Weeping Willow Bio

The Weeping Willow stands strong to this day as one of the most influential and controversial metal bands in Lebanon. With a relentlessly brutal sound and uncompromisingly innovative lyrics, The Weeping Willow helped set the standards for Metal in Lebanon over a decade ago and have maintained those standards ever since.

Emerging from the time when Rock & Metal were Taboo and remained underground, The Weeping Willow began life in 1996 under the moniker, Opposites. Consisting of Garo (Guitars), Geno (Vocals), and Clement (former Guitarist but a lifetime member nonetheless). Opposites commanded a local cult following with their extreme brand of black metal, with influences such as Emperor, Naglfar, Dissection.

In 1998, the line-up was complete; several new members defined what is now The Weeping Willow. With Marco (Keyboards), Khalil (Bass) Pierre on drums and Farid (second vocals). A number of concerts, gigs not to mention Original materials highlighted their debut.
The Weeping Willow's blistering journey faced enormous challenges, due to the Metal censorship and musical conflicts among the band, Farid, Pierre, and Khalil left the band, Marco switched to bass and Rafik became the drummer in the year 2000. That was the turning point for the band; they took a deep breath and showed their true colors, the colors of Death! After the departure of former members, they changed to death metal, mainly influenced by old school death metal bands that they were raised on such as: Morbid Angel, Unleashed, Obituary, Benediction, Death.

In 2001, The Weeping Willow released their demo album Garden of Misery which was an instant success, further establishing The Weeping Willow's furious musical intensity and rebellious stance, and securing The Weeping Willow's place at the forefront of the Lebanese Death Metal scene. However, the vocals on the demo album were recorded by Ralph Khoury. Problems dealt with, Geno came back in late autumn 2001, and the band opened for non-other but Theatre Of Tragedy!
Material for the follow up album was being prepared but due to lack of funding, Marco and Rafik joining the army, and the rise again of the Metal 'concern '(ermm… jail!) that has been persecuting musicians and this type of music since 1995, the band had to wait until late 2003 to enter the studio.

On September 2004, Weeping Willow released their second album "MENTALLY DECAYED" in Rock Fest, and Virgin Megastore.

In June 2006, Weeping Willow opened for the Finnish band Apocalyptica!! In July 2006 performed in Rock Nation with Macbeth. Joseph had to leave to France in August 2006 (Good Luck Bro keep those Horns Up) and that is when former Armageddon guitarist Elias Njeim stepped in.

The Band entered the studio in December 2006 (IQ Studios) and recorded their third album entitled 'The third portal', which was released in July 2007. The band’s new and well-acclaimed album is now being sold in Virgin Megastore and on iTunes Worldwide. November 2007- Rafik (A.K.A Junior), had to leave Lebanon and is now relocated in the U.A.E, but is still a part of the band which are currently working on the release of the fourth album.
Nov 13 09 saw weeping willow playing alongside Anathema and 2 die for at the Beirut rock festival.