Lebanese musician Jean-Pierre Haddad dies aged 39: 'My home country lost a monument'

The Arab heavy metal community is in mourning after the death of Jean-Pierre Haddad, frontman and guitarist of Kimaera.

The Lebanese band announced the news on their social media channels on Thursday.

While the band did not reveal the cause of death, Lebanese news site IM Lebanon reported that Haddad, 39, died in his Cairo apartment from asphyxiation after a natural gas leak.

Friends of Haddad confirmed the tragedy to The National.

"It is with extreme devastation that we announce the passing of our founder, front man, and brother Jp Haddad," read a statement from Kimaera.

"Being one of the early pioneers of the Lebanese metal community, JP never lost faith in the local metal scene, while working tirelessly towards taking it internationally."

The band revealed they recently finished recording the fourth album, Imperium, to be released in March.

“It was only one week ago that the whole band received and listened to the finished new album, and while it will forever hurt to listen to JP's unique growls, we will make sure that his musical dreams, passion and legacy will always live through."

Keyboardist Charbel Abboud released his own poignant tribute to Haddad on Instagram.

"Thank you for believing in me, as a brother, as a friend, and as a bandmate," he said.

"Thank you for helping me become the man I am today. Thank you for telling me you're proud of me."

Blazing a path

Formed in Beirut in 2000 Kimaera forged a ferocious sound blending doom and death metal with Middle Eastern and symphonic melodies.

Their 2004 debut single God's Wrath created a buzz and caught the attention of Russian record label Stygian Crypt Productions, which released albums Ebony Veiled in 2006 and Solitary Impact in 2010.

By then Kimaera had completed successful tours of Europe, including appearing in Czech Republic's Masters of Rock Festival in 2010 and Latvia's Zobens Un Lemess in 2017.

The band also headlined a Dubai music festival called Metal Eastern Night in 2014.

The news of Haddad's death has devastated the tightly knit regional metal scene as he led a band hailed as pioneers for their uncompromising approach to their craft.

This is best displayed with their punishing cover of Majida Al Roumi’s Beirut Set El Donya.

Released to mark their 20th anniversary, the innovative interpretation and gothic music video was so popular that it was broadcast on mainstream Lebanese channel MTV.

El Roumi was unimpressed with the treatment, however, and stated an intention to file a copyright claim against Kimaera for their unofficial use of the song.

In a 2021 episode of YouTube series LebMetal, Haddad reflected on the controversy and put it down to the stigma associated with heavy metal in Lebanon.

"They said we were promoting violence and chaos even though it is the exact same song,” he said.

An inspiration to many

Former band manager Elia Mssawir was in charge of some of Kimaera's earlier tours.

“Because of you I started [my artist management career] because you dared me to book Kimaera for festivals in Europe. You believed in me and you literally started my career,” Mssawir wrote on Facebook.

“We talked a few days ago and it didn't cross my mind that this will be our last conversation. I'm just speaking my mind because I don't know how to express this unbelievable loss over this waterfall of tears ... I miss you man.”

Lebanese singer-songwriter Anthony Ba'a' Abdo also went on social media to describe Haddad as an inspiration.

"Yesterday, my home country lost a monument in its metal circle. RIP Jp Haddad, we'll make sure your music and vision of Kimaera will roam this world."

The Cairo Jazz Club in Egypt, where Haddad was bar manager, announced a gathering in his honour tonight. "He will be deeply missed, and always remembered as a hardworking and passionate man.”

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Three ways to get a gratitude glow

By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.