Listen: “Taurus” By Mumbai Metal Group Primitiv

Album artwork for Primitiv’s first single, “Taurus.” Artwork: Aakash Dwivedi

When gig organizer [and vocalist of death metal band Morticide] Nitin Rajan restarted metal gig series Domination ”“ The Deathfest in March this year with heavy metal band Albatross’s bassist Riju Dasgupta, they also started work on another project ”“ death metal band Primitiv.

The band, comprising Rajan and Dasgupta along with hard rock/heavy metal band Hellwind’s guitarist Rajarshi Bhattacharyya and drummer Pushkar Joshi, have released their first single “Taurus” and play their debut gig at Pune metal gig December Demolition on December 14th.

Like Albatross, Dasgupta says there’s a story behind the concept of the band, in addition to their catchphrase, “Other bands are old school, we are Primitiv.” Says Dasgupta, “My biggest interests have been dystopian fantasies and Primitiv is about a world where, after a nuclear holocaust, man is starting over and the world is alien to him. He rediscovers things all over again ”“ like technology that survived the holocaust and even magic.” Inspired by the works of authors such as Neil Gaiman and H.P. Lovecraft, Dasgupta says the world Primitiv’s story is set in is “the most badass planet ever.” The bassist adds, “It has everything nerds love.”

While their debut single “Taurus” has shades of doom metal, Dasgupta assures they’re very much a diverse death metal band. Working with producer and extreme metal band Demonic Resurrection’s bassist Ashwin Shriyan, Primitiv have already written the black metal-influenced “Demon of Science” and a slower, stoner song, “Lords of the Primitiv,” which will make it to a four or five-track EP. Adds Dasgupta, “It’s a side project, so we’re only going to do special shows and concentrate on our main bands.” For their gig at December Demolition in Pune, which Dasgupta and Rajan are organizing, Primitiv will play the opening set including songs from their EP and a Black Sabbath cover. Says Dasgupta, “Because they [Black Sabbath] are the most primitive band.”

Stream “Taurus” below

Primitiv performs at December Demolition alongside Albatross, Dark Helm, Gaia’s Throne, Halahkuh, Ragnhild and What Google Can’t Find on December 14th at Hotel Ambience, Wakad, Pune. Entry: Rs 250. Event details here.