The New Wave Of Sri Lankan Rock & Heavy Metal | New Bands and Projects of 2020 [ENG]

The New Wave Of Sri Lankan Rock & Heavy Metal | New Bands and Projects of 2020

by: Jeric Emmanuel

The Sri Lankan Rock & Heavy Metal scene has been in existence for more than two decades, from its genesis to its present - the Industry has been gifted with many great bands, staggering concerts, outstanding originals and a legion of unswerving fans!
And even during these times of troubles and tribulations our Bands have not stopped working on their music, displaying nothing but true passion and commitment to the music they adore. This is something we - musicians, event planners and fans of metal from the heaviest Island must cherish and really be proud of!

On a high note, there has been a myriad of new bands and projects from different sub genres entering the scene regardless of the current tumults of the world. There are many youngsters showing interest in Rock and Heavy Metal! This is truly an optimistic sign to the future of the Rock & Heavy Metal Industries and the music industry of Sri Lanka.

Therefore, as means of encouraging and supporting these new Bands and Projects - Hela Metal Breakdown's third blog will be in reference to these upcoming talents!

Listed below are 15 bands and projects of 2020 found thus far;


1. Ace Of Pentacles

Ace of Pentacles is an all female Rock n' Roll duo influenced by Folk Rock based in Colombo. The band commenced their journey early this year and are now covering Pubs & Restaurats in the heart of the commercial capital. For the time being the band consists of two sisters Iny Peiris & Fiona Peiris who were Metal fans as kids and always wanted to start their own all-girl Metal group.

The duo is currently looking forward to recruit other lady musicians to form the Band as their goal is to enhance Girl Power in the local Rock and Metal community. This truly sounds promising!

Ace of Pentacles is currently working on their original music and a single is hoped to be recorded soon!

Support Ace of Pentacles through social media;
Facebook ----> https://www.facebook.com/aceofpentacless
Instagram ----> https://www.instagram.com/aceofpentacles_sl/

2. AGNI

This band was formed way back in the year 2011 as a three piece under the name Crematoria...the band worked until 2016 and disbanded. But they are back in action with a new look, a new attitude and a new cool name!

Agni is an atmospheric/symphonic Black Metal band based in Kandy. The Band consists of five members Alex Christopher on vocals. Asiri on Lead Guitars, Devon on Rhythms, Yuvin on Bass and Harsha Gossow on Drums. Agni emphasizes their music on nature and humanity with hopes to provide a valuable contribution to the local Metal Scene.
Agni is currently readying 3 originals for recording and are hoping to release an EP soon!

Support Agni on Social Media
Facebook ----> https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAGNI

3.  Apostasy

Apostasy is a one-man anti Islamic death metal studio project by Chapeldestroyer based in the city of Colombo. The band is heavily influenced by Morbid Angel, Incantation, Autopsy, Malevolent Creation, Immolation, Obituary, Sadistic Intent and Necros Christos. Apostasy also consists of an amazing Drummer calls himself The Demolisher all the way from India!

Apostasy's music is envisioned to stand against Islamic Terror with a touch of pure hatred. And the Project is on the verge of releasing their EP titled track 'Confession Before Slaughter' by the end of August followed by the EP album 'Confession before slaughter' that is anticipated to be released within this year!

Stay Tuned because the terror will devour us soon!

Support Apostasy on social media;
Facebook ----> https://www.facebook.com/Apostasy-102494201171550

4. Crimson Sky

Crimson sky is the newest glam metal addition to the Local Heavy Metal scene. The band is based in the commercial capital of Colombo and consists of five members currently Sayon De Silva on vocals, Chirath Mendis and Evan Rodrigo on guitars alongside Sachin Akash on bass and Sasindu Maleesha on drums , they also have an occasional synth Amanda Fernando in their arsenal. 

The band envisions to create original music that can heal body and mind from all negative entities irrespective of the genre of music the band is built upon. According to the front-man the group believes in representing their own ideology and perspective in life to speak directly in to people's heart. 

Currently the band is working on their originals and are hoping to kick start in the year 2021. 

5. Deaf Theory 

Deaf Theory is an atmospheric ambient influenced Hard Rock/ Heavy Metal band based in Colombo. The band consists of four members namely - Theekshana Dewanmini on vocals and bass, Nisal Weerathne on lead guitars alongside Achinthaya on Rhythms and Uvindu Dissanayaka on Drums.

