Expect figures adorning gory tees and battle jackets at MG Road tomorrow as metalheads come together for Southern Deathfest II being organised by Moshpit Concerts. “We’ve roped in four seasoned bands from Bengaluru who perform extreme sub-genres like death, black and thrash metal to inspire the aspiring artistes here. We hope to give the underground movement an impetus through events like these,” says co-organiser Arun S Kumar.
Cherthala-based thrashers Amorphia, who are also performing tomorrow have come up through DIY shows in their hometown. “There are hardly any active bands in Kerala now, unlike seven years ago, when ensembles like Warhorse Chained made a mark. It’s up to each of us to revive the scene now,” says guitarist Vasuchandran MV.
Sonic intervention
Don’t miss the musical nuances of extreme metal in the distorted tones. “While most death metal bands are lauded for their aggression, our attempt is to bring in more groove into this very complex genre of music,” says Siddharth Manoharan, one-half of Nihilus who are known for their fast-changing tempos and time signatures. The drummer/vocalist is excited about the expansion of extreme music into Tier-II cities, breaking the monopoly of certain circles. “Kochi is a pretty intense station for underground genres and the organisers are keen to promote diverse bands,” says James Britto of Necrophilia whose music creates disharmonic tunes in the wake of death metal veterans like Gorguts.
Assertive attitudes
Behind the veil of satanic imagery, Antakrit hides another intention. “Our music explores the beliefs of ancient sects outside religious boundaries. There are similar undercurrents to the notions of Western paganism and old Indian ideas,” says Sibarshis Dutta, the vocalist of the five-piece black metal band. Artistic investigations like these, seem very relevant at a time when fascism is in vogue. Tracks from death metallers Pisakas, also speak up against the covering up of freedom and truth. “The genre we’re playing helps us address atrocities surrounding our lives in a straightforward way,” remarks guitarist Nilesh Das. Kochi, prepare for some ferocious tunes and aggressive moshpits.
Sounds of wrath
For music aficionados who want a taste of what’s brewing, here’s our pick of tunes from these artistes:
Nihilus: Without Grey Matter - soundcloud.com/nihilus-india
Antakrit: Purity - soundcloud.com/antakrit-india
Amorphia: The Lieber Code -YouTube channel Transcending Obscurity
Necrophilia: Decades of evolution - YouTube channel Necro philia
Pisakas: Cataclysmic Impalement - pisakas.bandcamp.com
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