The state of ‘Metal’ in India

India is a vast mishmash of cultures and subcultures that evoke compelling identities if one traverses the country. A country where music draws strong reactions is mostly dominated by a particular kind or form across it. 

Metal music which has a prominent presence over airwaves and a lot bigger touring market in the west finds a miniscule level of presence, more towards being a fringe for better or worse in India. Although there’s no denying that we have come a long way from the scene in the 90s being populated by a handful of bands who relied on doing covers mostly. It was an underground movement back then and it remains an underground movement now. The DIY element largely stays where musicians themselves are involved in booking gigs at, already scarce, venues. There is hardly any expectation of earning a living off doing this. Let alone touring the country to perform for a live audience. Further, the reactions this kind of music attracts are amusing at once, for sure.

However, now there are heaps of talented bands unleashing their music and riding the waves of interwebz. It is positively influenced by bands from the west. A peculiar paradox, where being an Indian band can pique the curiosity of random folks on the internet to check it out as it may seem an unusual place for people to start with.

There’s definitely an upside to this perilous battle. Only a few have really succeeded and proved their mettle on the international shores. 

Skyharbor:

The brainchild of Keshav Dhar, the band has reached dizzying heights touring alongside bands like Deftones, Tesseract, The Contortionist, etc.

Demonic Resurrection:

Easily recognisable as the chief instigator of the metal scene in the country. Under the headship of Sahi Makhija, they have made an appearance at every major metal fest across the globe. 

Plague Throat:

The Indian Death Metal greats come from Shillong, Meghalaya and have deservedly played international venues such as Wacken, Germany.

 
Undying INC:

Deemed as the fittest band in the Indian metal circuit is definitely capable of spewing a lethal blend of extreme elements.

 
Gutslit:

Reigning from Mumbai, this band has been delivering cut-throat musical precision at blistering speeds since 2009.

 
Godless:

Fairly new in the scene and probably the only ones from Hyderabad who play Death Metal.

 
Bhayanak Maut:

Immensely popular for their brutal shows and extremely groovy metalcore songs. The fact that the name of the band was inspired by a B-grade horror movie of the same name by the Ramsay Brothers, is not even funny.

Hailing from Bangalore, they are serious business and constantly tour outside the country. They were the first ones who played a full set at Wacken, Germany - the mecca for metalheads. 

Also read: Rang Bhavan: The Venue That Shaped The Music Scene In India
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