Building up an underground metal gig series in India is no small feat, and when you’ve spent five years bringing down international metal bands to play in a Bengaluru club venue, the strain begins to show. Says Sandesh Shenoy, co-organizer of the annual Trendslaughter Fest, “The fest has grown too big for us to manage. The problem has never been about the financial aspects of the show, because a lot of people have asked us whether they could help with funding. The issue has always been the logistics of managing so many international bands with just a few hands helping out.”
At the fifth edition of Trendslaughter Fest (TSF), Shenoy and his organizers have dreamt even bigger – with four international bands from a total of five. Headliners include Finland’s elusive death metallers Demilich, who are playing their first and only show in Asia this year at TSF. Japanese death/doom band Anatomia, Singapore metal band Balberith and Indonesian black metal band Hellucinate. Says Shenoy, “The idea of starting the fest from the very beginning was to create an underground metal show of international standards.”
In addition to the international line-up, the organisers say they’ve got inquiries from all over the world to attend the show. “Since we announced the line-up there have been plenty of queries from Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Qatar, Oman and even as far as Australia and Korea. Already quite a few people have confirmed their attendance especially from the Middle East.”
Placed between a global line-up of underground metal, representing India are veteran Bengaluru death/doom metallers Dying Embrace. Says frontman Vikram Bhat, “Most of the international bands on the line-up have known Dying Embrace through the underground metal circuit so it’s going to be a killer vibe back stage meeting friends and on stage as well.”
In addition to hanging out with his friends from Balberith, Bhat is also one of the co-organizers at TSF V, so it’s double duty for him. Says Bhat about being performer and organizer, “It’s been really hectic to be honest. We work with a small crew and everybody has full responsibilities to share and execute to ensure the festival runs smoothly. Band rehearsals and doing show management really drains one out but then it’s always fun working with friends and the best crew possible.”
Let’s hope that crew returns to keep TSF growing, flying the underground metal flag high in Bengaluru.
Trendslaughter Fest V ft Demilich, Anatomia, Balberith, Hellucinate and Dying Embrace takes place at No Limits, No 8, 2nd Floor, Above Nalli SIlks, Ashok Nagar, Allied Grande Plaza, Magrath Road. Entry: Rs 1,500. For details log on to bookmyshow.com
