A lesson in Thrash

In the 1980's as the disdain for the establishment became ever more apparent among the youth, musicians started fusing double bass drumming, complex shredding and the aggression of hardcore punk. As the very niche scene rapidly grew in numbers, thrash metal was solidified by the likes of Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer – widely considered the big four of the genre.

Even though it took time for the genre to spill over to Bangladesh, musicians Sameer Azmi, Sumit Gaurab, Mujtaba Hamim and Asif Mahmood formed Thrash in 2011, widely regarded as the best thrash metal band in Bangladesh. "At that time, we started jamming together out of our shared passion for this kind of music," says Sameer, "we did not even have a name for the band. In the end, we named it after the genre itself!"

In the recent Wacken Metal Battle 2020, Thrash emerged victorious among a slew of talented bands fighting for the chance to perform at the biggest metal concert in the world – Wacken Open Air (WOA).  "It was unreal," says Sumit. "The chance to perform at Wacken is a dream for any musician." To be able to do so, Thrash must beat bands from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal in the upcoming Bangalore Open Air, which begins on March 21. "We are ready to compete, and will give it our best at the festival," asserts the guitarist.

The Metal Battle was organised by Valor, in association with Wacken Open Air, Wacken Metal Battle -Indian Subcontinent, Bangalore Open Air and Infinite Dreams Entertainment. Trainwreck were the trailblazers of the event last year, representing Bangladesh at the WOA.

Thrash made waves in 2012 when they released their EP, A Lesson in Thrash – the first thrash metal EP in the country. The band promises a full-length album this year. "We are working really hard to produce our long-overdue album," says Sameer, who sees their win in the competition to be a perfect stepping-stone to greater things. "Regardless of what happens in Bangalore, we will continue to produce music for our fans, and you can count on us for that," he says.

Since its inception, the genre of thrash has pointed at the harsh realities of life – fascism, pollution, corruption, warfare, deforestation. "It is very easy to overlook these issues, but we speak and make music about the truth," says an assertive Sumit, who requested the fans of the niche genre to keep supporting them. "Your support means everything, and we would like everyone to extend their hands to the dawn of a new era for Thrash." 

Line-up

Sameer Azmi: Vocals and Bass guitar

Sumit Gaurab: Guitar

Muktadir Anzan: Drums