Metal For a Cause In Shillong

Photo: Margub Ali

Even those who’ve been to Shillong may find this hard to believe, but in case you didn’t know, traffic congestion is a serious problem in the city. How better does a State known for its blues rockers and metal fanatics take on the issue than by hosting a concert? Rebel County 2012, which takes place on Saturday, October 20^th, will be headlined by Denmark’s death metal band Dawn of Demise. Metalcore band Chronic Xorn (fresh from opening for Cypher16 in Kolkata), and Shillong bands Aberrant (groove metal), Dead Calm Chaos (melodic death metal) and Plague Throat (death metal) will support Dawn of Demise at this socially-conscious concert.

This is the second time that the city sees a gig to raise environmental awareness – last year, Jason Manners of Rockski Group organized Rebel County  that was headlined by Delhi metal stalwarts Undying Inc. This year, there’s a more focused concern being raised about traffic overcrowding. Manners says, “People asked whether I’ll be transporting the bands on a bullock cart. It’s not wrong to use vehicles; it’s about using them efficiently.”

Rebel County will be the last stop on the Indian tour for Dawn of Demise, who played at the Imphal Metal Convention on October 18^th and the Fireball Festival in Guwahati on October 19^th. The day-long gig will be recorded, says Manners. “It [the footage] will go out to a few channels and we will release a Live DVD as well,” he adds. Following the metal-with-a-message gig, Mumbai’s Bay Beat Collective, who are currently promoting their debut EP Megapolis on tour, will play their electro bass grooves at an after-party at the Cloud 9 Lounge.

Rebel County 2012 takes place starting 2 pm on October 20, at State Central Library, IGP, Shillong. Entry: Rs 150. Bay Beat Collective play at Cloud 9 Lounge in Police Bazaar. Entry Rs 1,500 per couple.

Log on to RockSki.in for details.