The Down Troddence Mark Massive Return with ‘Maharani’ Featuring T.M. Krishna

Kerala folk metallers The Down Troddence are making big moves with their upcoming second album and that starts with their lead single “Maharani” featuring Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna in what is a crossover no one saw coming.

Part of their upcoming 10-track album As You All Know, This Is How It Is (AYAKTIHIS) – to be released via South Indian label Think Music – The Down Troddence a polished yet angsty sound on “Maharani.” Their message of fighting back in the face of oppression continues the politically and socially conscious messaging of their 2014 album How Are You? We Are Fine, Thank You and it’s heightened with the dystopian, futuristic and CGI-aided music video directed by Rajaram Rajendran and produced by Eleven Elements.

From ominous, Squid Game-like motifs along with visual metaphors for exploitation, The Down Troddence members and T.M. Krishna appear as figures who look like guardians for an entrapped female figure (portrayed by actor Honey Raza), while there’s also a folklore figure of the prancing Pottan seen. The band’s vocalist Munz says in a statement, “‘Maharani’ is a track that speaks of resistance, of voices that refuse to be silenced. Having T.M. Krishna join us on this sonic journey is nothing short of historic.”

Krishna, who elevates the prog metal song with his powerful vocals, adds in his statement, “Music is a language of defiance, and collaborating with TDT has been a unique way of exploring new forms of storytelling.” The track — and the upcoming album — is mixed and mastered by Mumbai-based sound engineer and guitarist-producer Keshav Dhar.

In a press release, the band describe “Maharani” as a “sonic manifesto.” They add, “An eruption of rage, resilience, and the yearning to break free. The track embodies an entity both shackled and powerful, ornate yet ferocious. It forces the listener to confront the structures that confine us and the inevitable rebellion that follows.”

In the decade between albums, The Down Troddence may have taken some time off, but they’ve remained a fixture in Indian metal and beyond, occasionally releasing singles like “Fight. React. Be a part.!” and a live version of “Kolam” (which is part of AYAKTIHIS), both in 2019. The band’s members also expanded into their own projects, most notably keyboardist/synth artist Sushin Shyam turning music composer and producer for Malayalam film soundtracks, evening winning a Kerala State Film Award for the music to family drama Kumbalangi Nights.

Now, the band are entering whole new terrain with the new album. Also part of the project is the release of a documentary that goes into the making of AYAKTIHIS, one that will be “exploring the philosophical and musical depth behind each track.” The press release adds, “Fans can look forward to limited-edition collectible physical merchandise, designed to commemorate this pivotal moment in our journey. The album will also feature exclusive collectible physical merchandise, and fan meet-ups.”  

As You All Know, This Is How It Is (AYAKTIHIS) tracklist

1. “Ayak”
2. “Kolam”
3. “Maharani”
4. “Ejjathi”
5. “Binary Sun”
6. “Intifada”
7. “Monsoon In Kannur”
8. “Seven”
9. “Dopamine Junkie”
10. “Tihis [Pottan]”