Kolkata Deathfest is back with its second chapter! The second edition of Kolkata Deathfest scheduled on 12th Sepetember, 2015 is devoted to Death Metal and its subgenres upholding the glory and grandeur of this musical style. Besides being a celebration of Death Metal, it is also a wonderful avenue for the death metal bands from the city to showcase their music on an important platform. The second edition of Kolkata Deathfest supported by Lizard’s Skin Fashion Studio and Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio will feature as headliners, iconic American death metal band Funerus.
Formed in 1990, Funerus from Johnstown, Pennsylvania is a current project of John McEntee of Incantation and Jill McEntee. Funerus was originally started by drummer Jason Frost and guitarist/vocalist Brad Heiple influenced by a slew of sources ranging from thrash and speed metal to grindcore. However, the musical approach and sound of the band evolved a great deal when they were exposed to the likes of Death, Obituary and Entombed. In the process, Funerus released their first demos and continued without a bass player till Jill McEntee joined the band. The band finally released a proper demo which was well-acclaimed and started going Live with their one-of-a-kind low-end heavy sound.
Funerus was dormant for a few years after Brad departed from the band while the search for a guitarist/vocalist was on. Encouraged by Jason, Jill along with Belial Koblak on guitars and Chris Allen on drums played a makeshift Funerus show in November, 1998. In 2002, Brad re-established contact with the band and Funerus went on to open for Incantation. Funerus’ line-up then comprised of original members Jill and Brad and the addition of John McEntee and Kyle Severn, also from Incantation. Brad again left Funerus in 2004 leading Jill to take over vocal duties. Funerus has since played in about twenty countries and internationally established their musical prowess.
Funerus’s music upholds the glory of old-styled death metal with really heavy and memorable riffs. The shifts from doomy tempos to unapologetic speed render the music infectious! The intensity and urgency in the execution of the music is brought about by the uncompromising grooves and highly distorted guitars creating a massive impact. With the focus being mostly on guitars and drumming, Funerus’s rendition of death metal is awe-inspiring and often reminiscent of the likes of Incantation, Asphyx and Obituary. The sound is diversified with the doom passages, the dark discourse of the instruments with the powerful vocals and the glorious elements of old-school death metal accentuated by very strong production values. Despite engaging in creative variation, the band retains the inherent brutality and essence of death metal.
Discography:
Utter Dismemberment |Demo| 1991 Dismembered Again |Demo| 1992 Rehearsal Demo #3 |Demo| 1994 Festering Earth |Full-length| 2003 Reduced to Sludge |Full-length| 2011 The Black Death |EP| 2015
Team Kolkata Deathfest was formed in late 2014. It consists of metalheads and musicians who decided to organize death metal festivals to promote the genre and death metal bands in the city.
-THE ALLIANCES-
The event is supported by Lizard’s Skin Fashion Studio and Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio.
Lizard Skin Fashion Studio is perhaps the city’s best tattoo studio headed by Niloy Das, also a drummer. Known for perfection and creativity, LSFS also supports metal festivals such as Deathfest.
Formed in September 2013, Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio is one of the best and most well-equipped jam studios in the city and has got brilliant acoustics. Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio provides memorable jam experiences to musicians.
Kolkata Deathfest is back with its second chapter! The second edition of Kolkata Deathfest scheduled on 12th Sepetember, 2015 is devoted to Death Metal and its subgenres upholding the glory and grandeur of this musical style. Besides being a celebration of Death Metal, it is also a wonderful avenue for the death metal bands from the city to showcase their music on an important platform.
The first edition of Kolkata Deathfest was supported by Lizard Skin Tattoos and featured Defiled, Death Metal titans from Japan who need no introduction in the underground. The line-up also featured ‘Bestial’ Death Metal band Necrodeity, Technical Death Metallers Evil Conscience, Blackened Death Act Imperial Cult, Brutal Death Metal act Obliterating Vortex from Darjeeling, Malaysian Death/Thrashers Malapetaka and Death Metal act Divide Torture.
-HEADLINING BAND: FUNERUS (American Death Metal)-
The Second Edition features as headliners American Death Metal masters FUNERUS. Ever since their inception in 1990 in Pennsylvania, USA, Funerus have been spreading venom in the underground with their brand of ‘relentlessly dark and swampy’ macabre Death Metal in the most traditional way, be it in old demos or “Festering Earth”, a full-length released in 2003 by Ibex Moon, or the macabre classic of recent days “Reduced to Sludge“, released in 2011. In fact their recently released EP by Dark Descent Records, “The Black Death” has been receiving superlative response for its dark atmosphere-inducing music. Fronted by Jill McEntee (Bass and Vocals) and comprising of one of the most iconic figures in Death Metal, John McEntee (Incantation), on guitars, Funerus will be headlining the second edition of this festival.
