Cypher16 To Perform In Kolkata

UK  metal band Cypher16 are turning into the Bryan Adams of metal. They visit India for the fifth time in three years to perform at Budweiser Thunder Struck, which brings together other local bands including metalcore act Chronic Xorn, progressive metal band Yonsample and upcoming metalcore band, Fourth Elysium. The event, which is being held for the first time at Princeton Club in Kolkata on October 16th, has been organized by the year-old set up, Metalbase India. Founded in August 2011, Metalbase India functions as a news website for metal fans and also organizes metal gigs in Kolkata.  

Cypher16 arrived in India to play at the Kingfisher Great Indian October Fest in Bengaluru on October 13th. “We were in talks with the band for months,” says Thunder Struck organizer Abhishek Banerjee. Sandipto Ganguly, also part of Metalbase India’s crew, adds that Metalbase India had interviewed the band last year when they performed in Chennai and had begun planning Thunder Struck right then. “This is the first time a major international brand like Budweiser has associated itself with the metal scene in the city and we hope that this paves the way bigger and better shows in the city,” Ganguly says.

 Though Cypher 16 have previously performed in Chennai and Mumbai, this will be the band’s first show in Kolkata. Vocalist and guitarist Jack Doolan said in an earlier interview, “We’ve never been to this part of India, and this is our fifth tour, which has got to be some kind of world record.” He adds: “It’s a great feeling to be able to come back so many times to such a wonderful country. We’ve always prided ourselves on that fact that we usually come to India to tour, rather than just play single shows.” After going on to play at IIT Delhi’s Rendezvous festival on October 21st, they will have played in all four metros.

Kolkata-based Chronic Xorn, who will also perform at Thunder Struck, are currently on tour promoting their album From Mercy.  The album, which released earlier this month, has its title song featuring a guest spot by Travis Montgomery from Canada’s melodic death metallers, Threat Signal. Local band Yonsample are also kicked to be playing at the Princeton Club after a long gap. “It’s a good gig for us. We have a lot of good bands coming down to India now, but Kolkata is only getting a few. Not a lot of them play here, but still, it’s a good thing Cypher16 decided to come to Kolkata,” says guitarist Soumik Roy. Metalbase India is confident of drawing a good crowd. “It’s festive season in Kolkata, so we expect a full house,” says Banerjee.

Thunder Struck starts at 4 pm on October 16th at the Princeton Club, Entry:  Rs 300. Visit the Thunder struck’s Facebook page here