"Xaque” pronounced (shock) is a Luso-American band from New Jersey that was formed in 1992. The Portuguese word Xaque means “Checkmate”.

This project, which quickly turned into a band has evolved into something very special, with many memorable moments, and a legacy of great accomplishments...

This incredible project started in 1992 in a homemade garage studio named TRAINTRAXX, and the first CD was completely recorded and mixed there by the band. In 1994, XAQUE’S debut recording, "EVOLUCAO", was released in North America. Later that year, the band was signed to a European record label and a European version of "EVOLUCAO" was released with a different cover. Unfortunately the record company proved to be less than professional and ethical, so the band moved on and created their own label.

 XAQUE remains the only US based band to have performed in concert with Portuguese artists such as Rui Veloso, Pedro Abrunhosa, Fernando Pereira, Nucha, Xutos e Pontapes, GNR, and the list goes on…  and in the winter of 1996 Rui Veloso came to the United States to participate exclusively in the recording of Xaque songs. These studio recordings are rare and have become known as the IMC Recording Sessions, and are expected to soon be released by the Record label. Look for them on this website.

In 2001 the band released "EVOLUCAO UNPLUGGED”. The CD title was fitting and featured acoustical interpretation of "HEROI DO MAR" and "PRISIONEIRO" as well as re-mastered versions of the original 1994 releases.

Xaque stayed silent fo a couple of years after that, and in 2003 released it's much-anticipated follow-up CD to EVOLUCAO UNPLUGGED entitled ALMA NUA, the CD features special performances with Rui Veloso.

In 2008 A composition from "Evolucao" and "Alma Nua" is used on the soundtrack for iBanker.  click here to see the pilot trailer...

Stay tuned for more Xaque history, we will post it as it's made...