New Fortnightly Metal Gig Series To Kick Off In Mumbai

Maldivian heavy metal band Nothnegal. Photo: Mohamed Muha

Thursday  is the new Sunday for gigs in Mumbai, and after un-metal event organizers ennui.BOMB kicked off their fortnightly series, BOMB Thursdays, in March, it’s time for metal bands to level out the options. Bombay Asylum, a new metal series kicks off on June 13th, hosting the third edition of the Deccan Rock festival featuring French metallers Hacride, Maldivian heavy metal band Nothnegal and Mumbai heavy metallers Albatross.

Aargh, the Mumbai-based metal programming division of event organizers Culture Shoq, is organizing the gig at Club Escape in suburban Mumbai. “There aren’t many venues which want to do this, but we found them (Club Escape) to be the best fit,” says Culture Shoq founder Sudeip Nair. Nair says it took a bit of convincing. “I just hope the owner doesn’t show up at the gig,” he jokes.

Putting a lineup together for a show wasn’t easy. Nair says the first edition of Bombay Asylum was originally slated to take place last month, but they saw more potential in partnering with organizers Orka Networks to host the Mumbai leg of Deccan Rock III. “That way we have international bands sharing the space with local bands,” says Nair. Mumbai death metallers Reptilian Death was originally slated to play instead of Albatross, but had to cancel their appearance on account of vocalist Vinay Venkatesh meeting with an accident.

Nothnegal play their debut Mumbai gig as part of Bombay Asylum. Currently on an India tour with French metallers Hacride, the band debuted in India at Summer Storm festival, opening for prog metallers Opeth in February last year. Says vocalist Hilarl Agil, “These shows are more personal and interactive. We’ve met the guys from Hacride for the first time, but we’re sharing equipment throughout the tour.” Although their self-titled EP is ready for release, Nothnegal will play from their 2012 debut full-length album, Decadence, throughout this tour. “We’re meeting a lot of different people [on this tour] and it’s different for us,” says Agil.

Nair says the next edition will take place on June 27th with bands being announced at the end of the first gig today. “We have enough bands set for the next six months. We’ve got a great mix of bands from Chennai, Delhi, Manipur and other places,” adds Nair.

Bombay Asylum and Deccan Rock III features Hacride, Nothnegal and Albatross live on June 13th, 2013 at Club Escape, Mumbai. Entry: Rs 500 [inclusive of Rs 300 cover]. Event details here.