Bangladeshi heavy metal: Difference between revisions
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=== 1980s and '90s (Origins) === |
=== 1980s and '90s (Origins) === |
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[[File:RS First Lineup.jpg|thumb|right|240px|[[Rockstrata]] was one of the pioneering metal bands of Bangladesh along with [[Warfaze]]. They disbanded soon after their influential debut album, ''"Rockstrata"'']] |
[[File:RS First Lineup.jpg|thumb|right|240px|[[Rockstrata]] was one of the pioneering metal bands of Bangladesh along with [[Warfaze]]. They disbanded soon after their influential debut album, ''"Rockstrata"'']] |
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The 80s was the most important [[decade]] for foundation of [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] in Bangladesh. Primarily drawing the influences from [[New wave of British heavy metal|NWOBHM]] bands such as [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Motörhead]] with an early influence of 70s [[traditional heavy metal]] bands such as [[Deep Purple]] and [[Black Sabbath]], many underground hard rock and heavy metal bands were formed in [[Dhaka]] from early 80s to mid 80s. It was an immediate response of [[New Wave of British Heavy Metal]] music from Bangladeshi musicians. Many [[psychedelic rock]] and [[blues rock]] artists of Bangladesh also inspired them to go forward. While some young guitarists at that time were also impressed by the guitar playing of [[neoclassical metal]] artists such as [[Ritchie Blackmore]], [[Randy Rhoads]], [[Yngwie Malmsteen]], [[Jason Becker]] and [[Paul Gilbert]]. Back in the '80s, there wasn't any internet connection or much broadcasting facilities in Bangladesh for foreign heavy metal bands. But there was also a local shop called, ''"Rainbow"'', in Dhaka, which used to distribute foreign metal bands' albums. The shop played an important role for inspiring Bangladeshi musicians with foreign metal acts. The shop is still activate. The first ever Bangladeshi heavy metal band to be formed was "Waves" in Germany, 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themetalrebel.com/blog/bangladesh-metal-scene-report/|title=The Metal Rebel - Bangladesh Scene Report|first=|last=themetalrebel.com|date=30 September 2016|publisher=}}</ref> They returned to Bangladesh in 1983. They covered ''[[Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath song)|"Heaven and Hell"]]'' of [[Black Sabbath]] in 1985. But they disbanded in 1985. And after almost 10 years they released their only album, ''Purono Smriti''. They have been inactive for ever since after 1996. In 1984, [[Warfaze]] was formed.<ref>{{cite news |title=In conversation with Warfaze |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/pod-details.php?nid=15 |work=The Daily Star |date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616230929/http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/pod-details.php?nid=15 |archive-date=16 June 2010}}</ref> They were young heavy metal fans from [[St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Dhaka|St.Joeseph]]. At the time heavy metal wasn't yet mainstream music in Bangladesh. Mainstream music included genres such as [[Pop music|pop]], [[Folk music|folk]] and [[Blues rock|blues]]. So, Warfaze started as a cover band. They used to cover English hard rock and heavy metal songs of bands such as [[Deep Purple]], [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Dokken]]. After multiple line-up changes and 7 years later of their formation they released their self-titled debut album, ''"Warfaze"'', in 1991 under Sargam records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2014/10/24/warfaze-to-celebrate-30th-anniversary|title=Warfaze to celebrate 30th anniversary|date=24 October 2014|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> The album is considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of [[Bangaldesh]]. Songs like ''"Boshe Achi"'' and ''"Ekti Chele"'' were big hits. [[Warfaze]] continued working on their following albums |
The 80s was the most important [[decade]] for foundation of [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] in Bangladesh. Primarily drawing the influences from [[New wave of British heavy metal|NWOBHM]] bands such as [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Motörhead]] with an early influence of 70s [[traditional heavy metal]] bands such as [[Deep Purple]] and [[Black Sabbath]], many underground hard rock and heavy metal bands were formed in [[Dhaka]] from early 80s to mid 80s. It was an immediate response of [[New Wave of British Heavy Metal]] music from Bangladeshi musicians. Many [[psychedelic rock]] and [[blues rock]] artists of Bangladesh also inspired them to go forward. While some young guitarists at that time were also impressed by the guitar playing of [[neoclassical metal]] artists such as [[Ritchie Blackmore]], [[Randy Rhoads]], [[Yngwie Malmsteen]], [[Jason Becker]] and [[Paul Gilbert]]. Back in the '80s, there wasn't any internet connection or much broadcasting facilities in Bangladesh for foreign heavy metal bands. But there was also a local shop called, ''"Rainbow"'', in Dhaka, which used to distribute foreign metal bands' albums. The shop played an important role for inspiring Bangladeshi musicians with foreign metal acts. The shop is still activate. The first ever Bangladeshi heavy metal band to be formed was "Waves" in Germany, 1981.