News
10.01.2011 15:45: Metal-Battle Winner India 2011: The Winner is Eccentric Pendulum
REVIEW OF THE GIG BY NOLAN LEWIS
A total of 8 finalists were scheduled to perform but unfortunately 4 of them couldn’t make it due to various reasons. Even so, the 4 bands who did perform put up completely stellar performances and we (the judges) were extremely hard pressed to separate them. Anyway on to the bands themselves….ABANDONED AGONY – AA kicked things off with an absolutely brutal set. Their improvement over the years has been incredible and they’re fast approaching Suffocation-esque levels of technicality and brutality. With a little more stage presence and attitude on stage they will completely decimate everything in sight.
ECCENTRIC PENDULUM – The eventual winners of the night, EP were in the zone. Even a 15 minute break to replace a torn bass drum skin didn’t deter them from owning the night. The tightest band of the evening, they combined crazy song structures with some jaw dropping virtuosity. All they need to do is sort out their stage act in time for their big day at the Wacken Open Air next year and they could very well win the entire thing.
GODDESS GAGGED - Quite possibly one of the best new bands I’ve heard in ages, GG put on a sublime set with brilliant atmospherics while showcasing some top notch songwriting skills. A few pitchy vocal lines notwithstanding they still managed to convey incredible emotion through their music. I for one hope they stick around for a long long time because they have the potential to become absolutely huge.
SILVER TEARS – The final act of the evening, Silver Tears were brilliant from start to finish and missed out by the narrowest of margins. These guys have it all. The songwriting, the technique, the virtuosity. The instrumental prowess of this band is off the charts and in my opinion they are by far THE best pure prog metal band to come out of India.
I also have to say Silver Tears are true warriors. They came all the way to Bangalore from Guwahati on their own accord, which is a hell of a journey and no small feat by any standards. That sort of dedication and commitment is quite rare and for that they have my utmost respect. The entire North East should be extremely proud of them. If any promoters/organizers in other parts of India are reading this, get Silver Tears to your city asap. You will NOT be disappointed.
Cheers everyone!
Nolan Lewis.
(Kryptos - Guitartist/Vocalis)
