Safar (album)

Karavan
Karavan performing live in Karachi at Ramada Hotel.
Background information
Origin	Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Genres	Hard rock, Heavy metal
Years active	1997–2011 2012–present
Labels	VCI Records, Sound Master, ARY Musik Records, Karavan Catalog Ltd
Associated acts	Awaz, The Milestones, Circle, Wet Metal
Website	www.karavanonline.net
Members	Asad Ahmed Sameer Ahmed Allan Smith Tanseer Ahmed Daar
Past members	Najam Sheraz

Karavan (Urdu: کاروان, literal English translation: "a group of travelers") was a hard rock band from Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, formed in 1997. The band was founded by, former Awaz lead guitarist, Asad Ahmed with the help of his friend and bassist Sameer Ahmed, who were soon joined by drummer Allan Smith and vocalist Najam Sheraz. Karavan is known for fusing eastern percussion and melodies with modern rock. Since their inception, the group has released a collective total of five albums: including four studio albums; and one live album.

They released their debut studio album Rakh Aas in 1997. After a gap of two years, the band recorded their second album Safar with their new vocalist Tanseer Ahmed Daar since Najam Sheraz left the band to pursue a solo career. In 2002, Karavan went on releasing their third album Gardish, which included singles like "Aagay He Aagay", "Dil Ki Pyaas" and "Shor". After a gap of eight years, the band released their fourth album Saara Jahan (2010) which found the band renewed success and popularity.

Asad Ahmed started working on an untitled project with his longtime friend and bassist Sameer Ahmed. In February, after a marathon audition session featuring over fifty singers-inwaiting, the duo decided that Najam Sheraz, previously the lead vocalist of the band Wet Metal, was the best choice for this project. Najam Sheraz soon teamed up with the band and in two months time, the trio made their national debut, Karavan was formed as they opened up for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan at the Channel V concert in Karachi. This was the very first time the band performed on a stage together.

Soon afterwards the band started working on their debut album and recording of the album started at Asad's home studio. After eight months of rehearsing and strenuous work, the band finally finished recording their debut album in August. In November, the band released their debut album, Rakh Aas, which was a huge success and was being compared with great debut albums like Vital Signs 1 and Awaz, even though Assad Ahmed played on the latter. Although the band's first single video premiered was banned by PTV due to the band sporting long hair and outlandish, loud clothes. By the end of year drummer Allan Smith marked his first appearance with the band, taken on the support of the band on tour with a live drum sound.