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themetalrebel.com/blog/bangladesh-metal-scene-report/|title=The Metal Rebel - Bangladesh Scene Report|first=|last=themetalrebel.com|date=30 September 2016|publisher=}}</ref> They returned to Bangladesh in 1983. They covered ''[[Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath song)|"Heaven and Hell"]]'' of [[Black Sabbath]] in 1985. But they disbanded in 1985. And after almost 10 years they released their only album, ''Purono Smriti''. They have been inactive for ever since after 1996. In 1984, [[Warfaze]] was formed.<ref>{{cite news |title=In conversation with Warfaze |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/pod-details.php?nid=15 |work=The Daily Star |date=13 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616230929/http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/pod-details.php?nid=15 |archive-date=16 June 2010}}</ref> They were young heavy metal fans from [[St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Dhaka|St.Joeseph]]. At the time heavy metal wasn't yet mainstream music in Bangladesh. Mainstream music included genres such as [[Pop music|pop]], [[Folk music|folk]] and [[Blues rock|blues]]. So, Warfaze started as a cover band. They used to cover English hard rock and heavy metal songs of bands such as [[Deep Purple]], [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Dokken]]. After multiple line-up changes and 7 years later of their formation they released their self-titled debut album, ''"Warfaze"'', in 1991 under Sargam records.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/uncategorized/2014/10/24/warfaze-to-celebrate-30th-anniversary|title=Warfaze to celebrate 30th anniversary|date=24 October 2014|website=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> The album is considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of [[Bangaldesh]]. Songs like ''"Boshe Achi"'' and ''"Ekti Chele"'' were big hits. [[Warfaze]] continued working on their following albums - ''"Obak Valobasha"'', ''"Jibon Dhara"'' and ''"Oshamajik"'' in the '90s. Although at the time, there were few bands who played heavy riffs and solos, but there were no bands who had a singer like [[Warfaze|Warfaze's]] first singer, Sunjoy. Most of the metal/hard rock bands' vocalists where singing in melodic vocals with heavy riffs. But Sunjoy's powerful high-pitched [[Screaming (music)|screaming]] voice helped developing the idea of heavy metal singing. He was inspired by and often followed the singing style of [[Ian Gillan]]. His screams in "Ekti Chele" is a perfect example of it which lasts for about 20 seconds. Sunjoy has been the most influential heavy metal vocalist of Bangladesh. On the other hand, [[Warfaze]]'s lead guitarist, [[Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal|Kamal's]] fast [[Arpeggio (music)|arpeggios]] with [[Alternate picking|alternate]] and [[sweep picking]], [[Guitar tapping|tapping]], [[dive bomb]]s and melodic structures uses created heavy metal riffs and solos in their songs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/music/its-not-worth-dying-stage-1508878|title=“It's not worth dying on stage”|date=23 December 2017|website=The Daily Star}}</ref> [[Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal|Kamal]] is one of the pioneering [[Shred guitar|shredders]] of Bangladesh. His shredding solos took [[Warfaze|Warfaze's]] music to [[neoclassical metal]] edge. Warfaze along with their music also helped to improve rebellious lyrics in Bangladeshi Rock music.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/star-weekend/where-have-the-rebel-bands-bangladesh-gone-1504948|title=Where have the rebel bands of Bangladesh gone?|date=15 December 2017|website=The Daily Star}}</ref> Most of their songs were about [[anti-establishment]], complicated lives and [[socialism]]. Both of their albums, ''"Jibon Dhara"'' (Living Style) and ''"Oshamajik"'' (Anti-Social) indicate it. While Jibon Dhara was more about political theme, Oshamajik was more about social struggles. Their lyrics helped pushing the boundary of romantic lyrics. [[Warfaze]] has been the most important rock and metal band of Bangladesh for their influence and consistency, running for over three [[decade]]s and still going. [[Rockstrata]], another metal band was formed in 1985. They too were students of [[St Joseph Higher Secondary School, Dhaka|St.Joseph]] college. They were initially inspired by [[Black Sabbath]]. They used to cover various songs of [[Black Sabbath]]. Later they gained interest in [[Iron Maiden]]. They released their self-titled debut album in 1992. Their music, especially [[Guitar riff|guitar riffs]] were heavier compared to other rock bands of their time. But