EDITORIAL

• Favorite Non-metal Band/Artist
• Lyrics – Primary or Secondary
• Guitar Solo – Yay or Nay

IN THE VAULT

• CRISIS (Pokhara)

INTERVIEWS

• Hari Maharjan (NEPATHYA)
• LOST OBLIVION

RAG n ROLL

• PRAVEEN CHETTRI

5 RECORDS THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE

• Yoban Gurung (EPITAPH)

CONCERT REVIEWS

• The Underground Anthem – Kathmandu
• Coming Back To Life – Pokhara

ALBUM REVIEWS

• The Last Verse of Madness: LOST OBLIVION/MORGOTH
• From Mars to Sirius: GOJIRA
• Das Donnerduett: DONNERGROLL
  

ARTICLE

• Top 5 Live Albums – II
• Cemetery Gates – DEAD
  

ARTICLE: CEMETERY GATES – DEAD

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Written by: Dipesh 

 
  
Yngwie Per Ohlin (Dead)
(January 16, 1969 – April 8, 1991)
 
Suicide is probably the consequence of fear to face the present and the future, an attempt to end life prematurely because it doesn’t go through the intended paths and seems to worsen everyday. But, what about people who have no fear of death? People who have already died many times before….
In 1991, Yngwie Per Ohlin (Dead) tried to cut his pulse veins open with a kitchen knife and then blasted his head off with a shotgun which belonged to Euronymous. The vocalist of early Mayhem and Morbid, Dead is regarded as one of the most obscure and weirdest characters in the whole Black Metal scene. He himself often stated that he was not a human but a creature from another world. And his introverted, depressive, withdrawn and silent character complemented what he often said about himself. As he mentions, during his childhood, he would usually have deep sleeps and reach to a state of unconsciousness. He also reported many near-death experiences where he returned back to life after reaching at the other world. He adopted the stage-name Dead because he considered himself already dead and claimed that he would die very soon.

After leaving the Swedish Death Metal band Morbid because of his discontent with the commercial viewpoints of other band members, Dead joined Mayhem in 1988. With Dead, Mayhem turned from a “hobby band with shitty lyrics” to a more sinister and meaningful band that would begin a whole new era of Black Metal and produce albums of the caliber of De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. His ideas of afterlife, decay, individualism and the supernatural combined with Euronymous’ increasing “godfather” image influenced many youths to join the wave of Black Metal. The Inner circle, Helvete and the corpse paint movement found their origin because of Dead (not ignoring Euronymous). The lyrical concepts of Dead which related to matters beyond this world: the supernatural found their way in De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, the legendary album that defined Black Metal itself. He had written all the lyrics for the album and was supposed to be the vocalist for the album before he shot himself dead.

Many musicians try to act different from themselves in a stage. Either under the influence of drugs or with the wrong conception of “stage-performance”, they perform strange antics which contradict their normal life. Dead’s stage performance, unlike others was a part of what he was. He often mentioned that “if it was Gore, it had to be real”. With routines of self-mutilation and sacrifices, Dead was again “not human” in stage. With blood streaming and pig heads flying everywhere, the Mayhem live performances with Dead as the vocalist (most notably Live In Leipzig) were strange and haunting for anyone.

With Mayhem themselves bluntly replying “He died for the scene” when asked about Dead’s suicide, the nihilistic scene of the 90′s Black Metal showed no emotion for his death. Yet, as an initiator of the Black Metal movement and a creator of such masterpiece as De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, he will always be remembered. The “ultra-nihilistic” approach of vocals which was later followed by Attila and the self-mutilation followed by Maniac found their roots in Dead. I will refer to Dead as the tr00est one amongst millions of others who wanted to look tr00. Unlike some iconoclasts who write endless stories about what brought them to suicide, Dead’s suicide note simply read “Excuse all the blood”. While Mayhem and its other bandmates have been part of so much popularity over the years, the name of Dead lies like a face in stone, buried by time and dust.

REVIEW: DAS DONNERDUETT: DONNERGROLL

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Rel: 2007
Genre: Black Metal
Reviewed by: Binay Raj (schuldiner)  
 

 
Donnergroll is a German black metal band. And this album, Das Donnerduett, is a tribute by the drummer, Gram, to Myrkvid, the former guitarist. But this album that is being reviewed does not have the conventional black metal feel, but then again, black metal is not something conventional.

This album starts off with a very different musical feel. Being honest, I was ‘wtf?’ the first time I gave this album the first run. The album is based partially on the ambience, raspy vocals and low-end recording that are characteristic of black metal, while the guitar riffs are fast paced and sound very much thrash-like, even going as far as using harmonics, which IMO are quite unheard of, in this genre. The drumming is quite mediocre in terms of speed and technicality but the drummer, Gram, has been very successful in pulling off some astonishingly suited beats to accompany the guitars. But no, this does not mean that the album is sort of an Old School black metal album, if, by the mentioning of Black/Thrash metal, arouses that feeling in you. The lyrics are draped in elements of death, drugs and ahem Satanism. And, there are no bass lines for the album.

