Turn It Up To 11: Abhishek Michael of Inner Sanctum, Shepherd

Abhishek Michael of Inner Sanctum. Photo: Abhimanyu Ghoshal

Abhishek Michael manages and plays bass for Bengaluru thrash/death metal band Inner Sanctum and recently joined sludge band Shepherd. His current playlist is a reflection of his recent transition. We recommend you grow your hair and a long beard before you tune in to his top 5. 

Disappearer ”“ “A Skull Full of Bats”

Cannibal Corpse worship? Hells no! If you’re looking for some mean sludgy post-metal, Disappearer is the band for you. This one needs to be cranked to 11. 

Elder ”“ “Dead Roots Stirring”

Starting off with ball crushing low ends, this track takes the listener through the riff filled land of psychedelic stoner-doom madness. The whole album is a treat for any fan of the genre.

Chinese Man ”“ “I’ve Got That Tune”

I’ve been on an electro-swing trip of late and this one, along with Parov Stelar’s “Catgroove,” have been regulars if I want something groovy to get down to.

Royal Thunder ”“ CVI

As soon as this album kicks in, you know you’re in for a dirty, gritty, bluesy, psychedelic, stoner ride. Parsonz’s curse alright! Mlny Parsonz can really put a curse on you with her vocals. You can run, you can hide, but I swear it, those vocal melodies are going to be stuck in your head forever. Any chick that can sing like that and play bass at the same time makes me weak in the knees.

Horn of The Rhino ”“ Weight of Coronation

Crushingly heavy sludge, with a healthy dose of doom is the best way to describe this album. The first time I heard it, I could totally imagine being mauled by rhinos, just crushing my skull in. And then you hear this voice, almost Jesus-like, calling out to you. Jesus Javier does a brilliant job on vocals, and the different styled vocals layered throughout the album make Weight of Coronation stand out even more.