Warfaze’s 36th birthday today

It is, perhaps an understatement to say that when Warfaze was formed in 1984, it was ahead of its time. Starting out as an cover band who played English hard rock and progressive metal tracks, the band went on to create many Bangla masterpieces, through a tumultuous journey full of success, fallouts, line-up changes and a constant determination to survive through just about anything. Today marks the hard rock legends' 36^th birthday, a landmark few bands get to experience in this day and age.

Warfaze's line-up at the time of the release of 'Obak Bhalobasha'.

"It was a long journey, but it was not easy, and would not be possible without the people that were with us," wrote Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal, founder member of the band, on social media. Kamal went from nonchalantly playing the bass to becoming Warfaze's iconic and flamboyant lead guitarist. Founders Bappi, Mir, Naimul and Helal all had to eventually leave the band due to various reasons, but the addition of Babna Karim, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu and Sunjoy gave the band a second wind, propelling it to stardom with the release of their first album, Warfaze, in 1991. Boshe Achi Eka and Ekti Chele were the catalyst to a rebellious generation, who were awestruck by the heavier sound that Warfaze had produced.

By their second album, Obak Bhalobasha, Warfaze was arching towards the peak of their popularity. They went on to release Jibondhara and Oshamajik in 1997 and 1998 respectively. Both were huge hits with the audience. From 1999 onwards, the band went through major changes in line-ups, releasing albums Alo (2001), Moharaj (2003), and Shotto (2012). Musicians like Mizan Rahman, Russell Ali, Balam, Saidus Shumon, Sazzad Arefeen, Romel Ali, Iqbal Asif Jewel and Oni Hasan, have irredeemable contributions to the legacy that is Warfaze.

A timeline of the members of Warfaze and their years spent with the band.

Over the years, the musical juggernaut has given us songs like Joto Dure, Mone Pore, Obak Bhalobasha, Rupkotha, Protikkha, Jonostrot, Mukti Chai, Asha, Bicchinno Abeg, Moharaj, Na, Purnota – just a tip of the iceberg of their intense musical library. Warfaze's current line-up consists of Naim Haque Roger, Shams Mansoor Ghani, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, Palash Noor, Samir Hafiz, and Soumen Das.

Warfaze's current line up.

The Daily Star wishes many happy returns of the day to what is the excellence in execution, Warfaze.