Warfaze: 25 years and still going strong

Warfaze performs at its Reunion Concert on October 15, 2008.Photo: Mumit M.

“Poth Chola,” Warfaze's latest album, was launched at the 'Nokia Baishakhi Music Mela,' a concert to celebrate Bangla New Year on April 14. This is the seventh album by the band that popularised Bangla hard rock and metal, and comes after a hiatus of nearly 6 years. The previous album “Moharaj” was launched in 2003.
“Poth Chola” is a compilation of the band's biggest hits and new tracks -- “Tomakey” and “Omanush”. Other songs in the album are -- “Boshey achhi,” “Obak bhalobasha,” “Hotasha,” “Nei proyojon,” “Shadhikaar,” “Joto durey,” “Dhushor manchitro,” “Asha,” “Shomoy,” “Oshamajik” and “Poth chola”.
“Sound quality of the classic Warfaze songs has been enhanced in the new album,” said Tipu, drummer and leader of the band.
Speaking on the album, Tipu added, “One of the main reasons behind launching the album is to preserve these songs for the future generations and to also introduce our greatest hits to a wider range of music lovers.”
Warfaze was formed back in 1984. The initial line up was -- Kamal, Mir, Hell, Naimul and Bappy. Shortly Tipu joined the band as the drummer. Studio albums released by band are -- “Warfaze” (1991), “Obak Bhalobasha” (1994), “Jibondhara” (1997), “Oshamajik” (1998), “Alo” (2000) and “Moharaj” (2003). Over the course of 25 years, the band has seen many ups and downs; some of the older members left, new musicians joined, but to date the band remains a leader in the Bangladeshi rock music scene. The current line up of the band is -- Mizan (vocals), Shams (keyboards), Kamal and Oni (guitars), Roger (bass) and Tipu (drums).
Tipu considers 2009 as a very productive year for the group.
Going over future plans, Tipu said, “We're hoping to bring out our next album. Work for the album is scheduled to begin soon. A CD featuring performances from the 'Warfaze Reunion Concert' (celebrating 25 years of the band) held last year is also on the cards.”
Like previous albums by the band, “Poth Chola” has also proven to be a treat for Warfaze fans who had been eagerly waiting for the release of the album.