#58: Sitar Metal
Utterly Indian, definitely metal.
Background Info (consolidated from different websites):
Country of origin: India
Location: Jalandhar
Status: Active
Formed in: 2015
Genre: progressive metal with folk influences
Lyrical themes: (mostly instrumental)
Current label: independent
Years active: 2015-present
The first few South Asian/Indian/India-inspired acts I came across years ago were not like Sitar Metal. This band, is the mother load when it comes to showcasing the folk music of its region and culture of origin in the realm of metal. The highlight of their overall package is of course, the band’s namesake, the iconic sitar.
A mostly instrumental outfit, the band perfectly unleashes a heavy crunching sound — mostly groovy rhythms, that intersect perfectly with the virtuoso melodies and hypnotizing tones of the sitar. While i am hoping for an act with an extended Hindustani ensemble (including a bansuri or tabla) somewhere out there, or maybe in the future, which could even be more insane sound-wise, Sitar Metal have nonetheless made their mark as one my top-tier acts from India.
Favorite Albums:
- Sitar Metal (2020) — the only one so far
Favorite Songs:
- When Time Stands Still (Sitar Metal)
- I Am the Wake up Call (Sitar Metal)
- Dreamers We Never Learn (Sitar Metal)