after releasing their debut album, they became inactive for over 20 years. Although they returned to the scene with their second album, ''"Notun Shaader Khoje"'' ''(In Search of New Taste)'' in 2014. Both [[Rockstrata]] and [[Warfaze]] have been cited as the first heavy metal bands of Bangladesh by music critics. However both being contemporaries to each other, [[Warfaze]] and [[Rockstrata]] had significant differences in their musical styles. [[Rockstrata]] sounded more brutal and heavy which could be compared to [[doom metal]] music of [[Black Sabbath]]. While [[Warfaze]] approached more as a technical and fast paced band pretty similar to [[speed metal]] sound of [[Deep Purple]]. [[In Dhaka (band)|In Dhaka]], another band formed in the late 80s to early 90s, was also influential towards hard rock and heavy metal. They released their debut album in, ''"Nishshobdo Kolahol"'' in 1992. But they too became inactive after mid 90s. Meanwhile, another [[hard rock]] [[Power trio|trio]] named ''"Kirtinasha"'' ''(Destroyed)'' who formed in 1988, released their debut album, ''""Kirtinasha"'' in 1993 with Asia Voice records. Kirtinasha was one of the pioneering hard rock bands of Bangladesh who recorded some of their early stuffs in 1988 but didn't release anything until their debut album. Kirtinasha's songs were about [[Natural disaster|natural calamities]], anti-love, [[Social conflict|conflicts]], [[narcissism]] and deaths. Kirtinasha never went mainstream like [[Warfaze]] or [[Rockstrata]]. But their song, ''"Dhoroni"'' ''(Earth)'' was successful among hard rock fans of that time. Kirtinasha had no activity after mid 90s. Their members pursued their personal lives and left the music industry after mid 90s. Aces was another popular rock band formed in late '80s. They were very technically proficient. But they didn't release any album. Thus they faded from the music scene after '90s. |
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Revision as of 11:45, 9 June 2019
Bangladeshi Heavy Metal | |
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Stylistic origins | |
Cultural origins | Mid- to late 1980s, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Typical instruments |
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Regional scenes | |
Bangladesh | |
Other topics | |
Bangladeshi heavy metal or Bangla heavy metal was originated from the evolution of British and American heavy metal bands of 1980s. Bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica and Megadeth have had the greatest influences on Bangladeshi heavy metal musicians. Other 70s bands to influence are bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Motörhead. First bands to deploy heavy metal in Bangladesh are bands like Warfaze and Rockstrata. The most prominent era for heavy metal movement was between early 90s to early 2000s. Warfaze, Rockstrata, Aces and In Dhaka are often considered as the "big four of heavy metal". Other 2000s metal bands are bands like Artcell, Aurthohin and Cryptic Fate. Warfaze, Artcell and Aurthohin together is the most popular rock/metal trio of Bangladesh.
History
1960s and '70s (Pre-Origin)
Although there are no identical Bangladeshi metal bands formed in 1960s and '70s, but some blues based rock bands helped to emerge heavy rock in Bangladesh. Such a band was "Windy Side of Care",[1] formed in 1964, Dhaka. Being one of the earliest rock bands to form in Bangladesh. Mainly inspired by rock n' roll artists like Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and The Shadows, they mixed psychedelic rock, hard rock, blues rock with Bengali Classical music. Initially they didn't intend to record their stuffs but to mess with their gigs. They used to jam at Shahbag Hotel. They jammed at high volume, so loud that they were told to turn down their volume by their grandfather.[2] Their long instrumental jamming through high amps, powerful distortion and frequent whammy bar sets an early example of heavy rock in Bangladeshi music scene. They didn't go commercially successful but their early works and experiments indicates the major movement of heavy rock in Bangladesh. Although they are very less known to modern fans, but some of their records were recovered. They got a deal with EMI record labels to record an album in 1968.
Later in 1970s, many pop rock and psychedelic rock bands were formed in Bangladesh. Although most of them didn't play or contributed much to heavy metal but some bands like Miles, Feedback and Feelings played some hard rock songs in their concerts drawn from psychedelic and blues rock. Miles despite being a pop rock and blues rock band, used to play few hard rock songs in their live concerts, around early 80s. James from Feelings (now known as Nogor Baul) was a pioneering psychedelic rock artist of Bangladesh. He too approached with heavy rock riffs and solos. Late Ayub Bachchu was a member of pop rock band, Souls, who later formed his own band, LRB. Ayub Bachchu too came forward with his technical guitar playing by following the blues styles. Which also helped emerging heavy rock in Bangladesh.