Deaf Theory's music focuses on unspoken conflicts and speaks about the dark corners of Humanity.  A main trait the band encompasses is the fact that their music will be bilingual! And through their nihilist lyrical philosophies they aim to create soulful music and destroy the inferior stigma of heavy metal that resides within the society. A remarkable initiation indeed!

The group is currently working on two originals with a music video that is expected to be released in a couple of months.

Support Deaf Theory on social media;

Facebook ----> https://www.facebook.com/deaftheory
Instagram ----> https://www.instagram.com/deaf_theory/

6. Eternal Curse 

Eternal Curse is yet another band that anchors to provide something new to the local Heavy Metal scene! Based in Colombo and Influenced by symphonic black metal, the band is really something we all need to look out for. The band currently consists of Anuki Dayara on Vocals, Vejith Lenora on Lead guitars, Chathura Mahela on Drums, Chathura Hemal on Bass and Nadil Jayamanne on Rhythm guitars. 

Through their music the band strives to create a symphonic atmosphere that catches all possible attention keeping its listeners mesmerized and wandering within their darkest thoughts!

The band is currently working on a single that is expected to be released soon! 

Support Eternal Curse on Social Media;

Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/eternalcurseofficial

Instagram ------> https://www.instagram.com/eternalcurseofficial/

7. Karma 09 

Karma 09 is a project initiated by a talented young individual named Dilshan Athurakola.
After spending much of his time learning the fundamentals of music and attempting to initiate a band several times. Dilshan focused on creating melodies and developed his vocals with hopes that he will start up his dream project someday!

And now Karma 09 features 3 friends who create music influenced by Nu Metal and many industrial elements based in Colombo! The project currently consists of Dilshan Athurakola on vocals and guitars, Kaluwara on rapping and DJ Shan on DJ.

With the undeniable assistance of Kasun Nawarathne, Karma 09 will be releasing a single from their upcoming Album Cancer 09 alongside a music video that is rumored to be published really soon!

Support Karma 09 on social media

Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/Karma-09-700461600390963

8. Laminin 

Laminin is a five piece Christian Hard Rock Band based in the commercial capital of Colombo. The band mainly focuses to create original music and a few covers here and there with the a determination to use their gifts and talents to bring Glory to Jesus. A band that wants to reach out to share their personal experiences to everyone!

The band currently includes, Heshan Joseph on guitars and vocals, Previn Wirekoon on drums, Bonjo Fernando on Bass, Daniel Bartholomeusz on Keyboards and Sheahan Devadoss on Lead guitars.

Laminin has already released an Album called 'Glory' and are in production of few singles and an EP named 'I Am Yours'.

Support Laminin on Social Media

YouTube ------>  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2cwo3zIZR5wVPOAOZbHxfw
Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/lamininofficial
Instagram ------> https://www.instagram.com/lamininofficial/

9. Needle in the Hay

Needle in the Hay is an experimental metal band descending from the Royal City of Kurunegala. The band was established in the year 2013 and have now re-emerged much more evolved than ever!
The Band currently consists of Sachin Atugoda on Vocals and Bass, Nirvan Amantha on Drums, Uthra Anuradha and Thisura Ruwanjith on Guitars.

Through their songs Needle in the Hay introduces a unique sound inspired by their diverse backgrounds whilst staying true to their metal roots with hopes to reach an international audience! They also envision to promote the local Underground Metal scene to a global movement! Wishing them nothing but the best indeed!

At the moment needle in the hay is working on three new originals that is planned to be released by the end of this year!

Support Needle In The Hay on social media
Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/needleinthehaysl
Instagram ------> https://www.instagram.com/needleinthehay_nih/

10. NITROUS

NITROUS is a speed metal/heavy metal/rock n' roll influenced band hailing from the commercial capital of Colombo. Although not much is known about its members, the band is represented by four individuals that call themselves Lord of Beer, Pussy Destroyer, Narcotic Hunter and Skins Maniac.

Through their unique sounds and super sonic speed, NITROUS will speak about the most fun things in life, in this instance Fast Cars, Drugs, Sex and Debauchery essentially the best things you can do while you are drunk and out of the world! And their sole vision is to keep their music sound LOUDER, FASTER and HEAVIER at all times!!!! 

