Album Recording status so far

Good day fans and friends,

We have been through a lot the past three years to get this damn debut out... Let us say the circumstances were not on our side. Starting by the fact that Blaakyum has a long history and endless originals that lead to the first idea of having a double debut album consisting in total of 22 songs 11 from the early days of Blaakuym before 2007 and 11 tracks written after the late reformation of the band... Financially this was not possible. It was more practical and more logical to combine the two debuts in one album of 11 tracks that holds the best of both, and this is what happened and Lord Of The Night debut is on it's way to see the light.

Later in 2008 we were faced with a major lineup change: our beloved drummer Georgie Nadjarian (Communion/Blaakyum) whom I personally had been in a very pleasant music relationship for over 6 years had to leave the band because of his work contract in Music Hall. Mr. Elias El Rahbany (Ouchi) our guitarist left because of musical and personal differences... that left us without a drummer and lead guitarist for over a year and a half, many joined the band for some time and helped us keep going, and we would like to thank them, namely Hady Battikh (Guitars), Chris (from Element 26) and Marc Bassila (Drums), Blaakyum finally found it's best drummer Mr. Jad Faitrouni... but it wasn't till summer 2010 till we finally had Mr. Elias Njaim one of the most renown guitar virtuoso in the Lebanese Scene, joined the band. From then the recording process kicked off with speed and perseverance thanks to the patience of our production house New Waves Productions and it's lovely staff and mastermind Mr. Walid Al Massih.

We have already finished recording all drum tracks, guitars, bass and solos, few vocal parts, and we still have to lay the Keyboards and the final vocals and the record will be ready for the mix down, we hope our first debut will see the light by the New Year.

The Album is receiving a high level of production, and it sounds heavy as fuck, and we are so excited to share it with you, after all these years where Blaakyum showed a devastatingly aggressive and divers live shows, this record will be a parallel image of these frenzy live shows taken into the studio. It will be, just like Blaakyum is live, Aggressive Thrashy, and revolve around the term I love the most HEAVIOSITY without neglecting the soft part of Rock and the emotional slow rock tunes.

This record sums up Blaakyum's previous era, filled with diversity from Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, Progressive Metal, Hard Rock and Soft Rock.

All of the above happened because of you, our fans... and for that we will be for ever grateful.

Cheers mates, and as ever we will... KEEP METAL ALIVE \m/

Bassem Deaibess from Blaakyum

Supporting a United Scene

This post will be dedicated to the Lebanese Metal Scene. But anyone is welcome to give us feed back:

Dear Lebanese Metalheads, Rockers and Free Thinkers,

We have been witnessing a rise in our scene lately, ironically by having much less gigs and concerts than before, but having them on a very good standard, and always rising up with the standard. As well we have witnessed many more international acts that have been brought by more than one promoter/organiser. These big names are:

Hail brought by RockRing
AnathemA brought by 2U2C (Mr. Jyhad El Murr)
Vinnie Moor brought to you by the old timer Eclipse Group

Add to this the many high quality events happening every now and then.

Now that we did mention the good parts, how about we try to look at two major problems:

1. The lack of a proper mid-sized venue
2. The bad (I insist on bad) competition and the rivalry.

I will name things out right, for it is time to stop the "politically correct" behaviour and get things fucking MOVING.

1. We DO NOT HAVE A VENUE. Namely the only indoor venue available is Tantra-Kaslik, and that proved not too good for hosting international bands since it's capacity is limited to 1000 attendant max and if more came it will become not always a pleasant experience. I can't see a good solution for this except keeping our big events in summer, which would result in a rush of events and eventually having many not able to attend all of them due to the fact that most metalheads can't pay such an amount of money in such a period of time, that already is a spend frenzy time.
My suggestion as an individual to this, is calling upon RockRing specially since they are the most active, and on all metalheads to put a collaborated effort to raise funds and build our own damn venue... Sounds impossible? maybe, but I know this, NOTHING is impossible.

2. And the most important issue. It is a shame to see the Lebanese USUAL fighting for prestige and recognition affect the Metal scene. Yes we are Lebanese, but we are the critical eye (supposedly) of this country. So it is sad to see that Mr. Jyhad El Murr whom I see as the big brother of Rock and Metal in Lebanon, being not too pleased because a competitor radio station supported RockRing event. I can understand that he has been among the first to support Rock, in his stations way before Radio One ever accepted Rock, but fact is, till now Rock market is not big enough to fight over. This is one field that doesn't have to nor need nor should it be taken in a competitive way. My hope is that when a rock event happens, competitive Media will unite there as well, as sister Radio and TV stations not as competitors.

