The annual event organized by ktmROCKS, an independent organization dedicated to promote underground metal scene in Nepal, is popular among crowds of young people who share their interest in metal music.[break]
Unlike its previous series, this year’s Ides of March will not take place in any outdoor venue but will be held at Purple Haze, Thamel.
Umes Shrestha, founder of ktmROCKS, says that the change in venue choice was due to outdoor venue problem.
“But audiences can expect to experience intimate indoor concert which can be more refined for many music lovers,” he adds.
underside
Though, this year’s event is scaled down from its previous episodes, audiences can look forward to a lot of high-quality metal music. In addition, keeping with the tradition of supporting and promoting new bands, the event will be featuring three new bands – And We Came, Absorb, and Minus6 – during the Ides of March gigs.
The Week presents the bands that are going to be featured at the Ides of March:
Ugrakarma
Ugrakarma is probably the first death metal band of Nepal which was formed in the late 90s. They have recorded and released a demo and an album titled “Blood Metal Initiation” back in 2002. The band has a legendary status in the underground community of Nepal. After a hiatus of eight years, the band was reformed with two original members, Sunil Dev Pant and Pratik Neupane, along with two new members, Bijay Shrestha and Bikram Shrestha, both formerly of Taamishra. The band will be playing for the Ides of March for the first time.
Underside
Underside is a modern heavy metal band which is steadily gaining recognition in Kathmandu’s metal scene. The band is known for its amazing stage presence and impeccable performance. Fronted by the very versatile vocalist Avishek KC, the band members include Bikash Bhujel and Bikrant Shrestha on guitars, Manil Shakya on bass, and Vivek Tamang on drums. The members also play for other bands such as Vhumi, Lost Oblivion, and Law of Silence. Underside is set to release their debut recording soon.
Divine Influence
Popular in the metal community as the band that covers Lamb of God, Divine Influence consists of young metal-heads who play a mix of groove and thrash metal. The band is gradually weaving a triumphant presence in the underground scene, for they have already earned a strong support through the crowds. The members include Aman Shahi on vocals, Disabh Shrestha and Bijesh Shrestha on guitars, Animesh Shrestha on bass, and Sankalpa Chettri on drums.
And We Came
And We Came is an up and coming band in the scene playing death-core genre. The band has also recently won an inter-college band competition.
Absorb
Though Absorb is a new band formed in 2013, its members consist of a formidable lineup of familiar musicians from the underground scene. This is a new project by the members of Hatebook, Imperium and 11.
Minus6
Minus6 is a metal band from Bhairahawa playing in Kathmandu for the first time. They have been performing in local gigs in and around Butwal and Bhairahawa and have recorded a demo song titled “Spare Us.”
Ides of March will take place on Saturday, March 30,at Purple Haze, Thamel. Tickets are priced Rs 200. For further details, log on to ktmrocks.com.
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