1980s and '90s (Origins)
The 80s was the most important decade for foundation of heavy metal in Bangladesh. Primarily drawing the influences from NWOBHM bands such as Iron Maiden and Motörhead with an early influence of 70s traditional heavy metal bands such as Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, many underground hard rock and heavy metal bands were formed in Dhaka from early 80s to mid 80s. It was an immediate response of New Wave of British Heavy Metal music from Bangladeshi musicians. Many psychedelic rock and blues rock artists of Bangladesh also inspired them to go forward. While some young guitarists at that time were also impressed by the guitar playing of neoclassical metal artists such as Ritchie Blackmore, Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen, Jason Becker and Paul Gilbert. Back in the '80s, there wasn't any internet connection or much broadcasting facilities in Bangladesh for foreign heavy metal bands. But there was also a local shop called, "Rainbow", in Dhaka, which used to distribute foreign metal bands' albums. The shop played an important role for inspiring Bangladeshi musicians with foreign metal acts. The shop is still activate. The first ever Bangladeshi heavy metal band to be formed was "Waves" in Germany, 1981.[3] They returned to Bangladesh in 1983. They covered "Heaven and Hell" of Black Sabbath in 1985. But they disbanded in 1985. And after almost 10 years they released their only album, Purono Smriti. They have been inactive for ever since after 1996. In 1984, Warfaze was formed.[4] They were young heavy metal fans from St.Joeseph. At the time heavy metal wasn't yet mainstream music in Bangladesh. Mainstream music included genres such as pop, folk and blues. So, Warfaze started as a cover band. They used to cover English hard rock and heavy metal songs of bands such as Deep Purple, Iron Maiden and Dokken. After multiple line-up changes and 7 years later of their formation they released their self-titled debut album, "Warfaze", in 1991 under Sargam records.[5] The album is considered one of the most influential heavy metal albums of Bangaldesh. Songs like "Boshe Achi" and "Ekti Chele" were big hits. Warfaze continued working on their following albums - "Obak Valobasha", "Jibon Dhara" and "Oshamajik" in the '90s. Although at the time, there were few bands who played heavy riffs and solos, but there were no bands who had a singer like Warfaze's first singer, Sunjoy. Most of the metal/hard rock bands' vocalists where singing in melodic vocals with heavy riffs. But Sunjoy's powerful high-pitched screaming voice helped developing the idea of heavy metal singing. He was inspired by and often followed the singing style of Ian Gillan. His screams in "Ekti Chele" is a perfect example of it which lasts for about 20 seconds. Sunjoy has been the most influential heavy metal vocalist of Bangladesh. On the other hand, Warfaze's lead guitarist, Kamal's fast arpeggios with alternate and sweep picking, tapping, dive bombs and melodic structures uses created heavy metal riffs and solos in their songs.[6] Kamal is one of the pioneering shredders of Bangladesh. His shredding solos took Warfaze's music to neoclassical metal edge. Warfaze along with their music also helped to improve rebellious lyrics in Bangladeshi Rock music.[7] Most of their songs were about anti-establishment, complicated lives and socialism. Both of their albums, "Jibon Dhara" (Living Style) and "Oshamajik" (Anti-Social) indicate it. While Jibon Dhara was more about political theme, Oshamajik was more about social struggles. Their lyrics helped pushing the boundary of romantic lyrics. Warfaze has been the most important rock and metal band of Bangladesh for their influence and consistency, running for over three decades and still going. Rockstrata, another metal band was formed in 1985. They too were students of St.Joseph college. They were initially inspired by Black Sabbath. They used to cover various songs of Black Sabbath. Later they gained interest in Iron Maiden. They released their self-titled debut album in 1992. Their music, especially guitar riffs were heavier compared to other rock bands of their time. But after releasing their debut album, they became inactive for over 20 years. Although they returned to the scene with their second album, "Notun Shaader Khoje" (In Search of New Taste) in 2014. Both Rockstrata and Warfaze have been cited as the first heavy metal bands of Bangladesh by music critics. However both being contemporaries to each other, Warfaze and Rockstrata had significant differences in their musical styles. Rockstrata sounded more brutal and heavy which could be compared to doom metal music of Black Sabbath. While Warfaze approached more as a technical and fast paced band pretty similar to speed metal sound of Deep Purple. In Dhaka, another band formed in the late 80s to early 90s, was also influential towards hard rock and heavy metal. They released their debut album in, "Nishshobdo Kolahol" in 1992. But they too became inactive after mid 90s. Meanwhile, another hard rock trio named "Kirtinasha" (Destroyed) who formed in 1988, released their debut album, ""Kirtinasha" in 1993 with Asia Voice records. Kirtinasha was one of the pioneering hard rock bands of Bangladesh who recorded some of their early stuffs in 1988 but didn't release anything until their debut album. Kirtinasha's songs were about natural calamities, anti-love, conflicts, narcissism and deaths. Kirtinasha never went mainstream like Warfaze or Rockstrata. But their song, "Dhoroni" (Earth) was successful among hard rock fans of that time. Kirtinasha had no activity after mid 90s. Their members pursued their personal lives and left the music industry after mid 90s. Aces was another popular rock band formed in late '80s. They were very technically proficient. But they didn't release any album. Thus they faded from the music scene after '90s.
