ZHAAT – originally simply a fantasy word meant to correspond to the music, without restrictions and without value judgment, confusing, mystical. Only later did it become clear that the word comes from Arabic and means “essence” or is equated with “the innermost (core / soul / drive) of a being.” Coincidence? Fate? Curious, in any case, especially since the band uses oriental scales, sounds, and images and likes to overcome rigid boundaries, not only musically and artistically, towards the Orient.

The Leipzig-based quartet has been developing its own sound since 2018. Experimental post-hardcore is woven with heavy psychedelic stoner rock to create a tapestry of sound that is quite striking in its color scheme. Isolated oriental melodies and rhythms create a mystically hypnotic mix that contrasts the heavy guitar walls with a certain lightness. But all of this has nothing to do with musty, hippie-like “world music”; it’s epic, powerful, and full of contrasts. Subtly groovy, psychedelic instrumentals, powerfully aggressive vocals, and then again, massively groovy and heavy as fuck. Post-hardcore, alternative, stoner, math rock, doom, psychedelic? Soundscapes condense into atmospheric heights, oriental scales haunt in an alchemical manner, before the band’s sheer energy sweeps you off your feet.