Faraz Anwar, born on July 15, 1976, in Karachi, is a progressive rock guitarist. His musical journey commenced at the tender age of six when he was captivated by Yngwie Malmsteen's performance on television, inspiring him to choose the guitar as his instrument of choice.
Commencing his guitar endeavors in 1990, Faraz collaborated with a diverse array of Pakistani musicians, including Ali Haider, Junoon, Fakhr-e-Alam, Junaid Jamshed, Sajjad Ali, Strings, and Nadeem Jaffri. His inaugural international live performance was with Sajjad Ali for the album "Babia," featuring his first composition, "Akela," which resonated across screens and topped the music charts at MCC 1 in 1993.
In 1996, while residing in Pakistan, Faraz sent his instrumental demo tapes to Berklee College of Music in Boston, winning a scholarship that, unfortunately, he couldn't utilize due to domestic challenges. As a testament to his musical prowess, Berklee presented him with the "Outstanding Musical Achievement Award 1996."
Internationally recognized and admired, Faraz Anwar released his first experimental album, 'Panchi,' in 1998. However, the record label released it unfinished and without Faraz's consent. In 2001, Gnarly Geezer released his first solo instrumental album, "Abstract Point Of View," under the late Allan Holdsworth's record label, earning him global acclaim. The album was later re-released by Lion Music Records of Finland in 2004.
In 2004, Faraz unveiled his black/death metal band "Dusk" and a progressive metal solo project, "Mizraab." Dusk, comprising Faraz Anwar (guitars) and Babar Sheikh (vocals), released the albums "My Infinite Nature Alone" (1996) and "Jahilia" (2003). Mizraab, a post-grunge progressive metal project, showcased Faraz's skills as a multi-instrumentalist. Their debut album, "Mazi, Haal Mustaqbil," was a concept album released with videos for tracks like "Insaan," "Meri Terhan," "Izhar," and "Kitni Saadian."
Faraz's contributions extend to various genres, leaving an indelible mark on Junaid's iconic song "Keh do jo bhi" and numerous others. He has made multiple appearances on Coke Studio, starting in 2011 with Mizraab's performance of "Kuch hai." Rohail Hayat invited him again in 2014 for the song "Malhar" and in 2017 for "Ujalon mein" during season 10.
Presently, Faraz Anwar's latest album, "Ishq Ki Subah," a fusion of pop, rock, and progressive songs and instrumentals, is available for purchase. Additionally, his concept album, "Tale Of The Lunatics," narrating the story of the angel "Afaiel" sent to earth as a human, can be found on all major online music distribution platforms.