Team Kolkata Deathfest was formed in late 2014. It consists of metalheads and musicians who decided to organize death metal festivals to promote the genre and death metal bands in the city.
The Event is supported by Lizard Skin Tattoos and Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio.
Lizard Skin Fashion Studio is perhaps the city’s best tattoo studio headed by Niloy Das, also a drummer. Known for perfection and creativity, LSFS also supports metal festivals such as Deathfest.
Formed in September 2013, Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio is one of the best and most well-equipped jam studios in the city and has got brilliant acoustics. Silent Dreamz Rehearsal Studio provides memorable jam experiences to musicians.
Kolkata Deathfest is a ceremony dedicatedly devoted to Death Metal and its sub genres and is a celebration to manifest the otherworldly glory of this musical style. The first edition of Kolkata Deathfest to be held on January 13, 2015 is supported by LIZARD’S SKIN TATTOOS (Lizard’s Skin Fashion Studio) and also features Death Metal Titans from Japan, DEFILED as the headlining band.
-THE BANDS-
DEFILED (Brutal Death Metal, Tokyo, Japan)
Defiled, formed in 1992, is one of the superlative brutal death metal bands in the world, who ever since their inception have been delivering top-notch death metal! Defiled made history in 1997, when they notably played in North Korea despite the North Korean government’s ban on anything Japanese. Defiled’s albums such as ‘Erupted Wrath’, ‘Ugliness Revealed’ and ‘Divination’ received massive acclamation from death metal enthusiasts. The band is also known for their memorable performances at prestigious international platforms. Defiled’s latest album ‘In Crisis’ released in 2011 speaks of the band’s extraordinary musical prowess and is a conglomerate of brutality and a splatter of assault!
NECRODEITY (Death Metal, Kolkata)
Necrodeity, formed in 2012, is a death metal band hailing from Kolkata. Necrodeity plays death metal characterized by speed, darkness and chaos. Combining both death and black Metal elements from ancestors such as Necrovore, Morbid Angel, Sarcofago or Angelcorpse, they created a velocity driven, bestial death metal style of their own with lyrical theme solely dedicated to nightside emanations. The band played the third and fourth editions of Trendslaughter Fest alongside the likes of Impiety, Dying Embrace, Ugra Karma, Orator, Serpents Athirst, Witchgoat and Shepherd to name a few and also played few local festivals like the Ritual Ascension Festivals.
EVIL CONSCIENCE (Technical Death Metal, Kolkata)
Evil Conscience, born in 2010, is a technical death metal band who garner influence from a slew of sources ranging from ‘stoner’ metal, experimental metal and deathcore to grindcore and black metal. The band is known for its extreme live performances and incorporation of elements from a variety of sub-genres in their sound.
OBLITERATING VORTEX (Technical Death Metal, Darjeeling)
Obliterating Vortex, born in 2012, is a technical death metal band with a distinct sound of their own which’s sure to delight fans of uncompromising music with oodles of talent and technicality! Obliterating Vortex play in the veins of bands like Martyr (Canada), Quo Vadis (Canada), Necrophagist , Cannibal corpse, Obscura, Obituary, etc. and have delivered a demo, ‘The Protestant’. If you’re into soundscapes with off-time signatures, gargantuan riffs and growls from the bowels of the earth played at blistering tempos, this is the band to watch out for!
IMPERIAL CULT (Blackened Death Metal, Darjeeling/Kolkata)
Formed in 2012, Imperial Cult is a blackened death metal band hailing from Darjeeling. The band plays an epic rendition of the genre reminiscent of the plethora of rich influences they draw into their music- ranging from Death, Behemoth and Akercocke to Emperor and Immortal. The band played a slew of shows in places such as Darjeeling, Kolkata and Nepal and independently released their debut EP ‘Rise of Yalamber’ in 2014. Imperial Cult has also been featured in an international compilation by SNRMB Nepal.
