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Undergrind is a brainchild of few extreme metalheads from Bangalore who in the absence of any corporate or organizational backup started this idea of gathering like-minded headbangers, hang out, play some good original music and have fun. That was it.

As with nature of things, the good ideas are mostly simple. This was one of them.

I definitely would like to mention that the people behind organizing these events are the band members themselves, who also pool in dough to make it a reality with no goal towards making a big profit or anything, if that these ones have actually left them with holes in their pockets.

It really is a commendable effort from the people who are trying their best to keep the underground scene alive.

First off, let me declare my Undergrind credentials. I am a veteran of 3 past Undergrind gigs since 2007 , now I am all geared for the 5th avatar Undergrind and it sure does give me the juicebumps.

It was March 18, 2007, I was invited by Charlie of Gorified to attend this underground deathfest called as Undergrind right after the day of very first Iron Maiden concert in Bangalore. It was held in a basement (literally underground) with band lineup of Anorectal Ulceration, Perforated Limb, Gorified, Gut Carnage and all. It was a major pain in the neck, I went home with bumps and bruises by getting caught up in the mosh-pit. It consisted of a small crowd of 30-40 hardcore extreme metalheads, it was simply badass.

Cut to the next one, a few months later, I got to attend the Undergrind III in the same basement with Asura, Anorectal Ulceration, Perforated Limb, Bloodsucking Freaks and Gorified (which was a send-off gig for original Gorified drummer Ali).


Last year the Undergrind IV had a change of location which interestingly was held beside one of the heritage churches in Frazer Town opposite Coles Park. The lineup included some new bands along with the usual suspects. Macabre Intent, Abandoned Agony, Shit Assault, Bad Taste, Gastronomicus Erectus featuring a guest appearance on drums with occasional growls, squeals and moans by Vikram Bhatt (or Dr. Bhatt-fuck as he likes to introduce himself) of Gruesome Malady, a veteran Gore/Porngrind stalwarts of Bangalore who kinda set a benchmark for a lot of others to follow not so long ago in this decade. I also had happened to attend Bad Taste gig a few days earlier at Sphaira [*sic] on MG Road where Vikram Bhatt just jumped in and gave one brutal performance with Bad Taste.

And of course there was a guest band from Mumbai called Gutslit who won over Undergrind audience with their sonic assault and hung out after the gig with few of us, pretty cool guys.


Check out the following 'collage' of Undergrind IV
(edited by Rahul, the vocalist of Shit Assault)


An interview clip of Gutslit after Undergrind IV.


The Undergrind IV was bigger and badder than the previous incarnations, and also the bands themselves had gotten a lot tighter and better sounding with more original compositions. It has left Undergrind V with a tougher act to follow, which I am sure will be even more awesome and brutal than before.

Undergrind V
Now, ladies and germs, the time has come for the Undergrind V which for me is the greater high-point than the Iron Maiden concert which will be held the day after that which I frankly don't intend to attend. What I definitely intend to attend is Undergrind V, I was damn excited when Srinivas (spiritinblack) informed me a month or two ago about the gig to be arranged some time in February. I think it was at the Strawberry Fields, NLS when I hung out with the guys from all these different bands where we had gathered up for Abandoned Agony's set (which I must add, kicked some serious death metal ass).

Last month it was finalized that the date would be February 14th, 2009. So here it is...

The band roster for Undergrind V (2009)

Bad Taste (Grindcore)
Perforated Limb (Brutal Slam Death)
Anorectal Ulceration (Goregrind)
Gorified (Grindcore)
Macabre Intent (Brutal Death Metal)
Abandoned Agony (Brutal Death Metal)
Blood Sucking Freaks (Horror Grind)
Shit Assault (Goregrind)
Necrophilia (Brutal Death Metal)
Cryptic Stench (Death Metal)

The following are the details from the site they have set up on googlepages:

Undergrind 2009!

In your mind
Nothing but fear
You can't face life
Or believe death's near

A vision of life
On television screens
An existance created
From empty dreams

-From the song Scum by Napalm Death

Undergrind is a fest encouraging and keeping the underground music spirit alive. We believe that we can organize a community dedicated to preserving the old school underground spirit in our own little way. The spirit of community, sharing and self organizing is what will keep this annual show going. Anyone who listens to and supports metal bands who play the old school style and reject mainstream coverage are welcome!

This fest is not about making money from music or bands. All money raised from contributions of bands and audience entry fee will be used to fund the show itself. Any extra money will be donated to charities.

Bottomline, music created and played for music's sake.

Entry fee per head is Rs.100

Undergrind 2009 on Saturday Feb 14th at Rotary Club, Frazer Town.
Doors open at 2:30PM (Map of the location)

Moshing, trashing, headbanging allowed!
No alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and food allowed inside as per Rotary Club rules!

For more details catch Undergrind on Orkut or here

RSVP on Undergrind V Facebook Event

Send mail to undergrindfest@gmail.com for any info or questions.

PS: my next post will be about Undergrind V followed by one about the underground scene in Bangalore (most likely) and one in the making about Abandoned Agony's new EP. Stay tuned...

Parting shot:
If you are in or visiting Bangalore around Maiden concert on 15th, get your asses to Undergrind V for an brutal sonic fucking assault brought to you by Charlie and the Gore-factory.

Support and buy original music, say no to mediocre mainstream corporate whores and rip offs.

Stay brutal \m/

Labels: maxMusic