Antim Grahan

by VISHAL RAI

FROM ISSUE # 112 (April 2005) | IN THIS ISSUE
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In a country with a not-very-impressive mainstream music circuit, the underground rock scene is a breath of fresh air. Tiny though it may be, one only has to attend the concerts to get a fair idea of the energy and activity in the scene. The past year saw major developments with a magazine and a record label (KtmRocks), catering only to the underground, cropping up. And on the musical side, one band was the find of the year – Antim Grahan.

Formed in early 2004, this melodic Black Metal band is one of the most sought-after acts in the underground scene. After a few initial lineup changes, the band, consisting of Parash on vocals, Pankaj and Supath on guitar, Niraj on keyboards, Pratik on bass, and Sabin on drums, set out to become one of the most exciting acts in the scene and within a span of a few short months had developed quite a following. Their impressive originals and covers and a tight live set got them gigs aplenty, which resulted in a tour of Pokhara in November 2004. "The gig there, along with the Underground Uproar gigs, is one of our favourites," says Niraj, the keyboardist.

The band has always concentrated on originals, so it wasn't a surprise when they came up with an EP not long after their formation. "Forever Winter," released in mid-2004, was quite a groundbreaking record; despite it's bad mixing. For starters, Antim Grahan was the first purely underground band to be signed onto a record label. Second, it was the first release on KtmRocks Records, which in turn, is the first record company in Nepal for the local underground scene. And, naturally, it received an overwhelming response.

In early 2005, Antim Grahan released "Tales From The Darkened Woods," the follow up to "Forever Winter." The response is almost similar from all those who have heard the album: a definite step-up from their debut. Heavier, and more improved technically, the band also experimented with flutes (Shree), and female vocals (also found on their first album) with their newest member Rajani. Something that instantly catches a listener's ear is the sheer sense of melody right through the album. According to Niraj, they "always lay a particular emphasis on melody and lyrics." Lyrically, the band is leagues away from the Satanism-fueled messages that Black Metal is generally associated with. Instead, their music is about the darker side of life, pain, suffering, and of imaginary worlds. "Our lyrics are all presented in a story-like way, which basically deals with the imagination of very dark realms related to dark forests, evil hearted princesses, demons and, more specifically, anger, desperation and frustration. It's all like a fairy tale where angels never win. And that's what the truth is - suffering rather then joy. Life!" says Parash, the frontman.

Popularity also brings detractors and this band has had plenty. Comparisons and issues such as their sound being similar to their influences' (i.e. Children Of Bodom, Cradle Of Filth) came up after the release of their first album. Here's what the frontman has to say: "Comparing us with Children Of Bodom and Cradle Of Filth is an honour since they are the leading bands in this genre but we don't exactly think that we are very similar to them," says Parash. "If you listen to this band called Rhapsody you'll find that they sound like Children Of Bodom, but that doesn't mean those bands are the same. I mean, I'm not trying to compare anyone but, though of different genres, sometimes bands could sound similar." Well, that's that.

After playing non-stop for more than a year, Antim Grahan is currently on a hiatus but contrary to rumors, they are not breaking up. That's a fact that the members want to make clear. Although their frontman Parash has gone abroad and they won't be playing live anytime soon, the rest of the members plan on composing music for future albums. Followers of the band will have to wait until Parash is back in town. "I shall be back in KTM in about two-and-a-half years time and Antim Grahan shall rise again" he clarifies. "One thing I want to guarantee is that our third album will be completely different from our first and second. We may or may not be experimenting but the change in style is for sure. Somewhat more extreme yet staying in the melodic level and we shall be featuring female vocals as lead vocals as well, rather then just using it for chorus parts like we did in our previous albums. So two vocals and other stuff." The third record will surely be eagerly awaited but, till then, listeners will have to make do with the two releases.

"Tales From The Darkened Woods" is available in a few select stores and through Ktmrocks.com. You can listen to songs by Antim Grahan at wavemag.com.np's download section.