The 8th edition of G-Shock Bangalore Open Air brings American death metal giants Suffocation, Norwegian black metal band Abbath, Hyderabad-based Godless, Nepali band Krur and more. We speak to some of the artistes about metal, its sub-genres and what one can expect from the festival this year.
Mass Damnation
Hailing from Colombo, groove metal band Mass Damnation, sing about environmental, religious and socio-political issues. Their 2013 EP, Catalyst of Hate, created waves in the Sri Lankan metal circuit. Guitarist Thishan Wijesinghe tells us more about the band.
What is the metal scene like in Sri Lanka?
The metal scene in Sri Lanka has a good mix of genres from groove to depressive black metal. The scene, although relatively small, is the most supportive
atmosphere we have experienced.
Which international metal bands do you look up to?
We are collectively inspired by bands like Gojira, Meshuggah, Lamb of God, Opeth, Death, The Faceless and Decapitated, to name a few.
What can we expect from your set?
Pure destruction! To be able to play at G-Shock Bangalore Open Air is a true honour that we never even imagined would happen.
TrainWreck
Based-out of Dhaka in Bangladesh, TrainWreck started out small with garage jams and local gigs. They are known for their hardcore and thrash metal sound. We chat with vocalist Abir Ahmed Shuvo about the metal scene in Bangladesh and the band’s journey so far.
Is there a thriving metal culture in Bangladesh?
The metal scene in our country is growing at a rapid pace. It is at a stage now where we can host open air metal shows, which was not possible even two years ago. New bands are emerging every other month from different parts of the country. The outskirts of Dhaka have a stronger cult metal following
these days.
Who are your inspirations?
Some of the big names that we look up to would be Gojira, Pantera, Slipknot and Meshuggah. But the one band that has always pushed us in our music career is Lamb of God. Among Indian bands, Demonic Resurrection, Bhayanak Maut and Kryptos are our most favourite bands.
What are you expecting from your time in Bengaluru?
Being the biggest metal festival in South East Asia, we have always followed Bangalore Open Air, and it is like a dream to play here. We’ll be performing our originals and we’ll make sure you go home all wrecked.
Rs. 2,600 upwards. February 9, 2 pm.
At Aadya Farms, Yelahanka
anagha@newindianexpress.com @anaghzzz