This is my cry out to all Metalheads and Metal supporter, this scene has a future, let us not throw it away this time. Later on we should, when the time is suitable, have some civil action towards the ban of some bands and towards our right of freedom to listen to whatever we chose to listen to away from the social and specially the venomous RELIGIOUS influences.

And finally, a huge Hail to all Lebanese Metalheads... we have been fought and unjustly prejudged and Judged... now is the time to rise, and now is the time to claim our rights as humans and more importantly as appreciative of one of the most artistic and expressive forms of Art.

Long live Rock and Roll

Bassem Deaibess

Untile we are up

Have no mistakes this IS the official Blaakyum website till now. But we are working on a proper website that is a bit more than a blog :P

Until then, we have decided to include some adds on this blog to generate more income for the band, since we all know that being in a Metal band means you might never become rich. Not that the aim is to become rich, we simply thought this could boost a bit our already little income generated from shows, to support us in recoding our album and buying new equipment.

But if some of you feels this is being a bit too much of a "commercialisation" of our band, we would like you to voice that out. To many complains WILL result in removing the adds.

Thank you for supporting Blaakyum.

Into the Shadows

Blaakyum, after performing a couple of gigs (Rock Nation 2008, Summer Fusion 2008) will now disappear for a while, the band is currently in the Studio recording (New Wave DMS - Lebanon) their Debut EP: Lord Of The Night, which will have songs from both originally planned records (The Land, and The Gate) but for financial reasons the double debut will be postponed for now.

Samples will be posted as soon as they are available.

CEASE FIRE

Blaakyum - Cease Fire (Live in London)


Taken form Blaakyum's performance at GBOB - London, Electric Ballroom.
Blaakyum was the only Metal band to qualify to the finals

The Roots @ Back to the Roots

Blaakyum would like to thank all those who showed up at the concert... was nice Metalling with you all... We are sorry for the delay in the demo, but we all know how things are in this country more update soon.

here are some of the night's moments:

New Metal Order

Blaakyum will be performing in Back To The Roots II in Hektic Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon.

We will see you all there for a blast... Expect the New Metal Order to come your way.. an inauguration will take place.

\m/
Metal to the Bones

The Battle is Over

Blaakyum ended the GBOB in 7th position. Although that means that practically they did not end within the top 3, still for a band from Lebanon and for a METAL band (the only metal band that made it through to the finals in UK) this is a very good achievement.

All in all 3000 bands participated in the GBOB Challenge this year and for Blaakyum to end up 7th is actually a good start.

We can proudly say, Blaakyum did vanquish London.

And until the next Battle... we will forsake ye not.

Lord Of The Night - out in the new year

Blaakyum are in the process of recording their first Demo. This will be a pre-phase before the band release their debut album, and will give their fans an opportunity to listen to what the band is all about.

Blaakyum will be releasing a double Debut in Lebanon entitled "The Gate" and "The Land" the first being a collection of their 90's Era songs and the second the more recent materials. The Demo will feature 7 songs. Six of which are from the "The Land" album and one from the 90's Era.

The Demo will be released sometimes after the new year and will be entitled:

Lord Of the Night - Demo 2008

So be on he look out.

Picture: Blaakyum at Camden Underworld, London.

And the Battle rages on... Blaakyum qualifies to the finals

This is the GBOB official statement on the first day of the Challenge that took place at Camden Underworld in London:

"The first evening of the three-day, two venue GBOB Challenge World Final, which took place at the Underworld in Camden was a fantastic success. All the 11 bands who played deserve credit for a very entertaining evening but in the end only seven bands could go through to the Superfinal at the Electric Ballroom on Thursday December 6.

The bands that went through, in no particular order are:Cliff Clavin from Iceland; Moja from Japan; The Dirty Words from Wales; Gurzuf from Belarus; Most Wanted from Thailand; Y2K from Malaysia and Blaakyum from Lebanon."

The Lebanese flag will carry on to the next Battle... Another stage conquered.

\m/

Blaakyum in Action

Blaakyum will be performing in the following dates:

20th October - Vini Vidi Vomui - Cherry's Pub - Antelias, Beirut Lebanon

2nd November - El Arz Metal Fest - Cherry's Pub - Antelias, Beirut Lebanon

1st December - Warm-up for London - Cherry's Pub - Antelias, Beirut Lebanon

4th December - GBOB World Finals - Camden Underworld - London, United Kingdom

6th December - GBOB World Super Finals - Electric Ball Room - London, United Kingdom

Keep checking here for more events.