The first song, Ouverture Infernale, starts off with a clean electric guitar intro and the song progresses into an interesting instrumental piece. The intro is fairly simple. The second song, Macht der Gewonheit, follows with a subtle intro, and the song instantly runs off the road. The high and screaming vocals are accompanied by a well guitaring. But this is the part in which this band will surprise the listener because, the song will transform into something almost out of the genre. The songs are short and sweet. The third song, Involved, sets the groove with an aggressive guitar and double bass beats. It is laden with unique guitar riffs and the melodious phrases here and there make it very interesting and attention grabbing. The harmony of the two instruments is supreme and in fact very enjoyable. The fourth song, Abysical Remains, starts with a soft intro of electric guitars, but what you will notice instantly is the way the vocals stand out unlike how, the vocals are very suppressed in the previous songs. This is partly because from this point on, the vocals has been done by Gram, the drummer, while the previous vocals were done by Myrkvid and also partly because the album itself had been recording between a period of about 8 years. This song sounds very much black metal like, and this is probably the point from which onwards, the album sounds like the genre it has been classified under. The drumming is brutal. The fifth song, I Dwell in Hell, is my favourite song from the album. The song starts with a very sad intro but instantly, as I said before, it transforms into, but something interesting this time. A guitar solo accompanies the whole song in the background and the drummer has again been very able in producing very experimental, yet interesting drum beats. The song definitely provides an atmosphere of despair and melancholy. The vocals can be called the characteristic black metal vocals and sometimes very reminiscent of Csihar. The sixth song, Human game, will surprise you because of the feel that is almost completely different from the previous tracks. At this point, the album can be said to have virtually transformed. It starts off with fast paced playing. This song poisonfully speaks of self-hatred, sadness and drugs. The vocals in this song are not of screams and grains but of shouts and wails. The seventh song, Lions z rigers, uses synths here and there. The vocals conspicuously pertain to elements of Satanism and sometimes to rituals. The eighth song, Stand above the earth, enters with creative riffs and brutal blast beats. Most of the song is vocally quiet but this at all does not make the song less enjoyable, with weird guitar solos and the brilliant production of the drummer. The lyrics refer to a certain ‘you’ throughout, but to who, I have no idea of. And lo! the album has transformed once again. The riffs and recording are differently carried out and there aren’t any vocals. And the song, In thy blood, progresses into an instrumental and is melodious and colourful. The last song, Between Heaven and Hell, enters with a sad guitar and remains as the only instrument till the end. This part however, offers the most melody that the album could not offer in abundance.

This album neither shows profound displays of musicianship and talent nor does it show a vomit of unnecessary speed and endurance, very common in certain genres of metal. This album neither spews out melody nor does it chew out the brutality reminiscent of the many black/death metal albums you have heard so far. This album is mediocre in its very existence and the musicians themselves are not ‘very’ skilled IMO, from how the guitarist furiously increases his speed on every change of part in a song while at the same time the drummer narrowly manages to drag his speed up to the guitarist’s who at the moment has already come down to the normal pace!! But what I do believe is that the album is special, not from the factors that I have mentioned before but from the creativity of these musicians and how they have managed to create an absolutely brilliant harmony between their instruments. They have, although, shown certain signs of overdoing it here and there but as a whole the songs are beautifully laced and simplistic. If you are looking to experience surprise, disgust (by judging the peculiarity), indifference… all at the same time then this album is the deal! I will not refrain from giving this album an 8 out of 10.

REVIEW: FROM MARS TO SIRIUS – GOJIRA

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Rel: 2006
Genre: Modern Metal
Reviewed by: Anish  
 

 
From “Mars to Sirius” is the latest offering from the French Metalllers GOJIRA. Before LAMB OF GOD took them for their first North American tour, this band was virtually unknown to other parts of the world besides France and some other European countries.
To quote the mighty Devin Townsend from SYL, this album is super fucking ‘heavy as a really heavy thing’. Although these guys may not be the most technical players with frantic riffs and mind boggling song structures, they all are incredible songwriters who really make a song explore different musical sides keeping an overall theme and a
concrete heaviness intact. What makes this band even more interesting is that they deal with the songs which are really relevant in the modern world that talks about how we people are exploiting our planet earth.

Here’s how the album goes:-

1. Ocean Planet – 9/10 – This song pretty much gives you an idea of what the band is all about – Super Heavy and melodic. It is a very well structured song with some choking guitar slides in the end, something that I’ve never really heard any other bands incorporate that nicely in a song.

2. Backbone – 10/10 – The intro starts with the riff that’s pretty much the meat of the song. The vocals are pretty good too. The song does a little bizarre thing in the middle. A song definitely to break your neck to in a live show while headbanging.

3. From the sky – 10/10 – Again those choke guitar slides incorporated riffs. At times, one would feel as if they were listening to a SYL record while going through this.

4. Unicorn – 6/10 – A 2 minute long melodic filler with the same repeating melody lines. There’s nothing much to it really.

5. Where Dragons fall – 8/10 – Nice song with nice riffs. You know, this type of song really sets them apart from any other metal bands. It’s so unique. The vocals take an interesting turn near the ending.