Followed by the groundbreaking success of Warfaze and Rockstrata, several heavy metal and hard rock bands were formed between mid to late '90s. Bands such as Artcell, Cryptic Fate, Aurthohin and Vikings were the main ones. Ever since then they have been playing important roles for developing different heavy metal genres in Bangladesh. Cryptic Fate is a prime example of it. They formed in 1993 and released their debut album, "Ends Are Forever", in 1994 which was written in English. [8] Ends Are Forever was the first ever English metal album recorded by a Bangladeshi artist. Cryptic Fate was the second most important metal band of Bangladesh. They were one of the leading bands of next generation Bangladeshi heavy metal music. They started to write in Bengali in their later albums. Although they started as a traditional heavy metal band but their next albums included more complex guitar solos and drumming. Thus their songs became very influential towards development of progressive metal in Bangladesh. Their songs often contained fast-tempoed heavy riffs and deep growling voice which reached to progressive-death metal edge. Cryptic Fate often wrote lyrics about liberation war of Bangladesh. Cryptic Fate is the longest most active metal band after Warfaze.
2000s and 2010s (Mainstream)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/Artcell_%2857%29.jpg/240px-Artcell_%2857%29.jpg)
In 2000s heavy metal started to become mainstream in Bangladeshi music scene. Thrash metal bands like Metallica and Megadeth had directly influenced young musicians of Bangladesh. As a result the thrashier tone had become more common in Bangladeshi metal bands. The groove metal sound also became common among musicians. Primarily inspiring by English and American thrash and groove metal bands with ground breaking success of Bangladeshi metal bands in the 90s, many underground bands were formed in early 2000s. By the beginning of 2000s, Aurthohin released their debut album, Trimatrik in 2000. After that they constantly released their albums the next years, 2001, 2002 and 2003. They have been one of the most important bands for laying out different genres of heavy metal in Bangladesh.[9] Aurthohin's leader, Sumon used to arrange different types of musical instruments to experiment with genres. He featured growling along with screaming in his songs. Singers such as Imtiaz and Rafa were invited to work for his albums. They backed up Sumon for growling and screaming when Sumon was unable to sing in metal voice. Some of their most notable growls in songs are such as Guti-From Hell, Shaat Din (Seven Days) and Protirup (Replica). Meanwhile, their first lead guitarist, Piklu developed his guitar skills. He then started to play various genres such as heavy metal, thrash metal, speed metal, groove metal etc. Piklu was one of the most important metal guitarists in history of Bangladeshi metal. Piklu is often considered as the first guitarist to play fast paced heavy metal riffs. Piklu's fast paced guitar riffs and solos helped bringing the extreme metal tone in Aurthohin's songs. It also pioneered extreme metal riffs in Bangladesh. Several extreme metal guitarists were inspired by Piklu's guitar playing. Aurthohin's song,"Shaat Din" from "Notun Diner Michile" spanned for 28 minutes and 31 seconds. Being the longest track ever recorded by a Bangladeshi rock artist. "Shaat Din" features various music arrangements, eleven guitar solos (all played by Piklu), several bass solos (all done by Sumon) and brutal growling as well as melodic vocals, pianos rhythms and violin solos, being a good example of progressive metal. Sumon's slap bassing also helped to create the funky sound for the band, emerging genres like funk rock and funk metal. Aurthohin due to Sumon's illness stopped their activities after 2003. But when Sumon started to recover from his illness, they continued their works from 2008. Vikings, another award winning band of the 90s released their debut album, "Jiboner Kolahol" in 2000.[10] They featured heavy riffs in their songs. Their songs also featured massive whammy bar and pedal uses. Although they soon became inactive for over a decade but returned to scene with their movie soundtrack. Meanwhile Artcell, another promising band formed in 1999, released their debut album 2002. Being the Bangladesh's most popular progressive metal band.