Indian Metal: Something that grows each and every day.

I got introduced to Indian Metal in 2007 when my friend told me-“Man! Listen to this song ‘Apocalyptic Dawn’, your balls will drop off! And the best part is it’s by an Indian Band!” Okay, so he had good taste in music so I go home and hear the song on Demonic Resurrection’s MySpace page. That day I found about the underground heavy metal scene in India. In the next 48 hours I knew over at least 5 songs by heart by Indian Bands. And here we are today with over 10 releases every year. So just to give you an insight on what Indian Metal can do to you, I’ll tell about the Top Metal songs in my mind.

(These are not arranged by rank.)

Everlasting Burn (IIIrd Sovereign) - Third Sovereign is as brutal as it gets! Their song ‘Everlasting Burn’ starts off with a bass solo leading path for the guitars and drums. And I can give it to you in writing that as soon as the vocals come in; during a live gig you’ll see bodies in motion! The whole song makes you want to jump around and shout your guts out. After the break down you’d probably die if you don’t take care of yourself. Overall this song was made so that you kill yourself with music this brutal.

Apocalyptic Dawn (Demonic Resurrection) - My first taste of Indian Metal, a taste that still lingers on my tongue. It’s amazing how a song can be so heavy and extreme and still have so much melody. The intro solo will wrap you up and take you to some place far away where the beast is ready to kill you. You’d bang your head out if probably if you’re listening it to the first time on a cranked up speaker and that’s what’s required from a metal song. Though their new album has much better lyrical content this song has awesome lyrics which were quite a benchmark when it was released.

Breeding Gods (Undying Inc.) – You like extreme metal? Well then this song is for you. I heard this song on the RSJ ‘Breaking Boundaries’ Compilation. Undying Inc. can be defined as energy, energy and more energy! This track is five and a half minutes of pure mayhem. Everything from guitars to bass lines to drumming patterns is amazingly killing. And to top it all up you have one extremely killing vocals. If you don’t watch out you WILL get hurt in the pit.

Blasted Beyond Belief (Bhayanak Maut) - This song lives up to its name. It will blast you beyond belief. Every time I hear the opening riff a strange energy over possesses me. The vocals in this song are my favorite especially in the middle where there is a strange laugh like part. The intention of this song is breaking you down. Limb by limb.

Ate a Banana (Scribe) – BAKTAAVAR! The song starts with a shout. This has vocals that are really weird but fit quite well there are loads of creepy laughs and lot of “ Roop Sohanna Lagta Hai” chants in this song. This song sounds like the result of lots of energy capsules eaten with Red Bull and releasing it all in one go. The song has basic two patterns, the band has decided to keep it short and strong.

Mindwrap II (Acrid Semblance) - You can call this band your ‘Children of Bodom’ from India. The Keys, The guitars and bass lines are extremely melodic yet brutal. This song is a two minute instrumental. The end features a small bass solo which is treat to listen to not because its fast or anything because it goes quite well with the theme of the song.

Sphere VII (Kryptos) – One of India’s finest bands. Not the fastest thing you’ll hear, but this song will easily make you move your head and tap your feet. If you’re a guitarist this song is a treat for you. Depending on how you like it, you might like this song more live or might like the record more. This song has very little vocals but the instruments are extremely mind boggling and keep you moving your head throughout the song.

Indian Metal is getting more extreme, more brutal, and more energetic with every song, every riff, and every note.

- Eshaan Sood