Hi everyone! My name is Zu-Zubair Haider. In the next few weeks, Sharaf Qaisar and I will be bringing you this new section by the name of Advance Listen. The idea of this page is to enlighten the readers about new music and the new blood coming to the fore on the local scene.

Recently, I had the opportunity of hearing one of the finest Metal groove albums in a very long time. The opportunity presented itself when Faraz Anwar asked me to flavour his latest venture 'Maazi Haal Mustaqbil'. The album has been recorded and mixed at the Mkaal Hasan studio in Lahore. Let Us take a deeper look at the songs that this album shells out.

The theme of the album is centred on the dark depressing aspects of life. The interesting aspect of this album is that each song has an intro, a solo break and an outro. Solos have diminished abroad as emphasis has shifted to guitar riffs and vocal solo breaks. Another interesting aspect is the way the scale shifts take place within the album. Awe inspiring, to say the least!

The album is fuelled with interlaced guitars and mesmerising solos. One trademark that can be found is that there is always a breakdown leading to the solo after which the song takes off again. There are a total of 9 songs so far.

The album starts off with 'Mayusi,' a slow, brooding though intense track that lets the listener into the world of Mizraab. The vocals on the entire album are amazing - very deep, dark and piercing. The next track to feature is called 'Meri Tarah.' I'm sure most of you must have seen its video on TV. The video is good but the song is better.

No band likes to be compared as every artist has his own artistic vision. But having said that, I think, many out there will agree when I say that the vocals on this track sound like Layne Stayley of Alice in chains. Very impressive indeed.

'Aag' is another impressive number. This song has a very heavy groove thanks to the use of double bass. This is one feature, which I don't commonly see around these parts of the world but then again that is what sets mizraab apart.

The two songs that stand apart in the album are 'Janay Main' and 'Kuch hai'. 'Janay main' is a heavy power ballad, which threatens to blow the roof throughout the song but maintains its composure. 'Kuch hai' is another heavy power ballad. It starts off with a harmonium, which leads the song into Industrial mode with overlapped vocals and an amazing electric and acoustic solo. The fretwork in this album is unbelievable.

'Maazi Haal Mustaqbil' is a masterpiece in the making with tracks that will capture the listener's attention. Although This album in my view

is not meant for the masses, Anyone can pick it up and enjoy the musical craftsmanship.

The biggest surprise one will find in the album is the vocal variation shown by Faraz. This is one album that will stay in my possession for a very long time.