The number of metal bands sprouting all across the country
is very pleasing to metal maniacs such as myself. Many old and new bands released
their new albums and the one trend I’m really happy to notice is that the quality of
the releases has been on a constant rise. Bands are investing time and
resources into quality production, which is always nice to see.
I see the scene improving even further with 2015. I’m not
saying it will go mainstream, but I do hope to see it spread its wings further across the
country. Here are my picks of albums (in no particular order) released in 2014 that every metal
head should give a spin to atleast once.
1. The Down Troddence - How Are You? We Are Fine, Than You
The band and the album of the year for me. The band had been
on my “Keep a Watch” list since the days of release of Shiva, but they just
took the whole game to a new level with the debut album. Some great carnatic
influenced groove/thrash metal (that is a forceful categorization). This band
is destined for big things in the years to come!
2. Bhayanak Maut – Man
Ever since my entry into the world of Indian Metal, I had
heard of the vicious force that Bhayanak Maut are, but had no encounter with
them. Then came MAN. This album is a result of hard work and turmoil of years
by the band, and the product delivers on all fronts. A groove monster that
every single person should give a spin to!
Demonic Resurrection holds a special place for me, as it was
through their music I started my journey in Indian metal. The band has released
a monstrous 4th full length album in “The Demon King”. Another band
whose music I just could not categorize, and ended up with the bands self-proclaimed
“Demonic Metal”. With the band celebrating 15 year anniversary in 2015, I just
see this band growing stronger and bigger.
This is old school death metal done the right way! Dhwesha’s
debut album is just a relentless attack of death metal in the vibes of Bolt
Thrower.
5. Aberrant - Aberrant EP
Aberrant’s self-titled EP is modern groovy progressive metal
done in a perfect manner.
6. Dusk / Dying Embrace - Through Corridors Of Dead
Centuries Split
I was looking forward to hearing this release, as Dying
Embrace were releasing new material after over a decade. The release has definitely
left me wanting to hear more of both the bands. A must listen for fans of old
school doom metal, who enjoy it being dirty and reckless.
7. Girish And The Chronicles - Back on Earth
Girish Pradhan is one of the finest classic rock vocalist in
the country, whom I stumbled across thanks to Bangalore Open Air 2014. The band
released their debut album, which on its first spin takes the listener back to
the golden music of the likes of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Guns N Roses.
8. Pyramids - Sub Rosa EP
A new band in the modern progressive ‘Djent’ metal scene of
the country. The band’s debut EP has been in the making for quite some time,
but saw the release only in 2014. The band has started off on the right note,
and can only go upwards from here.
9. Scribe - Hail Mogambo!
The only thing I knew about Scribe before their sophomore
album was that they are a metal-core act from Mumbai, who sing about Pav-Bhaji
and other stuff. After listening to their latest release, I can say that they
are one amazing act, not to be missed. The Mr. India inspired album has many references that will keep you laughing as the band delivers a power packed
record.
10. Colossal Figures - Clockwork Dilation
Colossal Figures is another band that seems to have really popped
out in 2014 and delivered on all fronts with their debut album ‘Clockwork
Dilation’. A progressive metal power house.
11. Shreyas Skandan - The Shreyas Skandan Project EP
When ‘Limit Zero’ guitarist announced his solo project, I
was genuinely interested. The astronomy and sci-fi loving Shreyas has delivered
a celestial instrumental EP.
12. Zero Gravity - Holocaust Awaits
This band is a testament to how metal is spreading further
into the Indian community. Hailing from Indore, this band delivers some
fantastic technical death metal. The death growls by the lead Kratika are
second to none, and the guitar work exquisite. A must listen!
13. Undying Inc - Ironclad EP
Ironclad embodies everything that Undying Inc is and some
more. An onslaught of groovy monstrous riffs awaits the listeners.
14. Toxoid - Aurora Satanae
Black Metal and India don’t really hit it off most of the
time. Mainly due to the bands trying too hard to sound like their European
counterparts rather than searching for their own. Toxoid is an exception to the
case, and Aurora Satanae is the proof of it. A blistering black metal record!
Calling Skyharbor an Indian act is always bound to create
opinions. Nevertheless, the band has delivered one of the best prog albums of
2014. The accompanying video by Jess Cope for the ballad ‘Patience’ just adds
more charm, to the release.
Which was your favorite Indian metal release of 2014? Do let us know in the comments below!
Best of 2014 – PART 1 – Demonstealer [Demonic Resurrection] Picks: HERE
Best of 2014 – PART 2 – Wilhelm [The Gardnerz] Picks: HERE
Best of 2014 – PART 3 – Sam Bell [Mask of Judas] Picks: HERE Best of 2014 – PART 4 – Srikanth [Bevar Sea] Picks: HERE