6.. Heaviest Matter of the Universe – 100/10 – Yes , that’s right. 100 out of 10. The title pretty much says it all. This song is one of the most heaviest shits you’ll ever come across. The intro sounds like a militia march and when that main riff kicks in, Fuck!..Kills you. This song is a must any HEAVY Metal fans out there.

7. Flying whales – 8/10 – A long, clean melodic groove starts up the song and
the real song kicks in after some 2 and a half minutes. Not necessarily my
favorite track off the album, but it is still really good.

8. In the Wilderness – 10/10 – A typical GOJIRA song. Extremely intense.

9. World to come – 8/10 – A little too weird. Intro / main riff sounds slightly bluesy/Hard Rockish. Leaves you confusing if it’s a metal song or not but it fits in weirdly with the other songs in the album.

10. From Mars -8/10 It’s a filler that I think builds on to the next song (To Sirius)

11. To Sirius -10/10 This is the single from the album. They have a music video to this which can be seen [url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=k2rLuTJzaKQ]Here[/url]. Once Again, it’s a trademark GOJIRA song with extreme heaviness a melodic arrangement. I
wouldn’t say that it closes the album with a bang but it definitely serves to what the album is all about and kindly finishes it off.

The album overall is a wonderful piece of art. It maintains its melodic side while being as heavy as it possibly can. If you are looking some new metal with different and unique sound, this is definitely an album to get. It’s a breath of fresh air and a slap in the face of bands like TRIVIUM who make nothing more than some catchy, clichéd metal songs. Get the fucking album.

Oh, and you know what the coolest thing about this album is? It can be streamed and downloaded from the band’s own official website. Now how awesome is that? Here, go here – http://www.gojira-music.com/ then click on Media, then Audio. You can also listen to other albums from GOJIRA which are pretty awesome as well.

REVIEW: THE LAST VERSE OF MADNESS

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Split LOST OBLIVION with MORGOTH
Rel: 2007
Reviewed by: Umes   
 

 
“Last Verse of Madness” is a split album by (still active) LOST OBLIVION and (now defunct) MORGOTH, released just a month ago. The album was recorded in Vinappa Studio in Nagpokhari Naxal, produced by the band and released through ktmROCKS Records. It has ten songs, five each (including intros) by the two bands.
LOST OBLIVION half:

I find it really hard to categorize the band’s sound as it is a mixture of a wide range of music, from thrashy riffs to keyboard laden black metal-ish elements to grooves of metalcore to some alternative and even nu-metal stuffs.

It is interesting to hear a band breaking out from the norms and trying to achieve something different in the scene dominated with ideas of normal traditional metal music. However, if the band becomes successful in bringing something “new” to the scene, remains to be seen.

I find the production of the album turned out to be pretty good despite recording the whole album in a LO-FI studio. Recording on a live drumkit in the studio is the major obstacle for any band because most of the studios here in Kathmandu are not made for recording drums live. But I have no complains as the drums have more “human” sound compared to the programmed drums.

I have always hated “intro” tracks but the rest of the tracks in this first half of the split are fairly enjoyable. My pick as the strongest track is – “She Dies Today” (especially because of those kwuuu kwuuu harmonics in the middle).
MORGOTH half:

MORGOTH used to call themselves a black metal band but since my knowledge about black metal is nothing exceptional, I really don’t know which sub-genre the band’s music falls into.

“From Hell” is obviously the standout track in this later half, with a lot of riff changes and dual vocals sometimes shifting the mood. What MORGOTH have done is mix the traditional black metal style of riffing with nice grooves to which some might rant and hurl “nays” to this certain music and some might find it digestible.

Production wise, I think the LOST OBLIVION songs are better mixed and mastered and MORGOTH’s sound suffers a lot in this half.

Buy this album and see for yourself where our scene is heading!

REVIEW: COMING BACK TO LIFE

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Review and Pics by: Bijay (www.pkrrocks.com)

Date: Sept 08, 2007, Saturday
Venue: Tamudhi Samaj Ghar, Nayabazar, Pokhara
Ticket: Rs. 100
Lineup: CRISIS, AADIM, UNDECIDED, SAMBA CARAMBA, FREAKS UNION, CHIHAN, VHUMI, ARACHNIDS, THE SILVERSTONE
Organized by: HEM and pkrROCKS
Supported by: ktmROCKS
 
 
Another successful gig in terms of audience turnout and bands’ performance. After weeks of paranoia and confusion, we came out with a concrete decision to invite at least three bands from the capital, with whatever loss we had to incur in their travel and accommodation costs. Plus we had the local Pokhreli bands to perform in the gig and they are always here to support us. I had a feeling that this gig will be awesome and it was.

The venue was booked, sound system agreed, flex, banners, flyers and tickets were all printed on time. The performing bands from Kathmandu, namely, VHUMI, ARACHNIDS, and THE SILVERSTONE arrived Pokhara the day before the concert. Thank god, the boys did not face any landslides and chakka-jam/banda this time around. CRISIS, AADIM, UNDECIDED, SAMBA CARAMBA, ROT, PSYCHOTIVE KNERVE, FREAKS UNION, and PENCAP CHEW were the local Pokhreli groups scheduled to rock the show. But ROT, Psychotive Knerve and Pencap Chew’s participation was cancelled because of their ‘personal’ problems.

