Chronic Xorn Launch Rattling ‘Howls of Mothers’ Video Off New Album

Kolkata metal band Chronic Xorn get extreme on “Howls of Mothers,” their first release since 2018’s EP For These Sins Who Must Die. The band launch their latest song – the first off their upcoming album I Create I Destroy – with a music video ahead of kicking off a six-city run of shows between June and September.

Work on the seven-track I Create I Destroy started in 2020, spurred on by the time they got during the pandemic lockdowns. Originally planned as an EP, Chronic Xorn scaled things up to an album that would follow 2012’s From Mercy, but health issues and job changes led to production delays. Eventually, with a crowdfunding campaign last year, they pushed past the challenges. “Finally, we’re here to release our first music video from the album. So, hoping for the best,” vocalist Saptadip Chakrabarty says.

The blistering, regal and crushing “Howls of Mothers” was written to “capture the intense, primal cry of a mother – of any female figure, even it can be Mother Earth – fighting against the evils of society to protect her child or nature.” Chakrabarty adds, “We chose this song as the single from the album because almost everyone in today’s world can deeply relate to it, by all means possible.”

The band launches the new song on Jun. 30 at gig series Scarfest in Mumbai, headlining with support from the likes of Hyderabad hardcore act R.A.I.D. They pick back up on shows at the end of July – performing in New Delhi on Jul. 26 and in Bengaluru on Jul. 27, both with Mumbai metallers Zygnema and R.A.I.D. The trio of heavy acts hit up Kochi on Aug. 10 and Hyderabad on Aug. 11.

Chronic Xorn conclude their album launch tour with a homecoming set at metal series Abomination Fest on Sept. 7. The band considers it’s exciting no doubt, to perform in cities like Mumbai after nearly six years and rejoining the likes of Zygnema and R.A.I.D. whom they’ve toured with in the past. “We’re thrilled to bring everyone together on the same stage again,” Chakrabarty says.

The flip side, then, is what it’s like being an Indian metal band putting together tours right now. It has its challenges, but the band credits the likes of Gutslit, Kryptos, Godless, Zygnema and others who have “built connections” that gives them more opportunities.  There’s not much financial support, of course, which leads to DIY gigs, but Chronic Xorn are riding on the enthusiasm that they’ve seen with the frequency of gigs.

The band promises a “memorable culmination” in store at the 10th edition of Abomination Fest in Kolkata and have more tour dates in the pipeline. “We’re also looking into participating in more festival shows and exploring new opportunities throughout 2024,” Chakrabarty says.