Chennai-based brothers Vishal KR and Pranav KR are bonded by blood and also by music. Spine Shatter, their groove metal band is best known for their aggressive sound.
Started in 2014, the five-member band began by playing at college-level competitions and events like Decibels and Battle of the Bands.
They released their debut album Ascendance earlier last year, the success of which gained them a spot in the album launch tour of one of India’s biggest metal bands, Zygnema.
They were even one of the opening acts for guitar legend Jeff Loomis’ concert in Chennai.
The band members are Vishal KR (guitar), Pranav KR (drums), Shiv Rekhi (bass guitar), Akshay Thyagarajan (guitar), Tushar Nayak (vocals). Here is what Vishal had to say about the band and a music genre that is gaining momentum in India.
What inspired the band?
I’ve been working on this project for five years. The genre we play is called Groove Metal. My brother, a drummer, and I initially started writing songs together and played at home. Then we found Shiv and Akshay. Tushar reached out to us when we posted on Facebook that we were looking for vocalists.
Do your songs have a story behind them?
Most of our songs are about the frustration that we individually face, like political issues that surround our country and the kind of oppression one faces because of religious discrimination.
How has it been thus far?
I will play my music for even one person; as long as that person appreciates it, I am happy. Metal is a genre which is not too friendly to the ears, but to some people it is the best thing in the world. We’re the biggest fans of our own band, so we are extra tough critics of our work. At the end of the day, what matters is knowing that you gave it your all.
What do you think about the Indian metal scene?
The support for this genre has been getting weaker as people are either moving away to other countries or they don’t want to come out and watch bands play live. But sometimes, I do see a glimmer of hope when we have an amazing turn out at some small pub show sometimes in Chennai.
Are there any new songs in the works?
We have a new song called Dis-spiteful Race that completely out-and-out hammers politicians for taking people for granted. Another song, Art of Warfare, is basically inspired by this TV show called Vikings.
What does the future look like?
The band will be gone in two years’ time. The other members have plans to move out of the country, but that will not be the end of music for me.
What’s it like playing with your brother?
Understandably, we do have arguments because of our musical differences. He prefers metal to other genres and I am into metal too but more towards the softer side.
How do you balance college and practice?
College is quite relaxed and only towards the last two weeks, right before the exam, is when they put in all the work. So, I find it easy to practice and study when I have to for my semesters.
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