Finally on the concert day, the sound system had already arrived before we did. Boys had a toughest time getting the right sound setup. The venue was kind of pseudo open venue and the output felt like totally bundled up and had to convince those sound ‘engineers’ to place the speakers within the perimeter of the venue. Still they were not satisfied with the sound setup.

We had tried our best to start the event right on time. But that was totally not our fault. How on earth could we start when the organizers outnumbered the total audience? We had to wait until the audience reached the respectable total.

Pic: UNDECIDED

 
Pic: CHIHAN
Finally, the show kick-started with UNDECIDED covering “Am I Evil” and “Highway to Hell”. Next CHIHAN took the center stage playing 3 of their “old school” originals; “Humpty Dumpty Curse”, “My Dark Subconscious” and “Crucification”. Hell yeah!!, they got a big round of applause from the audience for the band’s overall performance, especially for Subarna’s excellent classical guitar tricks mixed with Sandip’s growling blackish vox. It was nice to see two of our local metalheads dare to start headbang in front of those confused audiences.

Pic: AADIM

Pic: AADIM

AADIM, a well known rock band from Pokhara continued the show with a nice attempt of John Petrucci’s “Glassgow Kiss” and their own composition “Karadau Rachana Haru”. The crowd went crazy with a continued head-banging spree together with the rockers from kathmandu when they covered “Creeping Death”. And it was FREAK UNION, one of the promising band of the local underground scene who played two of their rocking originals; “Silent Killer” and “Haunted Shadows”. Later, SAMBA CARAMBA covered “Highway to Hell” and “Paranoid”. Combined with the members of SAMBA CARAMBA, UNDECIDED covered “Fear of the Dark” and “Am I Evil”. CRISIS, a popular name in the local underground scene enthralled the audience with Barathrum’s “I am very possessed”, COB’s “Bed of Razors” and two of their compositions “My Pain” and “Nocturnal Thoughts”.

Pic: FREAK UNION

Pic: SAMBA CARAMBA

Pic: CRISIS

Pic: CRISIS

Pic: CRISIS

It was almost 5:30 and it had all began raining when the much awaited VHUMI took the stage. They started with their instrumental “Vhariya” followed by “Suicide”, “Balatkar”, “Stoned Hunter”, “Mrityu ko Tandab”. The crowd went wild on a head-banging spree and a mosh pit was again created. A two minutes break couldn’t be avoided because of the unexpected power-failure. However, Ashish continued to keep up the spirit with his own flavored drum solo. It was fun watching the local crowd posing themselves for their snaps being taken with VHUMI performing live on stage in the background. VHUMI got a huge fan following of their lifetime here in Pokhara (I’d rather call supporters-coz I don’t believe in the so called ‘fans’ in the underground arena).

Pic: VHUMI

Pic: VHUMI

Pic: VHUMI

Next, The Silverstone entertained the crowd with a different taste of music of the likes of Pearl Jam’s “Evenflow”, “Paranoid”, “Roadhouse Blues”, and “Iron Man”. It was almost 7:15 pm when Arachnids geared themselves for the final performance. They did cover some ass-kicking numbers including “Nomad”, “Refuse/Resist”. Prabin’s growling vocals and stage dives were well accepted by the remaining crowd that stayed late because of the unstoppable incessant rainfall.

Pic: THE SILVERSTONE

Pic: THE SILVERSTONE

Pic: ARACHNIDS
We had permission to continue the event till 8 pm and it was already 8.10 while Arachnids were playing their ‘last’ (think so) number. Again the lights went out and we had to wrap up the show.

Now we can see the underground scene is rising here in Pokhara. Gigs are happening at regular intervals and the local bands are contributing from all quarters. The support of our local audience, the local bands and the visiting bands cannot be underestimated and we appreciate that and look forward for similar response ahead.

REVIEW: THE UNDERGROUND ANTHEM

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Reviewed by: Prem Nath
Pics by: Dipesh/Umes

Date: August 18, 2007, Saturday
Venue: Yog Kendra Hall, New Baneshwor
Ticket: Rs. 100
Lineup: BITTER EUPHEMISM, VHUMI, FIREBALL, ARACHNIDS, DEADEFY, GOTHIKA, FUNERAL DREAMS
Organized by: ktmROCKS
Supported by: Mohan’s Tattoo Inn, Thamel
  

Finally, ktmROCKS organizes a gig. ktmROCKS was dormant since March after organizing “Ides of March”. The line up seemed very impressive indeed. I was hoping for a brutal gig and so it was. The venue was one which was never heard of before but the turnout was massive. Compared to the capacity of the venue, I must say it was a packed house.

Pic: FUNERAL DREAMS

When I reached the venue around 1:45, FUNERAL DREAMS was on stage. I found them very impressive. The punk rock act did covers of Blink 182, Choupsey by System of A Down and their originals. I was mostly impressed by their drummer. No technical shit but very precise drumming.

