HABAK

HABAK is a critically acclaimed Mexican band from Tijuana best known for pioneering a blend of intense, politically charged music called “crust melódico” (melodic crust punk) or neocrust. Their unique sound successfully fuses the raw, socio-political fury of crust punk and D-beat with the emotional complexity, intricate guitar harmonies, and longer, layered compositions of screamo and post-metal. Led by vocalist Alejandra Valdez, the band’s music—which is typically sung in Spanish—is often described as both abrasive and delicately beautiful, a duality perfectly captured by the title of their album, Mil orquídeas en medio del desierto (A Thousand Orchids in the Middle of the Desert). Habak is deeply committed to a DIY punk ethos and uses their music to explore radical themes of anti-fascism, anti-capitalism, and social justice and is known for their highly energetic live performances.