Unseen Underground Pub Fest - II

Article in Expresso

Review in Times of India

Review in The Score magazine

Review in Indian Express

Review in Deccan Chronicle

The air was pulsing in anticipation of Sunday night, as the second installment of Unseen Underground Pub Fest II got under way at the Star Rock in Nungambakkam, sponsored by Kingfisher and supported by Big FM 92.7. The Fest's mission is to promote the excellent home-grown bands of Chennai and India. The atmosphere was perfect—a bit dark and mysteriously sultry, but welcoming and ready for some bona fide rock 'n' roll.

The fest was a four-band offering; each band showcasing its own unique take on Metal. Carnage was up first, and the band was totally taken by surprise to see the kind of support that they have among the city's metal heads. Mano - one of India's fastest drummers toyed over the skins and cymbals and Shankar's vocals had an effervescent vibration which together made the crowd go wild on a mosh-pit. Kapil, their new guitarist also had his share of devotion among the crowd.

Armor of God was second on the bill; the band is a six-piece metal combo featuring keyboards, a twin guitar attack, and fierce vocals. Gene took the job of playing rhythm guitar along vocals. Too many fly V guitars on stage made sure their fervor towards Children of Bodom was nailed on its place. A solid atmospheric tight ensemble, no question.

Next up, Blind Image stormed the stage with alternative hardcore metal; they started with songs from their new album "Psychobabble", which they officially launched in the venue for the Chennai fans. They had a launch gig previously in Hyderabad and ever since the album has been a considerable hit. Ironically, the band is confident on winning a Grammy for one of their songs in the album. They didn't finish their set-list before a ripping rendition of Lamb of God, which again left the crowd untamed.

Closing the show was Blood Covenant, easily the most brutal band in town. Eddie's absence due to his sickness was not bad enough for the band to back-off the gig. Their newly included rhythm guitarist Ronald took on his shoes and grunted with a mixture of black and death metal fierce. These guys had no trouble winning over the crowd with their "Horde" cover.

All-in-all, a grand time deserving rousing applause. Special thanx to Kingfisher for sponsoring the show and BIG 92.7 FMfor their radio support. The sound was crystal clear and well engineered; the variety in the line-up kept things flavorful; the beer was cold and tasty; and the house was rockin'! Good time had by all and the crowd was left with the anticipation looking forward to the next.