Yasak Helva is a trio whose members come from diverse musical backgrounds including death metal, pop rock, arabesk, Turkish folk music, jazz, and grunge, defining their sound as “electric folk.”

Using electro-acoustic cümbüş, çağlama, bass, and drums, the band draws inspiration from Anatolia, the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, while occasionally referencing jazz and rock classics. Gaining attention quickly for their energy and concept, Yasak Helva has performed at major festivals such as the Carthage Jazz Festival (Tunisia), Sziget Festival, and Istanbul Jazz Festival. Their second album, Atamba, consisting entirely of original compositions, was released in June 2025 via Gülbaba Records.