ALGEIR

Crossover Prog • Israel

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Algeir biography
Algeir (אלג'יר) is an Israeli alternative art rock band from the rural desert in the south of the country, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv, where most of the country's secular music scene is located. They were founded in 1992 by guitarist Gabriel Balachsan (גבריאל בלחסן) and guitarist and keyboardist Aviv Guedj (אביב גדג'), both descendants of Algerian olim. The two were then joined by drummer Dvir Lavi (דביר לביא) and signed to a label when they were just under 20 years old. Algeir's music combines rock music with ethnic sounds of the Mediterranean and Jewish poetry (piyyutim) and music.

Their debut album, Loyalty and Passion (נאמנות ותשוקה), from 1995 dealt with heavy concepts such as one's relationship with God, depression, and violence, and did not do well commercially; the band was then dropped by their label shortly thereafter. They began recording material for the next album. In the nine years before their sophomore album was released, Guedj and Balachsan dealt with various severe personal challenges and they ended up in a psychiatric hospital; Balachsan attempted suicide. Lavi left the band.

In the early 2000s, Guedj and Balachsan were joined by bassist and violinist Gil Padida (גיל פדידה ) and drummer Aviv Barak (אביב ברק) to expand their sound. Engines Forward (מנועים קדימה) was released in 2004 and featured a darker, more polished and mature sound, and apocalyptic and depressive themes with hopeful undertones. The album became a major commercial success in Israel, with the band becoming a household name overnight.

Following the success of Engines Forward, the Algeir members focused on various solo projects, providing them independent success, and they disbanded in 2006. Balachsan suffered cardiac arrest and died in 2013 at the age of 37 years old.