Dark Helm formed in 2008 is one of the finest bands in Pune and play Progressive Deathcore fusing ‘ethnic character’ with ‘modern Metal’. The essence of Dark Helm’s sound is Metalcore with an appreciable amount of Melodic Death and also Doom. One feature that renders their sound anomalous is their usage of the Eastern instruments. Some Guitar solos are augmented by the Santoor/Sitar, beautifully reflecting the individuality of the band. Inspired by Born of Osiris, Meshuggah, Textures and the likes, Dark Helm puts forth a brilliant ‘arrangement’ in their sound. We recently had a chat with them. Here is the entire conversation –
1. Greetings from Indian Metal Scene! How are you guys doing? For those who are not aware, tell us how Dark Helm was formed and how did the concepts of experimentations strike in your heads?
Dark Helm : Hey, great to hear from you guys, we’re doing good.
Dark Helm was formed back in late 2008 by Mohanish, Neeraj, Quentin, Amogh, Aniketh and Amrut. In the 2009 College Fest season, Dark Helm made their presence by playing at a number of colleges across the city and went on to play at a number of shows in the city.
The concepts evolved with the changes in the lineup and so did the ideas of experimentation.
2. What are your band’s main influences and the artists whom you admire the most?
Dark Helm : The band has a lot of influences and they are not just limited to Metal, to name a few of who we admire the most would be Lamb Of God, The Faceless, Breaking Benjamin, Born Of Osiris, Pink Floyd, Tool, Switchfoot, Limp Bizkit, God is an Astronaut.
3. How did you catch the attention of the LA based Indie label, Itchy Metal Entertainment and how’s the experience been?
Dark Helm : There’s this awesome Deathcore band called “Holod” from Russia, they were an Itchy Metal band. Their members heard our tracks online and recommended us to the label and so it happened.
It’s been a pleasant experience considering the amount that our music is heard at a lot of places across continents.
4. The CEO of Audio Outbreak Inc. John Martin said, “Our big plans for Dark Helm are to get them to the United States and tour. Stay tuned for more info on the progress of our newly signed band.” What do you guys have to say about this? Can we expect Dark Helm to do international gigs anytime soon?
Dark Helm : We recently played in Dubai and yeah we’ve got plans.
5. Tell us about the ideas that were in the production process for the album “Prespolis”
Dark Helm : Pune has a decent Metal Scene I would say and is still growing. Recently a few local acts got together and organized a DIY gig, which they pulled off in an amazing manner, such things are maybe a sign of better days to come to Pune.
We really love listening to Indian bands, to name a few, Abraxas, Noiseware, Eccentric Pendulum, Yonsample, Bhayanak Maut, Scribe and a lot of them.
6. Which are the tracks that you would recommend to someone who is listening to Dark Helm for the first time?
Dark Helm : I would say Jaffar, Cymbeline and Sands Within.
7. Dark Helm is one of the band on the bill for December Demolition which will be held in Pune. How do you feel about it and what the fans can expect?
Dark Helm : It’s always fun playing in Pune, we’re all looking forward to the show as for the supporters yeah a new song.
8. Is there any new songs you guys are planning to play for all the people who are attending December Demolition?
Dark Helm : Yep, we will be one of our new songs.
9. Can we expect any new single/EP/full length album soon?
Dark Helm : We’ve written a number of new songs, and a full length is in the making.
Here is your space for a shout out to all the fans :
Turn up in numbers, this one is gonna be fun.
IMS : Thank you very much for talking to us and we wish you the best!
Catch Dark Helm LIVE at December Demolation. RSVP here!
Read our December Demolition gig preview here!
To book the December Demolition passes, call +919967771992.
-Interviewed by Mondeep Bhattacharjee and Jacob John
Indian Metal Scene 