Pic: GOTHIKA

The next band was GOTHIKA and they were also equally impressive. They did covers as “Cathulu Dawn” (Cradle of Filth) and originals. These young guys certainly have potential and I am looking forward to seeing this black metal act in near future.

Pic: ARACHNIDS

ARACHNIDS then took stage and then hell broke loose. Very groovy death metal and their newari death metal “Kaal Bhairav” was killer. Praveen does this insane stunts on the stage along with some outrageous vocals and he continued that in this gig too. Continuously stage diving during the set and hitting to the ground, he kept on growling regardless of the pain that he might be suffering from. They also did some covers of Sepultura. The crowd really started moshpitting in their set.

Pic: FIREBALL

FIREBALL was next and they were very tight with their classic rock set consisting of covers of Led Zepplin and Deep Purple. Almoda’s vocals mesmerized the audience. It was also the last time that Bardan (Bass, HMG MOR and PRALAY) played in Nepal before leaving for the UK.

Pic: DEADEFY

The next band was DEADEFY and they were amazing. They did covers of Slayer as always and their originals. The crowd was pretty wild in their set.

Pic: BITTER EUPHEMISM

Then BITTER EUPHEMISM took the stage. They did a Cryptopsy cover (Graves of the fathers) and their originals. A perfect death metal band, one has to admit. Half of the crowd were bewildered as only the half seemed to have remembered the term “headbanging” after DEADEFY’s set. The last band of the gig was VHUMI. Tight as always, they did an all-original set with the crowd favorite Stone Hunter. Power-cut then hit the venue and there was no electricity hence the gig ended with the crowd wanting more from VHUMI.

 
Pic: VHUMI

This gig was also a farewell gig to two of the talented musicians of the underground scene, Praveen (Guitars, NIGHT) and Bardan (Bass, HMG MOR and PRALAY). From my perspective, the gig was very successful. Hope the dormant phase of ktmROCKS will end now and we will get to see more such gigs in the future.

5 RECORDS THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE:

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Yoban Gurung guitarist, EPITAPH

Played with bands:
EPITAPH, JERUSALEM
What guitars do you use:
Ibanez, Hovner (hollow guitar) and my dream guitar is Washburn, Darell’s signature series.

What effects do you use:
DS-1 distortion/zoom 505

Some of your favorite guitarists:
Joe Satriani, Dimebag Darrell, Steve Vai, Alexi Laiho

Your favorite bands:
Early Metallica, Slayer, Early Sepultura, Death, Cannibal Corpse, Iron Maiden, Dream Theatre, Children of Bodom

Currently listening to
Dream Theatre (Images and Words)
 

5 RECORDS THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE:

1. METALLICA: BLACK ALBUM

This album is the primary one which helped me to pick the guitar. I learnt to play Nothing else Matters soon after.

2. SLAYER: SEASONS IN THE ABYSS

My brother used to listen this album a lot and when I got the chance to listen the titled song, I felt “yeah, this one’s the song”. I felt the music was like of horror movies.

3. PANTERA: COWBOYS FROM HELL

This album has definitely helped me a lot in improving my guitar playing style. I remember our drummer (Pujan) giving me this album.

4. SEPULTURA: BESTIAL DEVASTATION

Great! Simply great.

5. DEATH: SOUND OF PERSEVERANCE

Babaal!!

ARTICLE: TOP 5 LIVE ALBUMS II

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Written by: Vishal 
 
I’m generally not a fan of live albums because most of the ones I’ve heard have tended to be pretty crappy and have resulted in me lowering my opinion on the band *coughRancidcough*. However, there have been a few exceptions. Actually, so few that I can actually name and describe them off the top of my head.

SICK OF IT ALL – LIVE IN A DIVE (FAT WRECK CHORDS, 2002)

My absolute favourite live album. This is a scorcher. 23 S.O.I.A. classics on one disc and, of course, played with the intensity, passion and heart they’re so well known for. My favourite moment on the album is when they bring a guy from the audience up to the stage to sing “Rat Pack,” probably expecting him to mess up. But au contraire, the kid NAILS it!!
For details, read last months issue http://www.ktmrocks.com/emag/06june07/files/issue03-reviews-sick_of_it_all.htm

What I wrote there is exactly what I would write here.

Recommended tracks: Good Lookin’ Out, Call To Arms, Blown Away, Built To Last, Just Look Around, Let Go, Us Vs. Them, The Bland Within, Disco Sucks Fuck Everything, Injustice System, Potential For A Fall, Scratch The Surface, America, Straight Ahead, Rat Pack, Sanctuary, My Life, Busted, Maladjusted, Goatless, Friends Like You, Clobberin’ Time, Step Down. That’s actually every track on the record.
AGNOSTIC FRONT – LIVE AT CBGB (NUCLEAR BLAST, 2006)

I’m a sucker for all things New York Hardcore so Agnostic Front and S.O.I.A. will definitely top any favourite music list of mine. This is a relatively new one but has quickly become my second favourite live album. Agnostic Front are where they are because of their live reputation and, as can be expected, they are in top form here. They start off with “Eliminator” and blast through classics, old and new. There’s something here from every AF era and, therefore, this album also serves as a perfect introduction to the band.