MALAPETAKA (Death/Thrash Metal, Kuala Lumpur, Malayasia)
Malapetaka is a death/thrash metal band formed in 2009-10. The word Mala-pe-ta-ka, literally means ‘disaster’. Its origin, from Sanskrit mahā-pātaka, defines it as ‘the resultant actions of greatly sinful activities.’ After 2 years of covering songs, the band finally came up with their own music, despite all the line up changes, struggles, trials and errors. The band’s sound is inspired by the diverse eastern culture prevalent in Malaysia, mixed with the aggression of old school thrash and death metal, which speaks of the diverse influences they derive from the likes of Kreator, Slayer, Terrorizer and Napalm Death.
DIVIDE TORTURE (Death Metal, Kolkata)
Divide Torture, formed in 2012 is a death metal band which was formed around the ideology of terminating torture and traumatisation. Divide Torture plays in the veins of titans such as Death, Carcass, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel.
-THE ORGANIZER-
Team KDF – Team KDF consist of religiously death metal addicts and enthusiastic maniacs who conceptualized and decided to start this unique festival last October in 2014 by joining forces.
SOUND PARTNER-
STAGE MARK, run by Sanmoy Ghosh is the OFFICIAL SOUND PARTNER.
Kolkata has been in news for sometimes for putting up International Bands in their concerts in around 2014 and Putrid Ascendancy is doing the needful to bring in bands with very calibre to this city of joy which previously never saw any international extreme metal bands playing in this city. Order of the Heretical Trident Fest set the benchmark for Kolkata Extreme Metal by bringing down Asia’s biggest extreme act – IMPIETY from Singapore and one month down the line they have MANZER, Black Thrash legends all the way from France to desecrate the city! Pictavian Necromancy will be a ‘Black-Death-Thrash-Grind’ experience the organizers (Putrid Ascendancy and Hellion Distro) say. The line up is an interesting Smorgasbord of all these genres. Beside Black Thrashers –MANZER, the line up will see ‘Kalikshetra Blood Sect’ Death Metallers NECRODEITY and Outstation band from all the way from Darjeeling –OBLITERATION VORTEX who play brutal death metal. Pictavian Necromancy will also see the debuting performance of much awaited Old School Death Metal band BANISH, as well as two of Kolkata’s best black metal hordes at this moment – GRIM OF CATASTROPHIA and THE INFERNAL DIATRIBES. The line up will be completed with a special old school grindcore setlist by STRANGULATE.
PICTAVIAN NECROMANCY is an Underground Extreme Metal Ceremony as ‘Pictavian’ Black Thrash Legends – MANZER invade Kolkata to perform a ‘Necromantic Rite’ along with NECRODEITY and more Deathordes!
Putrid Ascendancy, in conspiracy with The Hellion Distro proudly presents
PICTAVIAN NECROMANCY
Featuring
MANZER (France)
Pictavian Black/Thrash Metal Masters
NECRODEITY (India)
Kalikshetra Bestial Death Hordes
BANISH (India)
Old Skull Deathcult from Kolkata
OBLITERATING VORTEX (India)
Brutal Death Metal Regiment from Darjeeling
THE INFERNAL DIATRIBE (India)
Spiritual Black Metal Warfire from Kolkata
GRIM OF CATASTROPHIA (India)
Raw Black Metal Retribution from Kolkata
STRANGULATE (India)
Death Metal / Grindcore from Kolkata
Venue – THE BASEMENT
Date – December 14th, 2014
Doors open at 11 AM.
Pass – Rs.300/- (100/- off for Order of the Heretical Trident Ticket holders)
Order of the Heretical Trident Festival, a brainchild of Putrid Ascendancy, is all set to be held in Kolkata on November 8. The festival seeks to uphold the glory of underground and for the very first edition, PA welcomes the Gods of Black Metal from Singapore – Mighty IMPIETY!
