New Metal Releases: Stoner, Prog and Death Metal from India and Beyond

“Mind Games” by Kandor

A new stoner rock band is always reason for a high. Formed earlier this year by guitarist-vocalist Khushal Bhadra [also a part of Norway/India doom project Spiral Shades] and drummer Devanshu Sampat, the Mumbai-based duo began writing their first song together in April this year. After the release of Spiral Shades’ album Hypnosis Sessions last year, Sampat got in touch with Bhadra and both of them hit it off. Says Bhadra, “So we jammed on weekends as we have full time jobs and the result was ”˜Mind Games’.” Their first single is a half-psychedelic, loud stoner jam that’s got just the right amount of down-tuned guitar riffs chugging for you to hit repeat. Download the song for free here.

 

Rendition EP by Passages

In case you didn’t already know, Delhi has been the breeding ground for a new wave of modern prog metal bands – ones who like their metal eclectic and a little bit technical. In addition to the ones we’ve covered earlier, there’s Delhi prog metal band Passages, who sound like they’re continuing where Mumbai alt metallers Goddess Gagged left off. With clean sections and plenty of chaotic riffing, Passages, who came together last year, have released their debut EP Rendition.

 

“Fallacy” by Dead Exaltation

When it comes to death metal, you know a brutal song by its lyrical content, among other things. Pune-based death metallers Dead Exaltation, who played their first gig in January this year, get real graphic on their lead single “Fallacy,” which details prison brutality like no other. Although the band cites prog metal/rock bands such as Dream Theater and Orphaned Land as influences, “Fallacy” is clearly an all-out slice-and-dice death metal track.

 

“Fight Where You Stand” by Jungle Rot ft Max Cavalera

Speaking of death metal, here’s a taste of what the more experienced lot are up to. American death metallers Jungle Rot, who have been around since 1994, have released their ninth album Order Shall Prevail on Victory Records. In addition to their lead single “Paralyzed Prey” the band collaborates with guitarist-vocalist Max Cavalera [from American metallers Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy] for one relentless death metal track. Check it out below.