pakistan, but we've remained committed to our music.Over time, as we continued to produce and release our material, we've gained more acceptance and support,internationally only though. The positive reactions from those who connect with our music have far outweighed any negative responses.

If we assume that for a band that looks to the future with international appearances and tours, it is better to have permanent members in the band, so that there is a bond that gives the best performance wouldn't it be better if you have a permanent drummer in the band? There is no demand or you haven't found what you want in the drummer position?

Τ. We do have a drummer who prefers not to be publicly shown as a part of the band, but we also have a session drummer who collaborates with us. Our writing process primarily involves me (Faiq) and Daniyal, and I have an additional background in drumming. We have indeed received interest from drummers worldwide who wish to join Tabahi. As we finalize our tour plans and determine the countries we'll be visiting, we are actively exploring the possibility of recruiting a permanent drummer who aligns with our vision and ambitions.

What is the subject matter in the lyrics and what is the message you want to send to the people with your songs?

Τ. The subject matter in our lyrics is diverse, addressing a range of themes such as social and political issues, struggles, and the resilience of our country, Pakistan. We aim to send a message of resilience, unity, and the power of music to inspire positive change. Our songs often serve as a medium to advocate for justice, peace, and understanding, addressing the challenges we and our society face. We believe that metal music can be a catalyst for transformation and that our songs can contribute to a broader conversation about these important issues,both locally and on the international stage.

Tabahi, Karachi's sole thrash metal band, has had a remarkable journey filled with numerous highlights. Their viral success on Facebook, not once but twice, with the track "Run for Your Life" garnered attention from metal enthusiasts worldwide, leading to widespread online engagement.

Another pivotal moment in their career was signing with CDN Records, a testament to their talent and recognition in the metal community.

Their music received praise from renowned metal publications like Metal Hammer, Metal Injection, and Unite Asia, with reviews pouring in from all corners of the globe.

Tabahi's music has now reached over 80 countries, creating a dedicated global fanbase.

In 2023, Tabahi has an exciting lineup of events and plans.

Their highly anticipated album, "Thrash for Justice," was released on October 6, 2023, through CDN Records, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

Additionally, the band is actively in talks with promoters and booking agents to arrange a tour in prominent regions, including the EU, GCC, and the US. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the energy and intensity of a thrash metal band hailing from one of the most challenging cities globally, creating great excitement for their live performances and the chance to connect with audiences on a global scale.