And to the Final Battle

BLAAKYUM would like to thank GBOB Lebanon's organisers as well as fellow bands. A special thanks to all our fans. Blaakyum will carry the banner into England. The final battle.

As the band will do its best to win, we would like to point out that we are there not to win, but to put Lebanon on the map, and to CONQUER THE WORLD.

Blaakyum, quoting Oath To Vanquish, will Vanquish London.

Keep 'em banging.

Bassem

GBOB Qualifying heat at Cherry's Pub

These are some pictures of the first gig that Blaakyum played after 7 years of non-existance:

BLAAKYUM would like to thank Mark Bassila (one of the best Lebanese drummers) for filling in George's place while he was away.

And to the next Battle: September 15th

Blaakyum would like to thank all the fans who voted and who did not vote for the band. Because of you Blaakyum is now qualified for the Lebanese GBOB Finals. More Blaakyum will be headlining the event along with other finalists. That means that Blaakyum after the Competition will be performing as well... Songs will be heard that were never heard before... Harm will be done that will never be undone... Metal is a peaceful battle field and on the 15th of September BLOOD WILL FLOW...

\m/

Seven Years Of Slumber and the Beast is BACK!!!

BLAAKYUM's first official appearance: Global Battle Of The Bands - Cherry's PUB

Blaakyum will perform two songs of their up coming debut album(s) at Cherry's GBOB as part of the competition. Come and Support METAL.

Cherry's Pub Antelias facing Saniour.

03 378 301

20% of the competition's points are given by the votes of the fans... so be there.

Rumors, Rumours ...

What Rumors... how? when? We will know very soon... but what is being cooked behind the tents is delicious.. and that's for sure.

Sir Black.

Blaakyum History (1995 - 2000)

BLAAKYUM is A Lebanese Heavy Metal Band. The Band Started in the Summer of 1995; Bassem Deaïbess who has been playing the guitar for a while and singing had the typical dream of most young musicians, to have a band. Maroun Azar was Deaïbess neighbor and friend since they were small kids. The weird thing is that both of them would chat for hours from each own home balcony but never really met. So after 17 years of existence they discovered that they both love the guitar, Deaïbess started giving Azar some guitar lessons then both of them decided to look for a teacher and to form a band With Deaïbess as vocalist and guitarist and Azar as Guitars and Harmonica.Later in a Spiritual gig in front of a Church Deaïbess and Azar was introduced to Jean Saad, a talented very young drummer, after a short practice he played with them on that gig and they became friends, Saad Joined the band. After a "short-time search" the guys found Jad Nohra (Azar's school mate) as a lead guitarist. They started rehearsing at Saad's home basement without a bassist. they started playing some pop and pop/rock songs, M. Azar had to leave the band because he was too busy studying Medicine.Later on Jean Abdullah was asked to handle the bass since he use to play some guitars. but he didn't have any experience and he didn't take any lessons so unfortunately he couldn't make it. but he decided to stick to the band and was a great help specially on the management level. The Band started as a Grunge-Punk Band; and the band played it's first gig at The Lebanese University - Faculty of Human Since -Fanar (Deaïbess's University), without a bassist (The bassist of Generations X band helped them a bit on that gig). After auditioning a couple of bassists The band wasn't able to find any until Deaïbess's Brother Samer Deaïbess took the Bass Guitar role. After a while the band switched to Thrash Metal with Metallica being the biggest influence (1996). In that period the band played another gig in a gas station hangar, the concert didn't work out since the sound (that was provided by Disco Stips) SUCKED!! Then the band gigged in some pubs around the Lebanese Mountain, like Ritz Pub, 3 Demotions Pub... and others. The band played in the 1st rock festival that took place in the 90's in Beirut Hall, the well known Rock Concert 1. But the band didn't do well on that concert. Then The Doom Wave struck the country and Doom bands started pooping All over Lebanon, so BLAAKYUM played Doom/Black Metal but not for long, because of the bad reputation the band had from "Rock Concert 1" the band started having some problems within the members mainly Nohra, so He left the band after a Great concert at Jamhour College where they gigged with what once was one of the Lebanese most talented Doom Bands 'Chain Of Decease', the band performed a full set of there own songs.

