Gutslit Kick Off Japan Shows with Nile This Week

In October 2018, Mumbai death metallers Gutslit performed in Tokyo with German band Stillbirth as part of their joint Gutted at Birth tour. Exactly six years later, they’re back in the Land of the Rising Sun and the stakes are even higher, as they perform three shows supporting American metal veterans Nile.

The tour comes on the back of Gutslit making a big move in the metal world after signing with management agency Extreme Management Group (EMG). In addition to Japan shows, Gutslit have also been booked to perform at Party.San Open Air festival in Germany in August 2025. Gutslit’s bassist Gurdip Singh Narang says, “They do help us with shopping for shows with promoters or agencies and they did score us this run of Japan with Nile.”

Even with that kind of support, the onus is on Gutslit to make the most of it. Narang jokes that at least in Japan they don’t have to look for a washroom with a bidet, unlike Europe where the band have toured extensively. They’re still tasked with figuring out their backline, logistics, visas and merchandise. “Every new country has a set of fans and when you are supporting a bigger band, you have to understand the mindset of most of the fans that will turn up. So choosing the right songs is always a good exercise and mental challenge,” he says. The setlist will include a mix of their three albums so far – Skewered In The Sewer (which was also released on the Japanese label Ghastly Music, a sub-imprint of Amputated Vein Records), Amputheatre and Carnal.

Even with merchandise, Narang points to having drummer and in-house visual artist Aaron Pinto to “figure out the merch game” in terms of sizing and design. The bassist adds, “Backline, logistics, visas are all handled by me. I do try to incorporate the boys [rest of the band] into all details so that they can make sure I don’t goof up their names.”

The last time Gutslit played Japan wasn’t even under ideal conditions, considering then-vocalist Kaushal L.S. was unable to get his Japan visa in time and the band brought in vocalist Shuhei Yoshida from local metal band Strangulation to fill in. The band will also be presented the book DeathMetal India written by Japanese journalist Tetsuya Mizushina.

Outside of the shows, the band plans to hit as many restaurants as possible. Narang says, “We are absolute beasts when it comes to food and trying different cuisines. But also we need to visit the local music gear shops and die a bit because we can’t afford to buy new gear. Even though we all have a wishlist of sorts.”

Gutslit Japan Tour 2024 w/Nile, Half Heard Voices, Imperial Slave

Oct. 8 – Space Odd, Tokyo

Oct. 9 – Space Odd, Tokyo

Oct. 10 – Varon, Osaka