On The Cover: Demonic Resurrection

Demonic Resurrection: Mephisto, Ashwin
Shriyan, Sahil Makhija, Nishith Hegde, Virendra Kaith (from
left). Photo: Aneev Rao.
All black denims by Levi’s; costume design by Arunima Majhi
(Whimwit Design Studios); hair and make-up by
Mahesh Bhasme

“I’m sure you don’t remember me,” says a man in an orange T-shirt as he walks up to a table where four men clad in their favorite metal band t-shirts are seated. He’s talking to Mumbai extreme metal band Demonic Resurrection’s frontman and founding member Sahil Makhija, also known as The Demonstealer.

Makhija looks unsure, but replies, “Very vaguely.” To that, the guy in orange says wryly, “I’m your cousin.” A few laughs later, bassist Ash­win Shriyan asks Makhija, “You thought he was a fan, right?” The band members have had their share of wacky fan moments. Thirty one-year-old Makhija and the other longest-standing member of the band, keyboardist Mephisto, 30, recall meet­ing fans on local trains numerous times, some even looking for advice. Says Makh­ija, “There was a kid who asked if I could check out his growl and right there, in the train, he was growling and I didn’t even know what to say.” Mephisto, the quiet, more introverted member of the band, says he’s only ever been noticed when he wears the widely-printed and highly in-demand band Tee. Says Mephisto, “Some guy will usually come up to me and say, ”˜Oh hey, you like DR?’ I say, ”˜Yeah, I play for them’ and that’s when they [fans] remember.”

Demonic Resurrection [DR], formed in March 2000 in Makhija’s bedroom, are now one of India’s most popular metal bands. Fourteen years on, the band head out for a Europe tour spread across a month to promote their fourth full-length album, The Demon King, slated to release in India in July.

For the full story, pick up this month’s issue of ROLLING STONE India.

Check out Behind The Scenes photos from our cover photoshoot of Demonic Resurrection.

Photos: Abhishek Anupam

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