Metal scene in India

Heavy, fast riffs, mind numbing distortion, blast beats, and the shear pace of the double bass...brings to mind the kind of tranquility that one could only imagine about. Being Indians, we mostly have to settle for overseas material when it comes to metal (Though 'settle' would be a huge understatement!). The kind of music people listen to actually varies as you move from one part of the country to the other and the biggest pit-stops for metal in our country would be Bangalore, Bombay, the North-east, and maybe some parts of Calcutta. Lack of proper facilities and reception are probably the two biggest reasons for the slow progress of metal in our country. However with bands such as Inner Sanctum, Pin Drop Violence, Bhayanak Maut and a whole bunch more the prospect of Indian metal can only go higher.

Concerts with metal acts headlining the gig have become commonplace and are receiving rave reviews. Some of the biggest gigs are namely the Great Indian Rock, Deccan Rock Fest, Great Indian metal fest,Rock ethos. Add to the fact that most of these bands are now concentrating more on releasing EPs which I feel is a great move that actually generates a much wider fan-base than possible through live shows and gigs!

Albums to Check Out:

• Inner Sanctum-Provenance
• Pin Drop Violence-Right to riot
• Millennium- One concept to live
• Pin Drop Violence-Compose, Oppose, Dispose

Watch this Space!!!

In Flames

When In Flames, hailing from Gothenburg, Sweden, came into being in the year 1990 , mortals had no clue as to how big a revolution this band was going to bring about. 20 years down the line they are considered to be one of the biggest all time pioneers of melodic death metal. Co-incidentally one of my favorite metal bands! Formed by Jesper Stromblad and consisting of members Anders Friden(Vocals), Bjorn Gelotte(Guitars), Peter Iwers(Bass), Daniel Svensson(Drums) and Jesper Stromblad(Guitars). Since 1990 the band has released nine studio albums and the sound of the band has changed down the years. The musical style of In Flames may be segregated into two distinct styles.

The Band used a much heavier layout to the music as incorporated in the first five albums. Blast beats along with growling vocals and genuinely fast guitaring was the trademark of this period. The toning down of the music,however, came at around 2002 with the release of the album 'Reroute to Remain', when the band started using clean vocals along with a reduction in the double bass and distortion with much regularity. The stylistic changes also included more prominent rhythm sections with the use of keyboards and electronics. This led to a division among the fans due to contradicting tastes. Whatever be the case, one aspect which you just cant overlook when inflames is concerned is the underlying melody in each track which just makes it awe-worthy.The Band continues to herald unchartered territories in the world of metal till date and continues to be one of the biggest influencing forces behind Melodic Death Metal.

Albums:

1. The Lunar Strain
2. The Jester Race
3. Whoracle
4. Colony
5. Clayman
6. Reroute to remain
7. Soundtrack to your escaoe
8. Come Clarity
9. A sense of purpose

Must listen:

• My Sweet Shadow
• Only for the weak
• Come Clarity
• Cloud Connected
• Gyroscope

Editor's Rating: 5/5 (Just doesn't get any better!)

Footnote: The official In flames mascot is the Jester head that has appeared on each of the albums since its inception in the album 'The Jester Race'. The best aspect of their music which I like the most personally would be the flawless incorporation of keyboards with the metal sound which makes listening to this band play nothing less than a heavenly experience!

Gojira

Progressive death metal band formed in 1996 in France but gained popularity near about 2000-2001 with the release of their album 'Terra Incognita'. The band mostly deals with environmental issues and has a pretty heavy feel to its sound coupled with a characteristic slow heavy guitars and fast thumping double bass which just adds to the listening experience. Decent vocals considering the French background and consist of both death metal growls and clean vocals. Major Influences have been listed as Death, Metallica, Tool, Meshuggah. Since 'Terra Incognita', the band has released 3 more studio albums till date, 'The Link', 'From mars to Sirius' and 'The way of all flesh'.

Must listen:

• Love
• The heaviest matter of the universe
• To Sirius
• All the tears
• Ocean Planet

Editor Rating: 3.5/5

Footnote: Can get a little monotonous after a while. Good listen on the whole! Very nice to hear environmental issue based lyrics in metal though. A very commendable departure from conventional lyrics!