Since India was one of the first metal rabbit holes I crawled into, I thought it would be worth while to share a crash course on a few heavy bands that best represent the breadth of Indian metal.
Bloodywood
New Delhi, India
Easily the most internationally well-known metal act from India – Bloodywood is a folk-fusion and groovy nü metal pioneer. I recall discovering them when the project simply was Jayant and Karan sharing parodies of songs on YouTube (their versions of “Closer” by The Chainsmokers and “Heavy” by Linkin Park was really fun) a decade ago. Since then, they recruited rapper Raoul Kerr as well as a few touring members as they’ve performed alongside the likes of Jinjer, Halestorm, Vended, Wargasm, Calva Louise, and Demonic Resurrection, in addition to festivals across the globe.
Their album Rakshak was angry, socio-political, conscious, and uplifting, with flute and percussion accenting bangers like “Machi Bhasad” and “Jee Veerey;” my favorite tracks on this release though would be a solid tie between “Gaddaar” and “Dana Dan,” both full of rage. The follow-up Nu Delhi continued such momentum, propelled by the cuisine-themed “Tadka,” Babymetal collab, and masterpiece title track.
I’m definitely going to catch them on their upcoming US tour with Mexican rap metallers Ladrones, especially because of Bloodywood multi-instrumentalist Karan Katiyar, who posted about the insane costs and process of touring America as an international band.
FFO: Alien Weaponry, Soulfly, Rage Against the Machine
Demonic Resurrection
Mumbai, India
Sahil Makhija – also known on stage as Demonstealer, has fronted the symphonic black / melodic death metal band Demonic Resurrection for nearly three decades, while also dropped some intense solo records, and side projects aplenty. Oh, and Sahil also has racked in 50+ millions views via his cooking channels on YouTube.
My personal favorite Demonic Resurrection offering is Dashavatar – a conceptual 10-track about the Hindu mythology of the shape-shifting deity Vishnu, featuring sitar, tabla, flute, and orchestral flair.
They just dropped a new single titled “The Great Famine” off the upcoming Apocalyptic Dawn EP (dropping February 7th) with the current lineup featuring Aditya Swaminathan (Gutslit, Kill the King), Swarnava Sengupta, and Nikhil Rajkumar (Godless, Ksetravid) with guest appearences by keyboardists Mephisto and Anabelle Iratni (Cradle of Filth), as well as mixing / mastering by Keshav Dhar (Skyharbor).
FFO: Dimmu Borgir, Amon Amarth, Behemoth
What Escapes Me
Kokata, India
Years ago, I was wholly unaware that metal music was being made in India… and then I received a CD in the mail. Egress Point by What Escapes Me boasted catchy vocal melodies driving their progressive metalcore sound with some early 2000’s influence and folk fusion moments too.
The group has been support for when Plini and Skyharbor played in India.
What Escapes Me actually just put out a new single “Born From Fire,” that pivots to a more alternative-nü metal sound.
FFO: Periphery, Linkin Park, Northlane
Gutslit
Mumbai, India
With respect to all the other bands, Gutslit is 100% the heaviest Indian metal. Churning out brutal death metal since their split with French goregrind act Pulmonary Fibrosis, has crafted some insane concoctions, including Skewered in the Sewer, Amputheatre, and Carnal, which particularly revels in serial killer lore.
If you’re into any extreme form of metal, you need to listen to Gutslit‘s new single – “I, Berzerker,” mixed and mastered by Mendel bij de Leij (ex-Aborted).
FFO: Whitechapel, Sanguisugabogg, Lorna Shore
More spotlights on Indian metal coming soon?