[11]. Their main inspiration was Metallica. They used to cover various songs of Metallica at the earliest years. Warfaze also inspired them as a Bangladeshi metal band. They released their second album, "Oniket Prantor" in 2006. They have had the biggest hits for their catchy riffs and vocals. Two of their most famous songs, "Poth Chola" and "Oniket Prantor" both featured catchy acoustic plucking which helped making their music go mainstream even among general non-metalhead music fans. On the other hand Lincoln, their lead singer's melodic vocal skills attracted many fans to their songs. Artcell has been one of the most technically proficient bands of Bangladesh. Their drummer, Shaju's fast and technical drum solos set a new example in Bangladesh. Shaju is often considered as the greatest and most technical drummer of Bangladesh. Some of his notable drumming are - "Oniker Prantor", "Dukhkhyo Bilash", "Poth Chola" etc. While Ershad's technical solos made their songs more complex. Artcell's songs combined with soft melody and complexity helped making progressive metal go mainstream. Artcell also wrote some of the most complex lyrics in history of Bangladeshi rock music. Their primary lyricist was Rupok. But after his death, Ruman Ahmed wrote songs for them. During the mid 2000s, a music show program called, "Rock Link", hosted by Bassbaba Sumon and Jewel, used to promote several rock bands of Bangladesh. The show promoted many metal bands too. After mid-2000s several extreme metal bands were formed. Severe Dementia, being the first death metal band in Bangladesh, was formed in 2004.[12] Severe Dementia was originally named as, "666". But due to cultural impact, it was named to Severe Dementia. Severe Dementia, however was no the only first metal band to play death metal. But their popularity crossed any other death metal in their time. The first death metal sound was introduced by bands like Cryptic Fate, who contributed to death metal riffs but didn't carry on it. Severe Dementia didn't release any full album. But they released an EP album, "Epitaph of Plassey" under Indian record label, "Demonstealer Records".[13] Their music included blast-drum beats, fast paced guitar riffs, , guttural growls and screams. Their lyrics also were about ancient historical events and brutality. Powersurge was formed in 2006 as a thrash metal band. In 2006, De-illumination was formed.[14] Sazzad Arefeen with help of Shams Mansoor Gani (keyboardist from Warfaze) experimented with classical and symphonic music. Sham's background keyboards helped creating the music of Symphonic Metal. Thus it led them being the first symphonic metal band of Bangladesh. They released only one album in 2010.
At the end of 2010s many alternative rock bands were formed. However, they, too, played some heavy metal songs. Bands such as Nemesis[15] an Black[16] and Arbovirus have been the most notable ones. Arbovirus, despite having very few elements of metal in their songs, gained much popularity for their alternative and nu-metal musical styles. They are seen as a metal band by general music fans of Bangladesh. While, Nemesis often featured heavy solos and riffs which helped emerging the alternative metal in Bangladesh. Bands like Funeral Anthem, Minerva and Ionic Bond also helped making new extreme metal albums. But not all of them became successful. Combining the spirits of melodic structures with speed metal, Funeral Anthem became one of the pioneering power metal band of Bangladesh. In 2013, Minerva released their debut album, "Biday Shongbidhan" (Farewell Constitution). The album contained deep growling voice with groovy riffs and solos. Although not being the first groove metal band, but Minerva earned huge popularity as a groove metal band. In 2015 they held a tribute concert for Bangladeshi rock artists - Azam Khan, Nogor Baul, LRB, Mile, Warfaze, Aurthohin, Cryptic Fate, Artcell, Black, Nemesis, Arbovirus, Powersurge and Mechanix. Ionic Bond is another important band, which was formed in 2008, Chittagong. They are one of the most popular bands formed outside Dhaka. Ionic Bond played melodic death metal songs with folk metal elements. They were praised by Swiss folk metal band, Eluveitie.[17] They released their full length debut album, Amavashya Lore in 2015.[18] They are simultaneously pioneers of melo-death metal and folk metal acts in Bangladesh. Although they are refereed as more melo-death metal than folk metal. Bay of Bengal, another band form Chittagong was formed in 2016.. They released only one album in 2016.[19] Their influences include, Megadeth, Pantera, Eluveitie etc. They collaborated folk and classical elements with heavy metal. According to their official Facebook page, they identified themselves as a experimental metal band. Their music feature flute solos, which often sound like, "Eluveitie". Bay of Bengal gained success from publishing their music videos on YouTube. One of their music videos was created to raise awareness about suicide.[20] Their lead singer Bakhtiyar said on the matter,
"The subject of the song is universal. I won’t dedicate this song to anyone in particular. But I hope people will know better after watching the video and will hopefully refrain from committing suicide when they are in severe depression. Moreover, we should always be communicative and be supportive towards our loved ones."