The group will be releasing a single by the end of this September and are hoping to work on an album  soon. NITROUS will surely be a band that will outline their version of heavy metal in the local rock and heavy metal scene at full speed! 

Support Nitrous on social media;

Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/nitrous666

Instagram ------> https://www.instagram.com/nitrous_official/

11. Ravenspell

Ravenspell is a progressive influenced doom metal project initiated by two brothers in arms Ruwan Lakshitha and Lasantha Jayasamithaya based in the hill capital of  Kandy.

Their music emphasizes on doom elements with a blend of acoustic and electric riffs to give out a unique experience to their listeners. The band envisions to re-vitalize the Metal Scene in Kandy! 

Currently the band is working on few originals and are hoping to perform really soon! 

Support Ravenspell on social media;

Facebook --------> https://www.facebook.com/Ravenspell-110371050759273

12. SUBMIT666 

SUMBIT666 is a Thrash/Black/Punk influenced solo project originated by the well known Kasun Nawarathne!
The project is said to be far more different from any of his previous projects as its true purpose is to spit out pure hatred and terror in to all its listeners!

Everything from the composing to the production of SUMBIT666's tracks will be assimilated by Kasun himself. The perfect example of  raw talent for sure!

Chathuranga Fonseka one of the key figures in the local metal Industry will assist this project through the provision of vocals... Now thats something! The duo strikes again!  

SUBMIT666 will be releasing a single alongside an album named '3348: OUT TO KILL' really soon! 

Death to all scum! 

Support SUBMIT666 on social media 

Facebook ------> https://www.facebook.com/submit666/

13. Thursday Jam 

Thursday Jam is an alternative metal band hailing from the city of Colombo that strives to establish a name in the local metal scene! 

The band consist of five young metalheads - Diluksha Da Mel on Vocals, Guitarist Ashane Goonawardena, Drummer Nikhil Perera and Basist Ryan De Silva. 

The group believes that the experimenting of music will lead to the creation of something unique while staying true to what they believe their music should sound like. 

Thursday Jam is hoping to release an original by the month of September and are keen to step in to the local heavy metal scene prior to releasing something major. 

Support Thursday Jam on social media; 

Facebook ------>  https://www.facebook.com/ThursdayJamSL/

Instagram -------> https://instagram.com/thursdayjam?igshid=ehmyh0nd2ju4

14. Vāna

Vāna is a Nu Metal/ Groove Metal band from Colombo Founded by Salina Liyanage the frontman and vocalist. The band comprises of four members featuring Sajana Paranagama in drums, Shanaka Jayasekara in Guitars and Shenal De Silva on Bass. 

The band's goal is to share the voice to all those who are oppressed from society and marginalized by people. Their lyrical themes include Suicide, Self harming and depression... 

Vāna is currently working on a track and is hoped to be released soon. 

Support Vāna on social media;

Facebook--------> https://www.facebook.com/metalofswords

Instagram --------> https://www.instagram.com/metalofswords/ 

15. Xhȳdria

Xhȳdria is a celtic/medieval music influenced Folk Metal band based in Negombo. Although much has not been publicized yet, the band will include different sounds and elements of Celtic instruments such as a violin, a whistle flute, a recorder and a harp blended with the sounds of Heavy Metal. 

The band hopes to release an original by the end of this year and enter the local heavy metal scene to mesmerize their listeners with pure Folklore and good music! 

The future of Rock and Heavy Metal in Sri Lanka scintillates with talent! Let us all extend our valuable support towards these bands and projects as means of encouragement and inspiration so that their hard work and talent will be recognized within everyone in the community! 

 

With that thought, hela metalbreakdown's blog #3 comes to an end. I would like to extend my thanks to all my friends and bands for giving me a chance to write a few words about their upcoming  projects. I would also like to thank Pubudu Suriyapperuma for the encouragement and the valuable support extended to make this blog a success! 

A very big thanks goes to my dear friend Dhananjaya Ranaweera for volunteering to translate the whole blog in to Sinhala. Thank you for your time and effort brother, without you this would have not been possible. 

Please make sure to subscribe on to my blog by simply clicking the subscribe button found in the home page of the blog's site, so that you will be notified of my new blogs related to the Rock and Heavy Metal Scene in Sri Lanka through your mail!

STAY HEAVY AS ALWAYS!!!!!!!