Iskander: The Driving Force of Dutch Alternative Rock

Iskander is a Dutch alternative rock band known for its energetic live performances and melodic, guitar-driven sound. Hailing from Utrecht, the group achieved mainstream success in the Netherlands with their 2005 debut album, which spawned several hit singles and reached the Top 10 of the national album charts.

Early career

The band was formed in 1999 by vocalist and guitarist Paskal Jakobsen and guitarist Joost van Haaren. They began by playing local venues and self-releasing their early material, building a dedicated following in the Dutch underground scene.

Their independent work caught the attention of the major label EMI Netherlands, which signed the band in 2003. This partnership provided the resources to record their first professional studio album.

Breakthrough

Iskander's breakthrough came in 2005 with the release of their debut album, Is. The lead single, In Between, received heavy rotation on Dutch radio and music television channels.

The album Is entered the Dutch Album Top 100 at number 8 and was later certified Gold. This commercial success firmly established Iskander as a major new act in the national rock landscape.

Key tracks

In Between — This was the band's first major hit single, defining their signature blend of anthemic rock and introspective lyrics.

Scared — A powerful ballad that showcased the band's dynamic range and became a staple of their live setlist for years.

Breathe — Featured on their second album, this track demonstrated a maturation in their songwriting with a more expansive, atmospheric sound.

Wake Up — Known for its driving rhythm and urgent energy, this song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of their discography.

Following their successful debut, Iskander released their sophomore album, Iskander II, in 2007. The album performed solidly, though it did not match the chart peak of its predecessor, and the band continued to tour extensively.

After a period of hiatus where members pursued other projects, Iskander reunited for live shows and released new music, including the 2018 single All We Have Is Now. They have maintained a consistent presence on the Dutch festival circuit.

Fans of Iskander's melodic Dutch rock should also explore Kane, known for their emotive anthems and massive national success. The guitar work of Di-Rect shares a similar energetic, alternative rock drive. For another perspective on the Dutch rock scene, try Racoon, who blend rock with folk influences. The accessible yet gritty sound of dEUS offers a more art-rock oriented comparison.

Iskander's catalog receives regular airplay on a variety of stations featured on this website. Their hits are staples on Dutch alternative rock radio stations, while their deeper album cuts find a home on independent music radio stations dedicated to guitar music.

Listeners can discover the driving alternative rock of Iskander through the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their music is frequently featured in rotation.