New Music: From Kolkata Heavy Metal to Hyderabad Prog and more
This month, we round up the latest from Itanagar death metallers Sacred Secrecy, Chennai-based alternative artist Ft. Fragments and Kohima producer Mozzey
Kolkata heavy metal band Falcun. Photo: Courtesy of Qabar PR/Eat Metal Records
Haphazard Humming in My Head by Ft. Fragments
Once part of acoustic trio Sylvia alongside singer Sharvi Yadav, New Delhi-bred, Chennai-based guitarist and composer Ananda Dhar-James’ new project with drummer Anuj Agarwal (also part of Sylvia) is called Ft. Fragments. Their debut EP Haphazard Humming in My Head is exactly what the title suggests ”“ subtle hooks laid over synth and guitar parts. From the hazy “Sidelines (Your Thoughts Fear You)” to the noir-like “The B-Side” and psychedelic layered “Be Write Back.”
Bedroom Stories by Mozzey
On his new EP, Kohima, Nagaland producer Vitz Zhimo takes on the moniker Mozzey and finds collaborators across the globe and a vivid, sparkling EDM sound, starting with the emphatic jazz horns sampled on “Higher” and moving to soul-pop melodies (with help from New York artist Rochee) on “Hold Tight.” New York-based alt-folk artist Tiger Darrow joins on “Higher” as well as “Move,” while Canadian hip-hop artist City Fidelia leads on the funky “Let It Go.” Bedroom Stories is slickly-produced EDM that twists and turns gleefully and we wouldn’t be surprised to see it lighting up any club dancefloor.
Leech by Sacred Secrecy
Although Leech just a demo, it says a lot about the level of viciousness that Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh death metallers Sacred Secrecy can raise. The three-track EP by vocalist-guitarist Tana Doni, drummer Toko Teji, guitarist Karka Ragi and vocalist-bassist Zerchi Musobi features the punishing title track “Leech,” moves on to the whirlwind, unrelenting “Do What Thou Wilt” and closes with “Shitanagar,” an earlier release that encapsulates their penchant for breakneck brutality.
Kingdom Come by Falcun
Kolkata heavy metallers Falcun have been delivering straight-up surging performances since 2015, but it’s only after signing to Greek label Eat Metal Records that we can hear their debut full-length Kingdom Come. Essentially, it’s a lot of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in terms of vocal delivery and themes, but a sonic delight to any fan of traditional heavy metal from the Eighties. From ballads (“Martyr”) to soaring, fist-pumping tunes, Falcun have it all on display.
Divergence by Pandora’s Box
They’ve been around since 2010 but it’s only close to a decade later that Hyderabad prog band Pandora’s Box have released their debut EP Divergence. It’s only four tracks, but this is progressive metal we’re talking about, so it’s no surprise that the release clocks in at about half an hour. Although not entirely out of the box, vocalist Deepu Joseph shows off an excellent range, but the real draw remains sonic shapeshifting ”“ from galloping drum work (“Divergence: Choice”) and charging riffs to an unexpectedly great saxophone section (“Divergence: Regret”), closing with the seriously groovy “The Last Ride.”
“Cure Of My Sickness” by Demigod
Fulfilling heavy metal music video dreams aside, Jaipur metallers Demigod are on to something genuine with their new single “Cure of my Sickness.” Off their upcoming EP Whiplash Motif, Demigod go the modern metalcore route, similar to the likes of As I Lay Dying, Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God, but offering an energy that’s somewhat refreshing.