-THE BANDS-
IMPIETY (Black/Death, Singapore)
Formed in 1990 (Previously known as Sexfago), Impiety is one of the first extreme metal bands to place Singapore or rather Asia on the metal map! With eight full-length albums in their casket, Impiety are known for their unapologetic approach and a unique rendition of the genre with some incessant drumming and bone-crushing guitar tasks! Throughout its journey of more than two decades, the band has constantly evolved, presented superlative music that reflects seasoned professionalism and delivered memorable Live performances across the world! Impiety, truly legendary and grand ambassador of Asian Extreme Music to West, had played in coveted stages such as Inferno Fest (Norway), Hellfest (France), Hammersonic (Indonesia), Kings of Black Metal (Germany), Rites of Darkness (USA) to name among many. They already played in Bangalore, India, last February at Trendslaughter Festival IV. So it seems to be Impiety’s second attack on India. Impiety who are known for their barbaric and extremely caustic style of black/death metal that had become a signature or source of inspiration for many bands would be playing a special setlist for their Dhaka-Kolkata-Delhi tour. It will include some of their most iconic songs as well as their new anthems! Impiety had been signed to many esteemed international labels such as Pulverised Records, Agonia Records, Hells Headbangers Records, Osmose Productions etc, releasing some of the most extreme albums, touring all over the world and most importantly creating a legacy unmatched behind them, Impiety’s career is truly phenomenal and inspirational. Putrid Ascendancy welcomes Mighty Impiety in Kolkata for the very first time. Hope not for the last time, though!
NECRODEITY (Death Metal, Kolkata)
Necrodeity, formed in 2012 is a death metal band hailing from Kolkata. Necrodeity play Death Metal characterized by speed, darkness and chaos. Combining both Death and Black Metal elements from Ancestors such as Necrovore, Morbid Angel, Sarcofago or Angelcorpse, they created a velocity driven, bestial death metal style of their own with lyrical theme solely dedicated to nightside emanations and dark mother. Since formation Necrodeity maintained an enshrouding aura of mystery around them and decided to play selective festivals. They played 3rdand 4theditions of Trendslaughter Fest alongside likes of Impiety, Dying Embrace, Ugra Karma, Orator, Serpents Athirst, Witchgoat, Shepherd to name a few and also played few local festivals like Ritual Ascension Festivals. Necrodeity will soon announce their debut attack (Undisclosed by the band) when time will be auspicious.
DEADBOLT (Thrash/ Death Metal, Kolkata)
Deadbolt formed in 2013 is a four-piece ‘in-your-face thrash/ death’ band which espouses the essence of bands like Slayer, Kreator, Sodom, Morbid Angel and Death. Deadbolt broke through in their debut gig at Hard n Heavy Open air, Kolkata, went on to play a major show in Mumbai and have asserted themselves as one of the best Live acts in the city.
THE INFERNAL DIATRIBE (Black Metal, Kolkata)
Initially formed as a three-piece band and known as ‘Aghori’, The Infernal Diatribe after witnessing several line-up changes emerged as a ‘spiritual’ black metal band. The Infernal Diatribe derives inspiration from black metal legends like Burzum, Mayhem, Silencer and Dark Throne and delivers their original rendition of the genre.
GRIM OF CATASTROPHIA (Black Metal, Kolkata)
Formed in 2012, Grim of Catastrophia is a relatively new but promising band from Kolkata with good musical acumen who play black metal drawing influences from the likes of Bathory, Venom, Mayhem and Burzum.
The cult of Putrid Ascendancy based in Kolkata bears the flag of the underground extreme and has successfully upheld and promoted extreme metal music and artists ever since its inception in 2011.
Indian Metal Scene recently had a conversation with Putrid Ascendancy in which Carnage Desecrator spoke about the Festival, ideology, the headlining band, the scene in Kolkata and much more! Read the conversation below:
1. Greetings from Indian Metal Scene! How are things proceeding with Order of The Heretical Trident Festival?
P.A.: Thanks Debarati. Yes, everything is pretty much under control and we are really more than excited to welcome Mighty IMPIETY in Kolkata.
2. Please tell us about the inception of Putrid Ascendancy. What was your purpose in creating Putrid Ascendancy?
P.A.: Putrid Ascendancy was an initiation to promote and celebrate extreme metal artistry which basically started with a vision to promote and provoke extreme metal shockwaves that come with ideological resonance no matter how personal and bizarre it is as long its intense, heartfelt and strong. It was incepted around September 2010 with a few close friends who had similar plans to spread violence basically.
3. Is there any ideology that Putrid Ascendancy identifies with? Have you embraced any belief system that motivates you
P.A.: PA supports all misanthropic ideologies as long they are strong and does justice to the musical aspects of the band. We prefer bands who give undivided attention to bands lyrics and overall presentation.
Oh of course.
4. What constitutes the ‘underground’? Do you agree that apart from the musical dimension, it is a movement against ‘establishment’ and the mainstream? If yes, what do you think are its philosophical roots?
