Divyanshu Gupta, Guitarist in Bhopal Metal Band KillKount, Passes Away

Bhopal metallers KillKount’s founder and guitarist/composer Divyanshu Gupta has passed away, the band shared with fans via social media on October 11th. The cause of death has not been revealed out of respect for the privacy of close friends and family. Gupta was in his mid-20s.

KillKount said in a post, “Our hearts are heavy with sudden and shocking news of Divyanshu’s passing. He was not just a band member but an integral part of our lives, and the news has left us in sheer disbelief. He was more than just a musician, he was the embodiment of our shared dreams, the driving force behind our melodies, and the heartbeat of KillKount.”

Gupta, who was also bassist with fellow Bhopal metal band Elemental, founded in KillKount with vocalist Vishal Dalwani and drummer Oshan Saxena in 2011. Through lineup changes and more, KillKount performed across India and released their debut song “Korruption Kauses Katastrophe” in 2017. Gupta, who had studied sound engineering in Pune and lived in Bhopal and Indore, said in a Boxout.fm podcast interview that he also taught himself how to use programs like AfterEffects to create lyric videos. Gupta said in the interview, “Since the very first KillKount show, we’ve always played original songs. We were all over the place, trying out new members. It’s hard to find serious musicians, being our age, playing the kind of music we want.”

In 2020, KillKount released their debut full-length album Konflict & Terror, about six years after they came together. Around the time of the album’s launch, the band lost their bassist, Pune-based guitarist-composer Mradul Singhal, in a road accident. While the pandemic also curtailed touring and promo plans for Konflict & Terror, the band were also seeking a new guitarist to replace Laksh Thamman, who exited KillKount in 2022. In between, they were judged the Metal/Hardcore Artist of the Year at the second edition of The Indies awards in late 2021.

It is uncertain whether KillKount, which comprised Gupta, Dalwani, Thamman and drummer Aditya Oke, will continue. Their statement added, “As we try to make peace with this immense loss, we want to express our gratitude to all of you, who have supported us. Your love and understanding during this trying time mean more to me than words can express. We pledge to honor his legacy everyday. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the melodies and harmonies that he craft. His sudden departure has left a void that cannot be filled.”

Elemental also posted a heartfelt tribute to Gupta. “He was not just a band member to us, he was our brother in arms, he was our blood and bones. Nothing can put our mind at ease on such a tragic and traumatic news,” they shared.