The gig kicked off slightly late, which is not uncommon for any Metal show, with COSMIC INFUSION. The band made a comeback after 4 years of dormancy, and was probably the most awaited band of the evening for many. Personally, being previously unfamiliar with the band, I know nearly nothing about them, but apparently, the lineup lacked the original vocalist, and the keyboard player filled up instead. They played a very symphonic-based style of Black Metal not unlike early DIMMU BORGIR or LIMBONIC ART, and though it may receive criticism, their style lacked the cheeziness often associated with the genre, which made it much better than expected. The band's stage get-up went well with the music and added to the feeling of being in a Black Metal gig. The band played some good original compositions, laden with keyboards and an abrasive guitar tone, and the band played a tight set, devoid of sloppiness - not often seen in bands playing after years. The crowd was really worked up after they ended their set with a well-executed cover of BATHORY's A FINE DAY TO DIE. In all, COSMIC INFUSION belted out a really enjoyable performance which kicked the gig off on a good note.
Following COSMIC INFUSION, were DARK DESOLATION from Bangalore. Following a short sound check, DARK DESOLATION shot out their brand of extremely fast, aggressive and abrasive Black Metal. Their sound, although inspired heavily by second wave of Norwegian Black Metal and Swedish Black Metal of the same era, had some "first wave" undertones. Relentless tremolo-picking, coupled with demolishing, yet varied blast beats and alternating rasped and growled vocals made for a continuous assault that sounded delicious live. The band played 2 covers - CELTIC FROST's DETHRONED EMPEROR and VON's SATANIC BLOOD, apart from their own compositions. DARK DESOLATION ended their set with their original FUTILE DOGMA, featuring a guest vocalist, and went off stage as the most vicious and brutal band to play that evening.
Taking stage after DARK DESOLATION were Mumbai's SPIKED CRIB, who have garnered a lot of fans in the local scene over the years, having performed on numerous occasions in the city. This was their second appearance on Black Metal Krieg, since they also played in the first installment. Their catchy, melodic brand of Black Metal with a heavily Gothic Metal-influenced sound proved to be fun and enjoyable live. Although their style lacked the typical Black Metal elements, i.e blast beats and endless flurry of tremolo-picking, they made up for it with a gloomy atmosphere using keyboards and guitars. Being an
experienced live band, SPIKED CRIB gave a good performance, which was better than last year's. They also played a LUX OCCULTA cover, along with their original compositions, all of which the audience liked and headbanged to.
Next up were INSANE PROPHECY from Guwahati, Assam. They started off with an IMMORTAL cover, played in their own heavy style of Black/Death Metal. Having recently released an EP, they played songs from it, and proved to be as intense live as on their recordings. The vocalist/bassist did a good job handling both elements, and the drummer provided backing and sometimes main vocals, while maintaining a vicious assault on the drums. Even with a single guitar, the band managed to create a thick and heavy sound. They also covered GORGOROTH's CARVING A GIANT and pulled it off well. INSANE PROPHECY were easily the tightest and most impressive band on the bill.
Following the assault, were STARK DENIAL from Mumbai, Maharashtra. Having been active in the scene for about 2-3 years, STARK DENIAL have played a fairly good number of gigs. Just like most of their performances, they pulled off their set smoothly, without a sign of sloppiness or error in it. Despite their very typical, tried- and-tested sound and style, their performance was energetic and brutal, with thin, distorted tremolo riffs, aggressive screeches and relentless drumming. They played a number of original compositions and covers of MARDUK, DARK FUNERAL and IMMORTAL.
Taking stage after STARK DENIAL, were the headlining band from the land of Sri Lanka, DHISHTI. They appeared in black robes and corpse paint, fully adding to the atmosphere and feel of being in a Black Metal show. They played Atmospheric/Depressive Black Metal, which even though admittedly sounds better in recordings, sounded equally good in a live setting. Slow, hypnotic and repetitive songs, each clocking over 6 minutes, although weren't the kind that would work up or energize a crowd, really
evoked a captivating atmosphere and feel throughout the venue. BURZUM-like, distorted riffing, melancholic leads, slow, plodding drums and very well-done high-pitched wails, screeches and cries created a sense of despair. What DHISHTI lacked in the brutality heard in the rest of the bands, more than made up with their atmosphere and emotion. They covered BURZUM and NOCTURNAL DEPRESSION, along with some original songs of theirs. The unfortunate lack of time forced them to cut their set short byone song, but their whole set was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present.
The 6 hour long show proved to be a great success, considering that it was only limited to a single genre, not usually preferred by a casual fan. Yet, a lot of people turned up for the show, and a lot of people stayed till the end. The next part of Black Metal Krieg will surely be awaited by many.
