Amongst this noise for Coldplay, we are glad the underground scene exists. Fandom @ Gilly’s Redefined & Extreme Underground India have come together as the beautiful souls they are for Total Decimation Vol. 2. One evening of brutal sonic assault, all generously devoured by metal fans from all over India. It was bedlam in Bengaluru, and the festival itself was enjoyed by hundreds of fans. Let’s get into what all unfolded.
Organised on the evening of 18th January 2025, it was the music of promise-metal. The venue itself was prepared per usual. The evening had performances by 5 bands, bringing some of their latest songs mixed with regulars for the regulars. The lineup included-
- Agharath (Kochi)
- Mothra (Kolkata)
- Eccentric Pendulum (Bengaluru)
- Dhishti (Sri Lanka)
- Sinister (Netherlands)
It was evidently going to be a very high tempo, high octane night. However, even at 6:45-7:00pm, soundcheck for Agharath was still going on. This meant a delay of almost 2 hours-but fans didn’t mind, I guess. Everyone was just amped for the performances, and they came one after the other.
Agharath
Opening the event, the band from Kochi had a lot of expectations. They delivered, with their debut single from 2024 Diabolical Ensiferum. Couple of covers and great stage presence, they were able to define what would be an opening standard. This is the second time I am seeing them since Southern Slaughter, and they did prevail. Though the setlist was short, the performance was nothing short of energetic.
Bands were quick to get up on stage. Fans started trickling in slowly, perhaps to catch EP, Dhishti & Sinister. I met fans from Sikkim, Kolkata, Pune, Bangalore, Kochi and more. That’s the best thing about a niche pocket like this. Bands have a loyal fanbase of people who actually enjoy living in that mayhem.
Mothra
Making their debut, black metal rung through the air once again. Depths of Uncreation, their debut single, made a crashing wave. Shiva Moorthy is able to swing through guitars & vocals extremely efficiently-taking swoops to add in solos as well. Lead guitarist Vivek shone through-bringing rapid and ravenous licks with precision. Sayan and Rakshith kept a fast but bubbling rhythm section, pushing the band through to a successful opening. Memorable, and great presence and performance for a debut.
Eccentric Pendulum
Quick to jump on stage in their home ground, EP provided a great break in the line-up. Along with their dose of death, they have some great tech/prog elements in the mix to make the songs extremely vivid. Best Bassist Arun and Best Drummer Vibhas (Rolling Stone India are on-point) were sure to give their absolute best-shuffling in some incredible fills and bass jams. Their famous Mathematicians of Ambient Waters had the crowd going bat shit-for good reason. Ankit & Arjun made a terrific combo with their lead and rhythm swaps-while Stanley was in top form with his vocals. Will credit the band to get the crowd more involved and engaged for sure. Fans were ready to pretend like they knew what time signature to headbang to.
Songs from their 2024 album Perspectiva Invertalis were peppered generously through the performance. The band cannot disappoint.
Dhishti
Talk about extreme, and preparation. Dhishti were the whole deal, face paint, screams, and dhoop. Yes, dhoop (incense). From stale cigarette smoke to a flavourful and fragrant smell definitely added to the charm. They had a skull with flower garlanded on the stage, black candles burning for effect and more. The performance was incredible, singing in Sinhalese and marking a great shift in the kind of sound we heard in the evening. From possessions to anti-possessions, the band was sure to include songs from Life is Suffering, Meditation of Death & their self-titled album as well.
It was like a curse of several generations was being lifted by the band. They definitely gave it their all, the ambience completely contorted to their will. Their unique style and vocals are not for everyone, but genuine black metal fans will have that thrill.
Showstoppers-Sinister
They’ve been around for close to 3 decades. From indie to now, they have held the flag staff proud. Proud, they were to come to India and perform. They had heard of the scene, and performed with a gullet of molten metal. Though their set too was cut short due to the hard stop, they made sure no chatter filled the spaces. It was one song after another, and every member on stage was high-spirited.
The mix might have been slightly too loud for Sinister, but it’s their sound. It was reverberating a bit much at some points, and I listen to most of these with ear defenders on. It was an incredible performance if you’re in the middle, getting the decent mix. Standing at the edge and eating because it’s dinner time? Flat.
Till the final song, Sinister were on their toes, making sure pits are opened up frequently on the floor. I frequented them myself, making sure we have some killer footage while safely elbowing people in the skull. All’s good in the pit.
Extreme Underground India and Gillys have once again upheld their end of the deal for a live venue that holds the music scene in high regard. They make sure you have an event like this to choose from at least once every week. Make sure you follow both of their Instagram accounts here & here to stay updated for the next live gig. Until then, horns in the sky mother*******, and rock the hell on!
Self professed metalhead, moderately well read. If the music has soul, it's whole to me. The fact that my bio could have ended on a rhyme and doesn't should tell you a lot about my personality.