Recommended tracks: Eliminator, Victim In Pain, New Jack, Blind Justice, Crucified, Friend Or Foe, Gotta Go, Peace, All Is Not Forgotten, Public Assistance
S.O.D. – LIVE AT BUDOKAN (MEGAFORCE, 1992)

S.O.D. Stormtroopers Of Death. Aah, what can I say? A permanent fixture on my playlist for the last 8 years or so. Bigger Than The Devil blew hard but if mp3s could be worn out, then Speak English Or Die would probably look like a 50 rupee whore’s vagina. Thankfully, Live At Budokan was recorded before Bigger… was released and it does nothing to taint their reputation. Scott Ian’s riffs are as solid as ever, Charlie Benante thrashes the skins, Dan Lilker’s trademark distorted bass is right up front and Billy Milano is at his maniacal best. Since SOD had only Speak English Or Die to their credit then, this reunion also features a number of covers including Ministry’s “Stigmata” and “Thieves,” MOD’s “Get A Real Job,” Fear’s “Livin’ In The City” and a hilarious version of Nirvana’s “Territorial Pissings” in which the members switch instruments.

The Budokan DVD is also an excellent watch with the fatass Milano diving off the speakers into the crowd and assaulting a kid with his mic. It’s impossible for another S.O.D. reunion to happen so the CD and DVD is also the closest one will ever get to a Stormtrooper live experience.

Recommended tracks – March Of The SOD, Sargent D and the SOD, Milano Mosh, Pussy Whipped, Kill Yourself, Pi Alpha Nu, Milk, United Forces, and of course, the “ballads.”
PENNYWISE – LIVE @ THE KEY CLUB (EPITAPH, 2000)

Almost every Pennywise release has sounded similar (although their newer albums have tended to be a tad weaker) but my love for the band remains the same. For newer listeners, Live @ The Key Club is an ideal introduction. The albums opens with the intro to “Unknown Road” and everything else that follows is speedy, melodic 90s skate punk that the band has perfected. The setlist contains most of their well-known songs, including a Minor Threat cover (“Minor Threat”) and culminates with their traditional show-ender, the emotional “Bro Hymn” dedicated to their former bassist, the late Jason Matthew Thirsk.

Recommended tracks – Can’t Believe It, Unknown Road, Fight Till You Die, Society, Straight Ahead, Perfect People, Alien, Bro Hymn
SOCIAL DISTORTION – LIVE AT THE ROXY (TIME BOMB, 1998)

Social D is a name that conjures up a shitload of repect in the global punk rock scene and frontman Mike Ness could possibly be one of the baddest badasses to ever pick up a guitar. Live At The Roxy reads like a greatest hits album in every sense and the sound quality is almost perfect for a live record. The songs are nailed to perfection and Ness’ between-song banter makes for an interesting listen (“You couldn’t get your pussy pierced in the mall” or something to that effect, etc). In short, a kickass live album.

Recommended tracks – Story Of My Life, Under My Thumb, Prison Bound, Mommy’s Little Monster, The Creeps, I Was Wrong, Don’t Drag Me Down, Ring Of Fire

RAG N ROLL: PRAVEEN CHETTRI

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Done by: Umes 

Praveen Chettri. How often do we come across a guy this friendly, talented, eloquent and respectful like this? Not normally. He’s been a great asset to the scene and to ktmROCKS and now he’s leaving.. the same Plus2 Syndrome has again taken away another one from us.

However, we all meant to have fun.. and before he left, we tried to pull his legs and pants one more time.

How do you define Praveen Chhetri in your own words?Praveen Chhetri is defined as the energy which allows the human species to unnaturally levitate while in the lotus position as unsuccessfully attempted by the blind followers of Shoko Asahara who he himself claimed to have accomplished this phenomena(we all know he totally failed and those were all lies!).

Do you ever think and wonder that your parents named you “Praveen” for a reason?

Yes. It is completely obvious that my parents knew at once that “Asahara” was a fake and that I was the real deal!

Why does your forum nick “psychedeltron” sound so gayishly geeky?

I don’t blame you for saying that my forum nick sounds like what you have claimed it sounds like. It is a very common response from people lacking ‘The Untrained Ear’.

Do you think there is any relationship between having to wear specs and playing a lot of guitar? Or is it because you watch PORN constantly?

I’d say there is a possible relationship between glasses and playing guitar. Porn is out of the picture. If it were PORN, my prescribed power would be something like -20 instead of a mere negative 8.5

Obviously, you are very good at playing guitar, singing, scoring on TOEFL and what not, but how has it been with girls?

You can add girls to the list mentioned in the question. A hot sexy genius rock star.. What else do girls need!??!?!

Ok, tell us, frankly, how many girls you have dated?

Dates ta ab a kurai choddeu..relationship chai ONE. I’m very picky! I cannot stand the typical Nepali girl-“You love me? I love you! Let’s get married!!!” These girls don’t even know what they just heard if some guy comes up and asks,”hey, wanna go out with me?” or “hey lets get some coffee, or maybe a movie?” The whole “I love you” and the so called “he proposed me” are all nothing but meaningless cornball. I’d rather not date in such circumstances. It’s just a matter of time, I’m leaving anyway. Why not just wait a few more days?