P.A.: Underground to us is where people don’t get force-fed, don’t act like sheep race, It’s a place where art is appreciated, discussed, regarded highly and supported without any intention of personal gains. My good friend Don Myrmin from CoBG defined ‘Underground’ very well. According to him, Underground is a place where ‘Someone who spends $7000 on plane tickets and hotel for bands to play in front of 100 attendees whom he charges $5 each for admission to the show.’
5. How strong a cultural identity do you think the underground is, in terms of attitude and aesthetics? How important is the non-commercial approach? Do you think that metal can survive and grow in the long run without commercialization?
P.A.: Every coin has its two sides. So does metal.
Finance is important for hosting metal gigs. It’s undeniable. Metal becomes mainstream when the equation is reversed.
We all need funding, money, finances for pursuing Metal Career. But the interest should be focused on producing and promoting top class metal. Money must not take a grip on the artist inside you.
6. Putrid Ascendancy has been organizing extreme metal gigs in the city. Please share with us memorable experiences through which Putrid Ascendancy has evolved.
P.A.: Nothing can be more memorable than organizing Ritual Ascension I and II. And OTHT will be a proud moment for all Kolkata metalheads to have Mighty Impiety desecrating Kolkata on 8th. It’s an undecipherable and an unthinkable victory of Kolkata!
7. What is it that separates extreme metal from the rest of the genre, in terms of ideology, identity and spirit?
P.A.: Spirit is the same, so is identity! Ideology can differ from band to band, fan to fan.
8. Order of the Heretical Trident festival is going to be headlined by the mighty Impiety from Singapore. How bold is this leap?
P.A.: Yes, it’s huge! It would have been unthinkable even one year back. But yes, we intend to bring more international bands to Kolkata. In December we are hosting underground Speed/Black/Thrash legends from Pictavia, France, MANZER. Which would be another mesmerizing moment for metalheads who worship at the altar of Motorhead, Sabbat, Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Bulldozer, Exciter, Exhumer to name a few.
9. Does Putrid Ascendancy seek to garner a significant place for Kolkata on the Asian metal map? How well do you think metal in India has been expanding? What have been the significant standouts in the past five years?
P.A.: Kolkata already made a name for themselves in very short time at least nationally with bands like Armament, Mortar, Kapalin, Gypsy, Dead Veneration, Banish, Chhinnamasta and Necrodeity to name a few. It’s similar like how New Zealand was put in the world metal map by few bands suddenly. It’s a great thing. Regarding Metal, Bangalore and Kolkata are two epicenters for us. Hyderabad has few bands coming up too. A few years back there was a buzz about Cochin which seems like dead now. One of the best things that happened to Indian Metal is definitely Trendslaughter Fest.
10. How successfully have extreme metal gigs been held in the city, speaking in terms of the financial aspect, sound, bands and audience? What are your thoughts about sponsorship? Are you satisfied with the attendance that extreme metal gigs witness in Kolkata?
P.A.: Kolkata gigs are not financially successful because the audience still lives in memory of antediluvian time when gigs were either free or ticket price was less than a CD. They need to move on with time and realize how expensive it is to do a good gig with good sound set up, venue, travel, accommodation, etc. It’s a serious, expensive thing unless you are not settling for local bands and cheap sound and shabby venue like few gigs as morbid deathfests which had very low budget so was the price pricing which was kept low in tune with expenditure. But getting a huge international band like IMPIETY, it deals with serious finance and there is no compromise when it comes to what a promoter is committing to provide the band. It’s very tough to organize a gig like this in Kolkata but I must say we are very happy with response and it’s overwhelming to see some great support coming from people and friends. So yes bringing more crazy bands from abroad seems possible.
11. Does Putrid Ascendancy have anything planned for the near future? Are there any particular bands that you wish to invite? Do you plan to expand Putrid Ascendancy in other directions—services to metal musicians, merchandise, etc.?
P.A.: Pictavian Necromancy – Featuring MANZER (France), Necrodeity, Banish + friends on December 14. Oh yes, there are many bands we want to invite in Kolkata, like, Dying Embrace, Exhumation, Genocide Shrines, Manifestator, Bevar Sea, Kathgor, Infernal Execrator, Perdition Temple, Gooatpsalm, Wrathprayer, Lord of Depression, Nuclearhammer, Infernal Curse to name a few.
12. Do you have any message for our readers? What can one expect from Order of the Heretical Trident Festival?
P.A.: Yes, we would like to tell not to miss the proud moment for all Kolkata Metal Warriors when Mighty Impiety would desecrate Kolkata. Such chances would be one of truly everlasting metal moments of lifetime! And expect KAOS! KOMMAND! 696! TOTAL SKULLFUCKING ARRRGHHHMAGEDDON! HAILS!
