Blend: Lebanon’s Late 90s Rock Band You Didn’t Know About

Are you into rock music? Then you should know about Blend, one of Lebanon’s pioneering English-language rock bands in the late 90s-early 2000s.

Who is “Blend”?

Formed by Souaid (vocals), Jad Aouad (drums), Haytham Chalhoub (bass), and Miran Gurunian (guitar), the band emerged from Beirut’s post-war youth culture and carved out a unique identity in a city still grappling with instability.

The band formed around 1995–1997 while the members were still at university, initially performing as Leviathan and playing rock covers in local pubs. After some time apart, with two members moving overseas, they reunited and rebranded as Blend to pursue original music.

Blending post-grunge influences like Pearl Jam with traditional Middle Eastern instruments and melodies, their music stood out in a local scene dominated by pop and folkloric genres.

Their Story

The group faced bans on Western rock music in the ’90s after a Lebanese metal fan committed suicide during that time, which led to albums by Metallica and Nirvana being banned in Lebanon.

“We also sing in English because the rock scene here is minimal,” Souaid explained. “So we are aiming to get released in Europe and the States. And we want as many people as we can to understand our music and lyrics.”

Souaid and Chalhoub, who met while studying engineering, left Lebanon for work abroad. But a short trip home changed everything.

The band recorded a song together as a keepsake, not expecting much to come of it. That song, Belong, ended up catching the attention of EMI — a groundbreaking moment for a non-Arabic-singing rock band in the Middle East.

“When I heard the news [about the EMI deal], I quit my job in Canada, sold my furniture, and came back,” Souaid said. “I’m not an engineer anymore.”

Their 2003 debut album Act One—featuring a guest appearance by Natacha Atlas—was a moody, politically and personally charged record that reflected the complexities of life in Beirut. Their breakout track Belong touched on themes of identity and disillusionment and received regional airplay. It helped them build a grassroots following despite limited radio support. And it looks like a part of the music video was filmed right outside The Egg, one of Beirut’s most iconic landmarks!

If you want to check out the other tracks off their debut album, it looks like this YouTube channel is keeping their legacy alive!

Where Are They Now?

The band never officially disbanded, but we couldn’t find any information about what happened to them. The band continued juggling day jobs and side projects, like writing film music, to support themselves. But we couldn’t find any updates beyond that.

Do you know a Lebanese rock band like Blend? Let us know! Make sure to check out the #Lebanese Music section for more content like this.