Ok, we all know by now that you are going to Umrika for your higher studies in a couple of weeks, what’s gonna happen to all the girls back here?

They’re gonna regret ever setting foot on this Earth for not growing up and learning the real meaning of the word ”proposed”. Well it’s too late!! I’m gone baby! So toss away your dictionaries.

How would you like to say good bye to these people by saying some of the nastiest/goofiest/humorous/ stuff about their personalities:

Prateek Pradhan (best friend and band-mate, Paperboat)
I won’t forget Prateek’s weird obsession over biscuits. Kinda scary.

Deep S. Rana (HMG MOR)
Oh and won’t definitely forget the proof of evolution in the human species. ”Deep S. Rana” – the first beer lactation in man.

Iman Shah (HMG MOR)
Iman dai is only a hard rock heavy metal gangster on the outside. He is actually one of them “DOGS”, you the ones from the “THE HOOD”. I have pictures to prove it!

Jason Shrestha (band-mate, Night)
All I can say is, Jason dai and his dog Pluto share the same bed. I don’t recall seeing Jason dai with a girl… hmmm.. wonder why?

Dipesh Gautam (partner, Captain Killer Store)
Dipesh hates babies! Now that’s weird or is it the black metal thing to do?

Umes Shrestha (your boss, ktmROCKS)
Most guys go for the slim model like when it to comes to girls. But did you know that our metal baje actually prefers the big kind? Yes the fat chicks! With not just the oversized cellulite filled butts and the too big and too fat to stay up resulting in unnaturally grandma-like droopy boobies, but also the spongy, bouncy, jiggly –“where is thou belly button?” bellies.

Rio (your dog)
One of the nastiest things this pooch does is not only lick his balls but starts humping his own mouth!

Bardan Pradhan (Pralay)
Bardan dai’s head bobble is a classic. Especially with his jolly smiles and giggles. One of the goofier yet suiting things he does.

And what about the Captain Killer Store, are you planning to venture it into international domain?

That’s up to Dipesh. I have officially resigned from the store. However, I’ll do whatever I can to up lift the store in the future even from the other side of the globe.

Ok, now some of the regular questions that we ask to our victims. Have you ever felt your palms getting sweaty while playing guitar? How does it feel?

Oh yes! Every guitarist faces that I’m sure. It’s kinda irritating. It reduces confidence, increases the nerves and makes you play like you have constipation trying to hit all the notes without any slips.

Do you ever find yourself in the dilemma of – playing your guitar right OR impressing a hottie?

Just the first option. I’m sorry, no offense to ktmROCKS, but hotties are rare in our gigs. Unless skinny black clothed long shabby haired boys are the targets.

How often do you find yourself in such dilemma (since you wear specs and you have a Fender Strat and you are good-looking)?

Honestly, no too often. I’m usually intoxicated enough to “don’t give a damn” about such things.

So that means you don’t get to sign much autographs for the hotties?

You are correct. It’s up to you to find a way to get more hotties at the gigs. There’s nothing wrong with us bands/artists, now is there?

Do you have any annoying habits that your (girl) fans should know – just as a precaution before they swarm you for autographs?

I’m assuming this hypothetical; possibly reality in a couple of years when you are successful in drawing the female appreciators. I’d like to warn all female fans that the glasses are not to be touched! “Do not mess with a man’s specs” or else all hell is loose!

What are the slangs (in Nepali and English) do you know and use most often? Can you describe the origin of any one?

Gopi – An adjective describing a villager-like or pakhe/corny/cheezy person. Heard it from Jason dai.
Hurt – Means that you’re stoned. After a round of some nice bud you say ,”I’m hurt man.”
Gappa – Word meaning “girl” Mostly referred to “hot girl”. Origination-Jason dai
Dantha – Word meaning “boy”. Origination-Jason dai
Poopy-Crappy – Adjective used to denote an uneasy condition caused by some kind of discomfort in the stomach like gas.

List out all the geek-iest moments you can remember.

Meeting Kanak (forum member/MIT student) for the first and only time.

Being put in the first section of science stream in 11th grade. People would fight for a place on the first bench! I left after 3 days.

Interview of Night with Dipesh and his friends. Watching the video just kills me!

Have you ever had any weird or recurring guitar/band related dreams?

Yes in fact. I see me with a guitar trying to play a love song for a nice hot chick but then I can’t ever start the song in the right key! Happens every time!! Moreover, my eyes feel like they can’t stay open, in the dream of course.

For someone totally immaculate, are there things that you completely suck at?

Immaculate re!! I suck at .umm..umm.. um… this is taking awhile. Maybe I am immaculate! Wah wah!

OK seriously, I suck at telling jokes, trying explain my logical concepts(people always think I’m a freak when I start to), I suck at reading fast and avoiding mummers/mumbling while reading aloud, I suck at reading novels, I suck at sprinting and long distance running, I suck at sleeping at night, I suck at attending school/college regularly, I suck at farting silently(always a big bang), I suck at seeing without my glasses(hehe.. corny).