Kolkata-based old school thrash metal band Mortar is gearing up for an eventful month ahead! The band has raged with a good deal of no-bullshit thrash assault ever since its inception and is all set to play the first crowd-funded gig in Kolkata, following which they will be touring two cities in the North-East.
On May 3, Mortar will be playing Forged In fire II inKolkata alongside other superlative bands from the city and the North East. Forged In Fire II is a wonderful initiative by Kolkata Old School Metal Association and is the first of its kind being organized out of funds voluntarily contributed by metalheads.
Besides Mortar, the line-up features Necrodeity, Purgation Inc., Deadbolt, Wicked Child and Das Hubris.
You can RSVP to the event “Forged In fire II in Kolkata”, here!
Right after, on May 8, Mortar will be playing Metal Mayhem VI hosted by Rocka Rolla Events in Guwahati alongside other thrash and death metal bands from the East.
The line-up for Metal Mayhem also includes Plague Throat, Agnostic, Sycorax, Cynical Project andPsybarite.
Following this, the band will play Callous Amass in the famous Polo Grounds in Shillong on May 10. Callous Amass aims at enhancing the metal scene in the North East and also features a brilliant line-up of thrash and death metal bands- Meth, Rival Storm, Sycorax, Undead, Agnostic, Raped Jihad and Plague Throat.
On the 3rdof May, Kolkata will witness its first ever crowd-funded gig, “Forged in Fire II” organized by Kolkata Old School Metal Association (KOSMA). The line-up of six bands consists of both seasoned and newly formed bands from the city and the north-east.
Necrodeity, formed in 2012 is a death metal band hailing from Kolkata. Necrodeity’s music embraces the theological antagonistic axioms of the deus absconditus or the creator who resigned. Necrodeity has played at prestigious events like Trendslaughter Fest and the Ritual Ascension Fest. Necrodeity’s artillery has a demo to be released very soon and an international compilation featuring Mantak, Belligerent Intent, Orator, Nafarmaan and other bands.
Mortar, formed in 2011, is often identified as the ‘first of its kind’. Mortar has remained true to old school thrash metal and draws influence from the likes of Slayer, early Metallica, early Sepultura, Kreator, Sodom and Megadeth. Mortar’s sound means absolute assault, and the band’s debut EP, ‘Ground Zero’ puts forth unmatched aggression with well-accomplished bold vocal tasks, fierce progressions and dexterous drumming. Mortar definitely has a slew of promising material in store and you sure should have the circle pits ready for them!
Discography-
Ground Zero; EP; 2013
Motorhead India Tribute by Various Artists; Compilation; 2013
Beer-O-Calypse; Single; 2014
Currently working on a compilation details of which are soon to be announced.
Purgation a.k.a Purgation Inc. formed in 2010 is one of the masterly death metal bands in the country. The band is signed under extreme metal record label Slaughter House Records based in USA and released their debut EP Exterminated Malfeasance in 2013 which received wide critical adulation. Purgation presented their ‘aggressive musicality’ at illustrious events like the Undergrind Fest, ’12 where they supported Wormrot from Singapore and at Death Skull Ritual 2 and Banish the Posers Fest in Bangladesh alongside other accomplished bands.
Deadbolt, formed in 2013 is a four-piece thrash/death band which embraces the splendour of the old school. Deadbolt’s undeniable aggression and musicality have established them as one of the best live acts in Kolkata. The band recently played Thrashfest in Thane. Inspired by bands like Slayer, Kreator, Sodom, Morbid Angel and Death, Deadbolt delivers ‘in-your-face’ thrash/ death attack!
Das Hubris formed only in 2013, is a comparatively new band that plays hard rock drawing inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, Deep Purple and Guns ‘N’ Roses. The band have proved their good musical acumen through some memorable live performances in the city and two singles.
Wicked Child are an old-school thrash metal band formed in 2011. The band’s sound, unique in its own way, incorporates elements of crossover thrash. Wicked Child seems to be a promising band with raw power which reflects in their originals. Forged in Fire is going to be the band’s first outstation gig.
