Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 21, 2026

Khalas

Khalas, also known as Arabic Rock Orchestra, are a Palestinian heavy metal band based in Israel and formed in 1998. The name of the band means "enough" in Arabic.

Last revised
Jul 21, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
550 w
Citations
17
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Khalas خلص
OriginAkka, Israel
GenresFolk metal
Years active1999–present
MembersRiyad Sliman
Abed Hathout
Fadel Qandil
Dani Rooster
Past membersBassam Beromi
Tarek Sha'aban

Khalas (Arabic: خلص), also known as Arabic Rock Orchestra,12 are a Palestinian heavy metal band based in Israel and formed in 1998.1 The name of the band means "enough" in Arabic.3

In 2013, they embarked on a tour across Europe along with Israeli band Orphaned Land,24 an event which brought coverage to the band in Western media, in outlets such as The Guardian5 and CNN.6 Khalas guitarist Abed Hathout and Oprhaned Land vocalist Kobi Farhi met around 10 years before the tour in a radio station.2

In the following year, both bands shared the Metal Hammer Global Metal Band of the Year award, after a request by Orphaned Land, which had been chosen by the readers for the award.7 The groups received the honor in IndigO2 amidst tensions around the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers.7

In response to criticism that the bands' partnership would be a validation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine or of Palestinian terrorism, both groups stated that their message of understanding "is a sign to everyone that peace is possible".8 Hathout also responded to criticism that the band doesn't write politically charged songs, focusing instead on less serious topics, by claiming that "as a Palestinian, I have the right to write songs about beer, about ladies throwing bras at us on stage, and it annoys me because when I answer that, a lot of people say, now you are an Israeli. Well fuck that - if I don't talk about the occupation, I am an Israeli, suddenly".1

Members

Current members

  • Riyad Sliman – vocals9
  • Abed Hathout – guitar9
  • Dani Rooster – bass10
  • Fadel Qandil – percussions9

Former members

  • Bassam Beromi
  • Tarek Sha'aban

Discography

  • Ma Adesh Feeha (We've Had It) (2003)
  • Arabic Rock Orchestra (2013)
  • The Peace Series Vol. 1 (2021, split EP with Orphaned Land)
References

References

  1. Smallman, Etan (February 10, 2014). "Israeli and Palestinian heavy metal bands head-banging for peace". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2026-04-27. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  2. Kamin, Debra (July 26, 2013). "A heavy metal, Middle Eastern band of brothers". The Times of Israel. ISSN 0040-7909. Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  3. Earache, Asher. Interview with Bassam Beromi, Abed Hathout and Fadel Kandil of Khalas. HardAndHeavy.net, archived by Archive.org
  4. Arad, Dafna (July 23, 2013). "Moshing for peace: Israeli, Palestinian metal bands to share stage on European tour". Haaretz. Archived from the original on May 20, 2026. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  5. Sherwood, Harriet (July 21, 2013). "Israeli and Palestinian bands unite in 'metal brotherhood'". The Guardian. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  6. Mackay, Mairi (August 12, 2013). "Rock the conflict: Jewish and Palestinian metal bands tour for peace". CNN. Retrieved March 28, 2016.
  7. Ritchie, Meabh (June 16, 2014). "Make metal, not war: 'We are the ambassadors of peace'". Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 2014-06-17. Retrieved 2026-05-26.
  8. Suchet, Richard (17 November 2013). "Arab-Israeli Metal Bands On Tour Together". Sky News. Comcast. Retrieved May 26, 2026.
  9. "Khalas: On Creating Heavy Metal Music in Arabic". Musiqa Mustaqilla (Arabic for "independent music" or "self-contained music"). September 21, 2016.
  10. "Kahlas - Bios". Archived from the original on 2009-03-03.
External links