You have got two options in front of you – a) 10 Fender guitars, a recording studio and some hot girls and b) invitation to play football for Manchester United. What would you do?

Option b) definitely. After becoming a Man United player, I’d be rich and famous. Could buy 30 fender guitars, I could buy a recording studio or have one built in my mansion and the girls are of no problem (known fact).

One true rumor we heard in the circle, that some teachers at White House College were so jealous of your EMO hair-style that they forced to you to shave your head bald. You wanna say something…

Well that’s not totally correct. They were bitching about my hair being simply long. So just decided to go EMO. The girls went crazy! Decided to keep it for awhile till it grew into normal long hair. Then more bitching from college. Got angry and shaved off my head only leaving a mo hawk. Then next day was sent home for having a mo hawk. Then the baldness came.

How did you manage to play in bands, score Grade A in your exams, date with three different girls on the same day, run a CD Store, build a guitar stand, wank a couple of times everyday and wake up 20 hours a day?

Red bull?

Of all the bands and musicians you have played with, name the best and the worst of them all. (with elaboration)

The best bands/artists were

Night- A very different experience especially because of style of music, the hard work, etc. I gained a lot from this band. The band members inspired me, I learned how to work in a group and do things as a group, learned about various different kinds of music by each others inspirations and how to fuse them to form unique yet uncluttered outcome.

HMGMOR- Had a lot of fun with this pack. These guys sure know how to have fun!

Paperboat- Wasn’t bad. But I still give decent credit because it was the first musical act of mine.

Worst- A thamel band. The only way you can have fun playing in thamel is if you have enough time to make the covers sound different and unique. We didn’t have that kind of time. Hence, was shit! Obviously playing shitty covers is shitty.

Have you ever wanted to KILL any asshole band members in the practice room and on the stage?

No. I can’t remember any such moment. I usually don’t get pissed in general.

Ok, now tell us which band/musician in our local scene you would NOT want to perform with, even if they threaten you to take your guitar and virginity away?

There are a lot of such candidates in the mainstream scene but I can’t really think of any in our underground/local scene. I say, whichever bands get clearance by ktmROCKS to play a local gigs are all worthy.

How often do you read papers, or watch TV and be concerned about our country’s political situation?

I read the paper every day. The paper’s always on my kitchen dining table so it doesn’t take too much effort to get informed. I don’t watch much TV. But my parents do watch the news everyday. So if there’s something big I’m sure they would let me know. I like the paper better though. As far as the country’s political situation, I am concerned but not worried nor anxious. It seems like nothing will change here although I do wish for improvement. Well, at least they are paving the road outside my house!

Choose one:

Being the co-owner of the Captain Killer Store, Piracy – Yes or No

Yes! But why be a bad thing? I’m only helping to increase the fan base. It’s not like the chya khane money or mo mo money I make will affect the artist’s business in anyway.

Night or Day

Night! Defintely! The night life is way wicked. Plus, internet is faster at night.

Football or Soccer (since you are going to the USA)

Football! Soccer doesn’t make sense. And Football in the states doesn’t make sense. A lot of stuff in the states doesn’t make sense. American football is more of a hick’s sport anyway. They hardly use their feet. Why take up a name that has already been taken? The real football is way more sophisticated. The Americans always have to compete with everything. Tomayto-tomaato, “c-o-l-o-r” “c-o-l-o-u-r”.

Say NO to track singers or Stone the track singers

Say NO to track singers. That was the original slogan so I stick with it. “stone the track singers” could actually be a favour… I like to get stoned.

The Third Emerald or the Fourth Emerald

Doesn’t matter. Whichever sounds cooler.

If the track-singers ever stopped singing on tracks (because of the fear of getting stoned to death) and you were hired to back them up, which one would you choose and why – A) Kamal Man Singh, B) Anil Singh, C) Avinash Ghisingh or D) Nepali Rappers. Remember, they might pay you good!

Anil Singh probably. Well it seems like he has the most “DOE” being all popular and shit.

Second lastly, your views on some of the worst bands/singers of all times in Nepal.

Kiran Gurung – Ridiculous. He’s a big baby. He tries to buy fame. He tries to buy talent. Makes a poor innocent Norwegian girl’s life a misery.

Kamal Man singh – Kamal man cant sing (how many times have we heard that….but its true). He tries to copy Enrique or whatever that douch bag’s name is. Out of all the people to copy from he chooses that scumbag. What an idiot!

NSK – Another one of them “dhani bau ko choro” who tries to buy talent. States ma basya re.. ke sikera aayo? Tyo “gopi” accent ? I’m sure that dirty red cap of his is filthy as shit!

Your last words, if you have any.

Last words!!?? Don’t tell me you’re gonna push me off a building now!
Ok. Last words… Thank you ktmROCKS for your love and support! Keep up the good work! I really appreciate the hard work and effort put in by each every one involved in ktmROCKS just for the purpose of passion, despite having countless obstacles- Umes dai, all the ktmROCKS administration/representatives, all the bands and supporters!