Discography-
Beer Queer; Demo; 2013
Vomit Holocaust; Demo; 2013
Thrash Metal; Demo; 2013
-THE ORGANIZERS-
KOLKATA OLD SCHOOL METAL ASSOCIATION (KOSMA)is an initiative that seeks to enhance the heavy metal scenario in the city and has already hosted a two successful open air gigs, Metal on Metal Open Air and Hard N Heavy Open Air besides the first chapter of Forged in Fire.
Ritual Ascension Fest presented by Putrid Ascendancy returns with its second edition to be held on January 11 in Kolkata. The second rendition of Ritual Ascension Fest has been christened ‘WAR.CULT.SUPREMACY’ as a protest against the Bengal partition and advocates the unification of both lands.
Formed in 2008, Nafarmaan is a black/ death metal band from Bangladesh, the literal translation of whose name is ‘a defiant who commits blasphemy’. The band is ready to release their much-extolled debut EP Quayamat Lullaby in 2014 and are gearing up to play their maiden gig in India at Ritual Ascension Fest II. Drawing inspiration from a slew of sources ranging from subcontinental folk, eastern classical and literature to the most severe kinds of sounds, Nafarmaan’s music coils around lyrical ideas like occultism, blasphemy and misanthropy and stands its ground in conflict with established religions, their roots and ideologies.
Discography-
Azaab Al Muminun; Single; 2013 Quayamat Lullaby; EP; 2014 (Yet to be released)
Necrodeity, formed in 2012 is a death metal band hailing from Kolkata. Necrodeity’s music embraces the theological antagnostic axioms of the deus absconditus or the creator who resigned. Necrodeity was a part of the first season of this festival and has infrequently played at prestigious events like Trendslaughter Fest III in Bangalore. Necrodeity’s artillery has a demo to be released very soon and an international compilation featuring Mantuk, Belligerant Intent, Orator, Nafarmaan and other bands.
Purgation a.k.a Purgation Inc. formed in 2010 is one of the masterly death metal bands in the country. The band is signed under extreme metal record label Slaughter House Records based in USA and released their debut EP Exterminated Malfeasance in 2013 which received wide critical adulation. Purgation presented their ‘aggressive musicality’ at illustrious events like the Undergrind Fest, ’12 where they supported Wormrot from Singapore and at Death Skull Ritual 2 and Banish the Posers Fest in Bangladesh alongside other accomplished bands.
Armament, formed in 2011 is a four-piece ‘straight-forward extreme thrash metal’ band which derives inspiration from the likes of Kreator, Sodom, Slayer and Death and upholds the glory of old school thrash. Armament played their debut gig in the first season of Ritual Ascension Fest and stirred the air at Dis-Organized II, Bangalore, Metal On Metal Open Air, Kolkata and Hard n Heavy Open Air, Kolkata. These advocates of the early European thrash sound are now armed for some studio work to deliver more assault.
Discography-
Hammer Of God; Single; 2012 War Machine; Single; 2012 Gas Chamber; Single; 2013 Wings of Death; Single; 2013
Kapalin is a relatively new black/ death metal band who draw inspiration from prodigious death and black metal bands like Bestial Warlust, Sadistik Exekution and Impaled Nazarene for their sombre music laced around blasphemy. Kaplain played their debut gig as a two-piece act at Morbid Death Fest. Ritual Ascension Fest II will be witness to their four-piece line-up whipping up the pits with some ‘slaying’ music.
Deadbolt formed in 2013 is a four-piece ‘in-your-face thrash/ death’ band which espouses the essence of bands like Slayer, Kreator, Sodom, Morbid Angel and Death. Deadbolt broke through in their debut gig at Hard n Heavy Open air, Kolkata and have asserted themselves as one of the best live acts in the city. Deadbolt’s beautiful single City of Rot held listeners arrested!
The cult of Putrid Ascendancy based in Kolkata bears the flag of the underground extreme and has successfully upheld and promoted extreme metal music and artists ever since its inception in 2011.
-ARTWORK-
The artwork for RAF II has been done by Sid Sharma from Sid Artworks. He has also done the artwork for other gigs and bands. A few of them are: EP art and t-shirt art for Purgation Inc. (Kolkata, India); Poster art for R.A.F gig by Putrid Ascendancy; Poster art for BANISH THE POSERS FEST (Bangladesh); Poster art for the ENTOMBED METAL FEST (Mumbai, India); Flyer design for BANISH THE POSERS FEST (Bangladesh);
-THE VENUE-
Sujata Sadan Hazra Road Kolkata 700026
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Indian Metal Scene 