It has almost been a decade since the formation of progressive metalcore BEAR. Since then, the band has developed a loyal following over a period of producing an EP, three albums and a few international tours. This month, the Antwerp-based outfit will perform in India for the first time, as a part of the independent live gig series, Unscene’s five-city tour. “We’ve heard a lot about India and the culture here. Since it’s our first time, we’re still seeing everything from a European perspective. But we are eager to travel and explore the country,” says James Falck, guitarist. Besides James, the band consists of Serch Carriere on drums, Dries Verhaert on bass and Maarten Albrechts as the vocalist.
Formed in 2009 by Serch and Leander (former guitarist), the band wanted to take it slow and chose to remain as a low-profile group in Belgium. “That was until we found our vocalist, Maarten. We then started playing live in June 2010. It’s been one hell of a ride,” he adds. BEAR released their first album Doradus in 2011, followed by Noumenon in 2013.
Said to be the band’s most evocative album, uniquely titled ///, which released last year, features 11 tracks of complex rhythms and distorted harmonies. “This abum deals with phobias and the scars they leave. Fear of God, death, mistreatment or abuse are a few themes we’ve tried to incorporate,” shares James, adding, “Don’t let these fears take over you because they will leave you for dead.”
Ticket: Rs.499. On April 6, 8 pm onwards. At The Moonshine Project.