There are few names in the history of Bangladesh's underground music scene that ring with as much power and ferocity as Artcell, Black and Cryptic Fate. So iconic were these three bands in their individual forms, that they decided to come together and perform as a trio.

Referred to by fans as ABC, what really made this trio unique and wonderful was their different musical approaches. Taking the scene by storm in the 2000's, it seems almost inevitable, when looking back, that their paths would cross. Their eventual collaboration would kick-off with the release of their now iconic song, "Ashirbad" which was released as part of the mixed album, Din Bodol, in the mid 2000's.

Now, after almost a decade, ABC will be reuniting to perform at this year's 'November Rain Volume 2' concert, organised by Brandmyth Experiential, which will take place on November 12. While the trio were all present at the first 'November Rain' event, this year they will be formally performing together as ABC.

In preparation for the upcoming concert, a press conference took place on the premises of The Daily Star today. Present at the event were the organisers, a few band members and band managers.

From left: Rudan Al Amin Trinan, Shibu Kumer Shill, Rakibul Hasan, Tonmoy Tansen, and Sheikh Mahadi Hasan Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Speaking to The Daily Star, Shakib Chowdhury, frontman of Cryptic Fate said, "This is really special for us, as I believe no other bands have come together to form an identity like ABC. All three of our bands are always trying to find a way to perform with each other. I think the first time was probably around 2004 or 2005. After that we did two or three shows together as ABC. Sadly, I cannot remember the last time we performed together. So, I am really excited that now we will be performing as ABC at 'November Rain Volume 2'."

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When asked about how excited he was for the other bands in the line-up, Shakib responded, "All of the bands that will be performing at the show, are some of my favourites. Obviously, Aurthohin's Sumon bhai is a very close friend of mine and sharing the stage with him is always fun. I have also worked on various TVCs and films with Meghdol's Sumon. However, we haven't shared the stage before. Thus, I am super excited to be able to perform with him and all of the other bands."

Shazu, the drummer of Artcell, also shared some exciting news with us. "The organisers are bringing back our original bassist, Cezanne, from Australia just for this concert. It shows their enthusiasm and interest for reuniting the ABC generation. The friendship between us has been revived through this event", he said.

Black's Jahan shared, "While we have collaborated together many times, it has been almost a decade since we shared the stage together as ABC. During this gap, many band members have changed as well."

During the press conference, Sheikh Mahadi Hasan, Group Account Director of Brandmyth Experiential shared, "We have asked all of the bands to perform a special number, as a tribute to their biggest influences."

Rakibul Hasan, Managing Director of Brandmyth Experiential added, "Around 2004, the ABC generation was built. Their track 'Ashirbad' from a mixed album, was one of the most popular songs of that time. So, it will be great to see them perform together again."

Shibu Kumer Shill, from Meghdol said, "The young generation needs to refresh their minds and come out of the depression that the pandemic brought upon us. The pandemic was a very critical time for us, as we spent our time in uncertainty, we were not sure if we could do such concerts again. So, I appreciate that such arrangements are being made once again, as this is encouraging for artistes like us."

At the concert, fans will also witness a performance of 'Hawa', Meghdol's iconic song from the movie of the same name, which took Bangladesh by storm earlier this year. Additionally, Vikings' song, 'Bhalobashi Jare'—which was a one of the most popular Valentine's Day songs in the 2000's—will also be performed for the audience.

'November Rain Volume 2', will take places at International Convention Center Bashundhara (ICCB) Expo Zone, featuring a slew of young and established talents including Aurthohin, Viking, Chirkutt, Indalo, Meghdol and Powersurge.

Tickets for the concert start at 550 BDT, and are available at Get Set Rock's website. The programme is an initiative by Brandmyth.