EP Review: Undying Inc ”“ Ironclad

Undying Inc: Shashank Bhatnagar, Biswarup Gupta, Reuben Bhattacharya, Nishant Hagjer (from left)

[easyreview cat1title = Ironclad cat1rating = 3.5 cat1detail = Self-released]

‘Ironclad’ EP artwork

No one should wait four years for four tracks. But Delhi technical/groove metal band Undying Inc had good reason for stalling the release of their new EP Ironclad ”“ lineup instability. Founding member and drummer Yuvraj Sengupta was replaced by Nishant Hagjer in 2012 and vocalist Shashank Bhatnagar quit and rejoined the band in early 2013. A year later, there’s new material.

Ironclad, might be short in length, but it packs enough intensity to last several listens. As with their second full-length album, Aggressive World Dynasty [2010], the band’s sound remains in the heavy, groove metal zone, but also mind-bendingly technical for a four-piece band. While Aggressive World Dynasty was produced by Delhi-based Anupam Roy [formerly of death metal band Narsil], this one was produced by Keshav Dhar [from prog metal band Skyharbor], which is why you will hear tech metal influences on this EP.

Straight from “Snakes Of Inertia,” it’s clear that Undying Inc only want to get faster, louder and heavier. Bhatnagar’s growls sustain longer, guitarist Biswarup Gupta’s riffing is blistering, while bassist Reuben Bhattacharya and Hagjer are almost dueling to lightning fast grooves. Hagjer, all of 19 years old, might be a new addition on Ironclad, but he’s risen to prove himself as one of India’s most promising drummers. Moshpit mobilizer “Pit Mechanics” and the title track, “Ironclad” are the best of the lot, powered by Gupta’s chugging guitar work set to exceptional drumwork from Hagjer. The lead single, which released earlier this year [in January], jumps in with the band’s trademark intensity but leads into a slow-burn breakdown.

Before you even know it, Undying Inc. are paying tribute to American groove/thrash metal legends Pantera with a medley of their best tracks on the EP’s closing track, “Beyond Trendkill.” A tribute to Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell, Undying Inc mash together “The Great Southern Trendkill” [1996] and “Strength Beyond Strength” [1994] in their own style. Although a tribute medley might be unnecessary when Undying Inc have enough new material, it’s a rare side to a band that considers Pantera more of a “philosophical influence.”

Tracks off Ironclad have already been debuted live, but the band needs to be cautious and not emphasize on speed while performing, but focus on delivery and technique instead.

Key tracks: “Ironclad,” “Pit Mechanics”

Stream Ironclad EP