Many underground bands are ongoing.
Underground Metal Bands
Over the years there have been significant underground metal bands who didn't go mainstream. Most of these metal bands were either black metal or bands having satanic lyrics. Satanik a black metal band (later derived to technical brutal blackl) was formed in early 2000s,[21] almost never went mainstream for their satanic themes. Although in their interview they denied being a devil or satan promoting band. Their lead guitarist Nayeem said,
"Satanik does not mean encouraging the devilish nature. In fact, it means to take off the masks and shout out loud and clear about the hidden evils prevalent in human beings. Everything comes in pairs, so do good and evil. Through our music, we want to address such evils to our listeners".
Other bands include, Barzak, Bloodlust, Orator, Nafarmaan and Poizon Green. Poizon Green had initial success but only among hardcore metal fans.
International popularity of Bangladeshi metal bands
Although most Bangladeshi metal bands are not listened worldwide due to the Bengali language but because of some international ranking websites some bands have come to knowledge internationally. For example, Warfaze was ranked 5th in "Best Hard Rock Bands" on TheTopTens.[22] Sometimes they pushed even further and ranked 4th,[23] surpassing classic hard rock bands like Aerosmith, Queen, Bon Jovi and Van Halen. Their current drummer and leader Tipu said on the matter,
"It was unbelievable for us when we heard the news. However, it is true that we are in the top ten list in the music category. The feeling can't be described in words. When we can see popular bands are breaking down, we are still a team and rocking the world".
Five metal bands, Ionic Bond, Karmna, Trainwreck, Infidel and Torture GoreGrinder were selected for participating WOA metal battle.[24] Artcell was also ranked as number 1 as best Asian hard rock/metal band on TheTopTens.[25] Surpassing bands like Boris and X-Japan. Warfaze was raked 4th on the list.
Controversy
Although there are no controversies or conflicts of Bangladeshi heavy metal bands internationally, but some conflicts started between fans considering metal bands. Such a small conflict was when Aurthohin was denied being a metal band on Metallum.[26][27] Moderators of Metallum never explained their reasons and the situation didn't affect anyone.
Important Record Labels
Although most record labels now are interested in recording any metal albums, but in '90s it was very difficult to record a heavy metal album. Sargam was the first record label to record a heavy metal album.[28] If it wasn't for Sargam, then it would be much more difficult and would take a lot more years to release any metal albums by heavy metal artists. Sargam was interested in recording various genres of albums. All metal bands - Warfaze, Rockstrata, In Dhaka and Aces were signed by Sargam. Sargam signed a deal with Rockstrata with 30k tk to record their debut album, "Rockstrata". A mixed album called, "Hooray" was huge inspiration towards metal bands of today. It was the first movement for heavy metal.
Other record labels are record labels like G-Series, Ektaar Music Ltd, Soundtek, Deadline Music and Incursion Music. G-Series is the most important record label of Bangladesh after Sargam. They have recorded a number of metal albums through 90s, 2000s and 2010s. Almost all notable metal bands are signed with G-Series.
