Karakoram (band)
{{short description|Pakistani alternative rock band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| background = group_or_band
| name = Karakoram
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| origin = Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| genre = {{flatlist|
}}
| years_active = 2017–present
| label = Rearts
| current_members =
- Sherry Khattak
- Omair Farooq
- Bilawal Lahooti
- Zain Peerzada
- Annan Noukhez
| past_members =
| website =
}}
Karakoram ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|قراقرم}}}}) is a Pakistani alternative rock band. The band consists of Sherry Khattak as the lead vocalist and guitarist, Omair Farooq as bassist, Bilawal Lahooti as drummer, and Zain Peerzada and Annan Noukhez as guitarists.{{cite web|url=https://karakoramofficial.bandcamp.com/|title=Karakoram|work=Bandcamp|access-date=25 June 2023}} It was formed in Lahore, Punjab in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://rockistan.net/karakoram-sets-new-standard-of-rock-music-with-ailaan-e-jang/|title=Karakoram sets new standard of rock music with 'Ailaan-e-Jang'|work=Rockistan|first=Tayyab|last=Khalil|access-date=25 June 2023}}
The band came into prominence with the release of the single Yeh Dunya on season 14 of Coke Studio Pakistan, in collaboration with rappers Talha Anjum and Faris Shafi.
History
They released their first extended play, Ibtida, in April 2020 which consisted of four tracks. This was followed by a debut album, Ailaan-e-Jang, in February 2021 comprising nine tracks. The album was mixed and produced by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan and was praised for its fusion of "tastefully-mixed distortion, rip-roaring shouts, catchy lyrics and bombastic drumming".
They gained prominence with their single Yeh Dunya, which was released in collaboration with rappers Talha Anjum and Faris Shafi on season 14 of Coke Studio Pakistan and featured a fusion of "Urdu rap and heavy metal".{{cite news|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1189494|title=Urdu rap and heavy metal collide in Coke Studio's latest song 'Ye Dunya'|work=Dawn|date=12 February 2022|accessdate=25 June 2023}} They also contributed to the title song Dil Fatah Karain of the animated comic series Team Muhafiz, in collaboration with Soch and the Young Stunners.{{cite news|url=https://images.dawn.com/news/1190231|title=The OST for upcoming animated series Team Muhafiz 'Dil Fatah Karain' is out now|work=Dawn|date=6 June 2022|accessdate=25 June 2023}}
Later in 2022, the band released the singles Kyun in collaboration with Hasan Raheem, Duur and Zindagi.{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1023386-karakoram-end-2022-with-smiles|title=Karakoram end 2022 with smiles Their last track, 'Zindagi' may be their most optimistic release.|work=The News|date=25 December 2022|access-date=25 June 2023|first=Maheen|last=Sabeeh}} Sherry Khatak was the associate producer for 14 season, Coke Studio Pakistan song "Kana Yaari".{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1000515-norwegian-dance-group-the-quick-style-dominated-the-stage-at-coke-studio-concert-in-dubai|title=Norwegian dance group The Quick Style dominates the stage at Coke Studio concert in Dubai: WATCH|website=www.thenews.com.pk}} In March 2023, they released Gol Chakkar with guitarist Faraz Anwar.
Musical style and influences
Karakoram's musical style is noted to feature elements of alternative rock, hard rock, heavy metal, neo-prog,{{cite news|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1048565-karakoram-release-gol-chakkar|title=Karakoram release 'Gol Chakkar'|work=The News|date=12 March 2023|access-date=25 June 2023|first=Maheen|last=Sabeeh}} nu metal and alternative metal.{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2412781/rock-music-is-still-alive-and-karakoram-is-leading-the-charge|title=Rock music is still alive and Karakoram is leading the charge|work=The Express Tribune|date=20 April 2023|accessdate=25 June 2023|first=Asfa|last=Sultan}} In terms of drawing influences, their style has been compared to that of Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Porcupine Tree, Bring Me the Horizon, as well as Pakistani bands such as Entity Paradigm and Call.{{cite news|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1533050|title=SOUNDCHECK: FINDING THEIR WAY|work=Dawn|date=9 February 2020|accessdate=25 June 2023}}