Metal on Our Radar: Djinn and Miskatonic, Ihoera, Mustang, Skreen 6 and More

Djinn and Miskatonic – Paleo EP

Bengaluru doomsayers Djinn and Miskatonic like things slow and low, so it’s only natural that we hear rumblings from the metal band intermittently. When the time comes, however, they don’t miss the mark. Paleo EP – which is out five years after their 2018 album Even Gods Must Die and a few months after their standalone single “Mortal Science” – is an imposing three-track record that easily gets you to bob along, at the least. The songs range from losing a grasp on reality (“Vendetta”) to an allegorical caution about the politics of hate (“Venenum”) to the full-on fantastical (“Paleomythical”).

Arav Krishnan – The Fallen System

Released via Latvian label Sliptrick Records, Bengaluru-based vocalist, composer-guitarist Arav Krishnan has a lot going for him on his debut album The Fallen System. Produced by Nikhil ‘Wartooth’ N.R. of thrash metallers Chaos, the album also brings in fellow Chaos bandmates Manu Krishnan on drums and bassist Narayan Shrouthy. Although certainly thrash-influenced, there are a lot more modern metal flourishes across the 10-track album, on which Krishnan makes a mark, especially with songs like “Fame 15 Minutes Long,” “You Won’t Live To See Tomorrow” and the title track.

Dymbur – “Crabs In A Bucket”

Released at the end of August, Shillong metallers Dymbur push further in terms of visuals and sonics on their song “Crabs in a Bucket.” It’s undoubtedly djent at times, but the band also brings in Khasi folk percussive and string elements, trying to balance accessibility, appealing to Khasi natives as well as the larger global metal community. The song’s music video sees Dymbur get dirtied up, don some bandages and make a larger point about the “crab mentality” of the world.

Karbi Death Ritual – Closure Disclosure

Dissonance and angst might seem like the main concerns of Theang Teron on his new project The Karbi Death Ritual, but there’s a lot more under the surface than just post-hardcore and metal-informed songs. There’s a sense of empowerment and taking back one’s reputation, as the Karbi artist proves on Closure Disclosure. At about 19 minutes, the album works to deconstruct stereotypes that have long followed Karbis. Songs like “Tiru reng sap’pi” and “FFF” revel in mathcore energy, while there’s some prog action dominating songs like “Chiklo kichi arni kichi.”

Speedtrip – “Decayed Existence”

Taken off their just-released new album Apocalyptic Killzone, Bengaluru heavy metallers Speedtrip are in their prime on songs like “Decayed Existence.” They encourage listeners to “step out of the limits” with a punk meets metal sense of daring, as the visuals focus around the seemingly dystopic, Mad Max-esque artwork for Bill Hauser. The rest of Apocalyptic Killzone serves up more unapologetic, unfiltered heavy metal madness that anyone’s come to love from Bengaluru.

Ihoera – “Under a Harvest Moon”

Bengaluru post black metal band Ihoera – who came together in 2019 – launch their debut album If I Were Autumn later this year and the first track from it arrived in September with “Under a Harvest Moon.” Comprising guitarist-vocalist Sharath, drummer Sandesh Shetty and bassist Niharika Shantharaj, India’s niche black metal scene gets a formidable new voice with Ihoera. What’s more, they (with filmmaker Nitin Krishna P) prove that you can, in fact, shoot a quality black metal music video, complete with barren trees, swamps and more. The melancholy song takes its title and lyrics from a Carl Sandburg poem from 1916 that juxtaposes beauty and death. Ihoera take to the stage on December 3rd in Bengaluru, supporting Swiss post-rock band Hubris on their India tour.

Hymns of Hadean – “Tryst with a Bullet”

Released in July this year, Guwahati death metallers Hymns of Hadean hit the mark just right with gruesome, visceral and punishing metal on their single “Tryst with a Bullet.” The band – comprising drummer Sunny Das, vocalist Soumyajit Das, guitarist Arka Dasgupta, bassist Nitu Saikia – are unrelenting in their approach, inspired by acts like Cannibal Corpse, Deicide and Morbid Angel. The band will be seen next at gig series Scorn Fest on October 14th in Shillong, where thrash act Eternal Scorn are launching their debut EP Built For Mayhem.

Mustang – Beyond Raging Thunder

Unabashedly heavy metal, Mustang are among those ushering in a new era of heavy metal in India. It might come with its cliches, but there’s nothing that Mustang won’t try on their debut album Beyond Raging Thunder. There are soaring vocals that go over galloping rhythms and riffs, plus a sense of grandiosity that can perhaps be carried off best when you have the conviction. At 56 minutes, there’s plenty of that across 10 tracks, including “Children of Thunder,” which gives way to the more virtuoso “Cosmic Rage” and the roomy “Queen Of Red Light.” For good measure, Mustang throw in a cover of “Ram It Down,” so there’s no second-guessing their Judas Priest affinity.

Skreen 6 – Rockin’ Head

As far as heavy metal goes, Kochi’s Skreen 6 are waving the flag high as well, following the release of their debut album Rockin’ Head in May. Inspired by Eighties heavy metal and a bit of glam, there’s an air of triumph and just having a good time across their eight tracks, although they occasionally show their teeth and let out a growl on songs like “All We See Tonight.” From ballads like “Cry” to anthem-like energy on “Life Is Too Short To Die,” there’s plenty young blood heard on Rockin’ Head.