Notable metal bands of Bangladesh
Formed | Name | Genre | Origin | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
1981 | Waves | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Germany | Inactive/Disbanded |
1984 | Warfaze | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Dhaka | Active |
1985 | Rockstrata | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Dhaka | Inactive |
1988 | Kirtinasha | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Psychedelic Rock | Dhaka | Disbanded |
1990 | In Dhaka | Heavy Metal, Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock | Dhaka | Disbanded [29] |
1993 | Cryptic Fate | Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal | Dhaka | Active |
1997 | Vikings | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Dhaka | Active [30] |
1998 | Aurthohin | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Speed Metal, Progressive Metal, Groove Metal, Funk Rock/Metal | Dhaka | Active |
1998 | Poizon Green | Thrash Metal | Dhaka | Active |
1999 | Artcell | Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock | Dhaka | Active |
2001 | Stentorian | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Dhaka | Active [31] |
2001 | Satanik | Black Metal, Technical Brutal Black | Dhaka | Active |
2001 | Vibe | Hard Rock, Heavy Metal | Dhaka | Inactive |
2004 | Severe Dementia | Death Metal, Technical Death Metal | Dhaka | Active |
2006 | De-illumination | Symphonic Metal | Dhaka | Active |
2006 | Power Surge | Thrash Metal | Dhaka | Active |
2006 | Mechanix | Melodic Death Metal, Groove Metal, Hard Rock | Dhaka | Active |
2008 | Funeral Anthem | Power Metal | Dhaka | Active [32] |
2008 | Ionic Bond | Melodic Death Metal | Chittagong | Active |
2009 | Minerva | Groove Metal, Thrash Metal | Dhaka | Active [33] |
2016 | Bay of Bengal | Experimental Metal, Folk Metal | Chittagong | Active |
References
- ^ "Coming up: The pioneers themselves..." The Daily Star. 10 October 2003.
- ^ "The pioneers: The carefree boys of the '60s". The Daily Star. 11 October 2003.
- ^ themetalrebel.com (30 September 2016). "The Metal Rebel - Bangladesh Scene Report".
- ^ "In conversation with Warfaze". The Daily Star. 13 April 2009. Archived from the original on 16 June 2010.
- ^ "Warfaze to celebrate 30th anniversary". Dhaka Tribune. 24 October 2014.
- ^ ""It's not worth dying on stage"". The Daily Star. 23 December 2017.
- ^ "Where have the rebel bands of Bangladesh gone?". The Daily Star. 15 December 2017.
- ^ "ABC fans rocked". The Daily Star. 31 July 2011.
- ^ "Rocking in the spirit of independence". The Daily Star. 29 March 2010.
- ^ "Vikings featuring Runout: Not your average film soundtracks". The Daily Star. 9 August 2014.
- ^ "bracNet - Band Review - Artcell New". web.archive.org. 4 October 2011.
- ^ "Severe Dementia [Архив] - Форум Lossy.ru". www.lossy.ru.
- ^ Henley, Joe (2017-05-16). "Dhaka's Extreme Metal Scene Worships the Old School". Vice. Retrieved 2019-05-23.
- ^ ""Onibarjo": De-Illumination's inevitable journey". The Daily Star. 18 September 2010.
- ^ "Music Album Review Nemesis Tritio Jatra: A 10/10 production". The Independent. Dhaka. 1 December 2011. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012.
- ^ "BLACK". The Daily Star. 15 February 2014.
- ^ "Ionic Bond have been praised by Eluveitie". Mega Insane. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- ^ "Melodic death metal act Ionic Bond from Bangladesh release full length". Unite Asia. 2016-07-02. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- ^ "Bay Of Bengal's Debut Album Released". Daily Sun.
- ^ https://www.dhakatribune.com/showtime/2017/09/25/bay-bengals-music-video-raise-social-awareness-suicide
- ^ https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-107379
- ^ "Warfaze fifth in Top 10 Hard Rock Bands around the world". Dhaka Tribune. 19 December 2017.
- ^ "Warfaze 4th in Top 10 Hard Rock Bands around the world". The Asian Age.
- ^ "Bangladeshi bands to battle for world's biggest metal music festival". Dhaka Tribune. 28 November 2018.
- ^ "Greatest Asian Hard Rock/Metal Bands - Top Ten List - TheTopTens®". www.thetoptens.com. Retrieved 2019-05-29.
- ^ "Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives • View topic - Cleansing the archives, a.k.a. WHY WAS BAND X ACCEPTED?!?!". forum.metal-archives.com. Retrieved 2019-05-28.
- ^ "Top 10 Bands that Aren't Metal According to Encyclopaedia Metallum - TheTopTens®". www.thetoptens.com. Retrieved 2019-05-28.
- ^ http://archive.thedailystar.net/magazine/2004/04/05/coverstory.htm
- ^ "In Dhaka - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". www.metal-archives.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
- ^ "Audio album of film "Runout" released". The Daily Star. 19 July 2014.
- ^ "Stentorian gets ready to rev again". The Daily Star. 27 September 2010.
- ^ "Funeral Anthem - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". www.metal-archives.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.
- ^ "Minerva - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". www.metal-archives.com. Retrieved 2019-06-08.