“Music unites” is a thousand-word motto, but always practically applicable.
The more contrasting the elements, the more they attract the notes, demanding a union.
If notes were elements of physics, they could easily replace or supplement electrons.
Which revolves around like nervous cats, just waiting for someone to hug them or “caress” them.
Let’s not forget that the electron, as an element, has the power to unite atoms, giving them substance at the same time.
Syria and Poland may seem to have many cultural and musical contrasts.
In practice, however, in music, this seems like an opportunity for a reunion and not for confrontation.
So from the ashes of Maqama, a quartet that moved to the limits of rock and progressive with obvious influences from world music…
A “shepherd” was born who wanted to “tame” the lions.
Apparently Kamil Haidar, along with the guitarist from his previous band, Mateusz Owczarek, wanted to tame his musical ideas.
The shape was completed by Maciej Gołyźniak in drums.
From Nirvana to Lion Shepherd
The first contact with music for the band’s founder Kamil Haidar (along with guitarist Mateusz Owczarek) was at the age of ten when he heard Nirvana.
His identification with Kurt Cobain did not take long to show.
Cobain’s lyricism is also a major influence on Lion Shepherd‘s lyrics.
A more attentive listener will discover the contribution of the Seattle scene to their music.
Although all members contribute to each note, the soul of the band is Kamil, who unites two major religions…
…And many more, smaller, as he admits, through his lyrics.
His personal experience between the spirits of two opposing (seemingly) religions is reflected in the sound of the band.
And Lion Shepherd was born
The first steps of Lion Shepherd took place in 2014 with the sound not changing much from the previous bands of the Polish-Syrian singer and main composer of the band.
His name is quite important in Poland due to his family wealth, but also the presence of his brother Emil in show biz.
This in itself could have a negative impact on the band’s future at Rock.
Hiraeth
Nevertheless, their debut album “Hiraeth” was well received.
The tour to promote it with their fellow Riverside fans has certainly helped him to be accepted by progressive fans.
Another element of acceptance was the combination of the tradition that his country has in this expression of rock with the tradition of the homeland of the singer’s father, Syria, and other Arab-speaking countries.
The use of traditional instruments, such as oud, Persian santur, but also Indian percussion with second vocals reminiscent of the Middle East, gives a characteristic ethnic color.
Always artfully connected to rock … As its main body.
The title of the album is also interesting.
In Welsh, it symbolizes the memory we have of something we considered very important to us, such as our carefree childhood and our paternal home.
HEAT
Two years later, their second album arrives. “HEAT” had as its flag, the emblematic song “Dream On“.
The heartbreaking video clip of the song shows excerpts from the singer’s long-suffering, another homeland, Syria.
A lyrical place that also reveals the socio-political orientation of their compositions. Its sound is more rock, with less ethnic elements now.
Although the band stands out from the crowd, it is still looking for its personal character, passing a kind of musical adolescence.
The rage for socio-political becoming overflows through their verses.
III
In 2019, their third album is released with the simple “III” as a title. The simplicity of the title does not reflect its content.
Rich musical color, on a canvas of progressive rock. This album shows that the future belongs to them.
Their influences from their Riverside friends are obvious, but now the sound is more personal and more mature.
They certainly don’t hit the music scene, but for those who know how to express it, it never happens.
It is a genre that builds its audience, as well as its compositions.
Elements of world music are scattered throughout his songs, but even more harmoniously integrated.
A unique sound!
It is a band that we will be working on in the future, but we will definitely entice others to do the same.
Already on the borders of his own homeland (one of the two), they have made several friends.
As you know, notes don’t know borders, so they will soon fascinate others…