(1997) After the departure of Nohra, Samer Deaïbess had to quit so he could concentrate on his official exams at school. Mano was brought to fill in the bass role and the band started looking for a lead guitarist. after trying a couple of guitarists they found Shant Bajacksian a very young and talented guitarist as well, but Bajacksian had also official exams and couldn't keep up. so Nohra rejoined the band, but things didn't work out, and he insisted that Bassem Deaïbess would quit singing and concentrate on the rhythm Guitar, in the same time he started another band with Mano and Saad called unofficially "Society", Deaïbess felt that the band was falling apart and that Saad and Mano will leave the band to stay with Society, that's when he met Vicken Bajacksian (Shant's elder brother) in a rehearsal center where "Society" were rehearsing, and they decide to reform Blaakyum. So Bajacksian introduced his Friend Georgic on drums. Deaïbess contacted Jean-Pierre Mattar from the number 1 Lebanese Rock and Metal band "Exceed", and Mattar said he would try out for one concert. After the band rehearsed and played it's 1st concert at Peak Hall (use to be called Peak FM Concert Hall) Mattar decided to join the band officially, but he asked to get another drummer, and he suggested Sir Ghassan Saker X-Strangers and x-Cedra (the number 1 NWOBHM Lebanese Band) and a D.I.T. London graduate and an old friend to Mattar. So the band was reformed with great musicians. The Band played Heavy Metal mainly with a bit of Thrash, and it gigged in pubs with some Classic Metal tunes with Jad Aouad on drums. in 1998 the Band reached it's peak with 13 shows at PEAK FM Concert Hall, 2 Bands competitions (BLAAKYUM won the Band competition at Marriott Hotel with a professional Jury : Walid Tawil (Drums), Edgar Aoun (Vocals), Oussama El-Rouhbani (Music), and the General Manager of Marriott Hotel as the public listener in the Jury). And they recorded there single "AM I Black" at RAM studio in Haret-Hraik; Am I Black is a soft Rock/Doom song that the Lebanese scene now knows by heart.

The departure of Saker because of some health problems opened the doors for the band to a new realm, The band had to maintain it's professional level and high quality, creative, and talented music, so they settled on Sir Rodrigue Balian a drummer the band had never heard anything like before, he was the first double bass drummer the band had ever had, he brought the progressive influence to the band since Balian was a Dream Theater fan, playing progressive was the hardest task for the band, so Deaïbess called on his old friend Jad Nohra to rejoin the band and so he did. After that the band started rehearsing and they worked on two new songs called "Deathdeny" and "The Gate" witch was suppose to be the title track of the CD. They performed a concert in La Cité Jounieh with the band Alienz (Blaakyum saw a great talent in the Alienz and decided to support them) .J.P. Mattar had to go to the army, so the band had to find another guitarist, and Balian suggested his friend William Mallouk who was the next right choice since he composes good progressive music, and was a very talented lead guitarist. The next step was a new concert, the band played in Ehdin Festivals with the band Alienz, it was a very special event since Blaakyum and Alienz were the 1st bands from Beirut to ever play in the north and specially in Ehdin.Balian Had to leave the band for personal reasons and David Elias (Armageddon Drummer) Was in. Bajacksian rejoined Valhalla and left Blaakyum, Vicken Bajacksian was the member that stayed with Blaakyum the most (other than Deaïbess the founder). so the band auditioned Walid El-Massieh and Robert Aramouni for bass and El-Massieh was chosen by the band (although Deaïbess preferred Aramouni). Not long after, William Mallouk had to leave the band because he had to go back to his beloved country Brazil. Jad Nohra got a job in Germany and had to leave the band. So Deaïbess asked Robert Aramouni to join the band in the middle of the year 2000. He contacted Walif Ayoubi as well and they rehearsed for a while, then Deaïbess thought of getting Elias Njeim (the most popular Lebanese Metal Guitarist), but things weren't working out well, So Deaïbess contacted Alan Azar from Alienz to handle the Lead Guitars since he was into the progressive thing.

For a short period of time David Elias couldn't play because of some health problems so Mazen filled his place for a while. This lineup of Blaakyum that was Deaïbess, Alan Azar, Robert Aramouni, and David Elias could be considered one of the best, the band played in Rock Nation 1 at CrepAway Jounieh-Maameltain, and it was a good concert, it showed surprisingly the band that it had the biggest fan base. After the concert that band was put on hold because David Elias was not stable and Deaïbess and Aramouni Joined The Alienz. Because of a big conflict between the 2 bands and after Deaïbess was fired from Alienz, and because of David Elias attitude (he said he would only record and not play live with the band) Deaïbess decided to announce the final split of Blaakyum.

Blaakyum in La-Cite Concert