Labirent
Turkish progressive rock band known for their symphonic orchestral performances.
Labirent (meaning "Labyrinth" in English) is a Turkish progressive rock and metal band that started in Ankara in 1987. At a time when rock music was still seen as unusual in Turkey, founders Serhat Koçak and Yavuz Selim Sarıcı helped shape the country's progressive rock scene. Guitarist Volkan Unluer joined in 1992, giving the band its current lineup. Their first album, *Çağın Harikası* ("Miracle of the Century"), came out in 1997 and was a success. Labirent also made history by performing a symphonic rock concert with the Gazi University Symphony Orchestra on the national channel TRT—a first for Turkey.
The band’s songs often deal with freedom, liberty, life, and human rights. Their goal is to offer an artistic perspective that helps improve their society. They are also working on a "Triple Project of Labirent" concept, combining members’ music and art projects to create another first in Turkish rock history.
Quick Facts
- Background
- group_or_band
- Origin
- Ankara, Turkey
- Genre
- Progressive rock, progressive metal, symphonic rock
- Years Active
- 1987–present
- Current Members
- Serhat Koçak / Yavuz Selim / Volkan Ünlüer / Tolga Tecer / Levent Ünal
- Past Members
- Levent Atici / Gurcan Konanc / Emin Guven / Koray Ozturk / Fethi Okutan
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Labirent was founded in Ankara, Turkey, in 1987 by Serhat Koçak and Yavuz Selim Sarıcı, at a time when rock music was considered strange in Turkey. In 1992, guitarist Volkan Unluer joined, creating the band's present shape. Their first album, Çağın Harikası, was released in 1997 and brought them success.
The band made a symphonic rock performance with the Gazi University Symphony Orchestra on the Turkish National TV Channel TRT, which was a first in Turkey. Labirent's song themes are mostly freedom, liberty, life, and human rights. The band aims to present an artistic perspective for the improvement of their community.
Reader's Guide
Labirent holds significance as a pioneering force in Turkish progressive rock/metal, having introduced the genre to the Turkish music market at a time when rock was considered strange. Their 1997 album Çağın Harikası marked their commercial breakthrough. The band's symphonic rock performance with the Gazi University Symphony Orchestra on TRT was a first in Turkey, demonstrating their innovative approach. Their lyrical focus on freedom, liberty, life, and human rights, along with being the only Turkish band with a song concerning Atatürk, reflects their commitment to social themes. As of 2011, members were pursuing solo projects, but the band continues to work on a 'Triple Project of Labirent' concept aiming to make another first in Turkish rock music history. Their legacy lies in breaking ground for progressive rock in Turkey and blending orchestral elements with rock.
Did You Know?
- Labirent was formed in Ankara, Turkey, in 1987.
- They performed with the Gazi University Symphony Orchestra on TRT, a first in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Labirent?
Labirent is a Turkish progressive rock and metal band whose name translates to "Labyrinth" in English. They are best known for fusing progressive rock with symphonic orchestral arrangements.
When and where was Labirent formed?
The band was founded in 1987 in Ankara, Turkey, by Serhat Koçak and Yavuz Selim Sarıcı. They emerged at a time when rock music was still considered unconventional in the Turkish music landscape.
What is Labirent's most notable achievement?
They performed a symphonic rock concert with the Gazi University Symphony Orchestra on TRT, Turkey's national television channel. This was the first symphonic rock performance ever broadcast on Turkish national TV.
Who are the core members of Labirent?
The band was co-founded by Serhat Koçak and Yavuz Selim Sarıcı, and guitarist Volkan Unluer joined in 1992 to complete what is regarded as their classic lineup.
What is Labirent's debut album?
Their first studio album, *Çağın Harikası* ("Miracle of the Century"), was released in 1997. It was a commercial success and helped cement the band's place in Turkey's progressive rock scene.
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