“One great rock show can change the world”
. And it did. On the 24th of March, Infosys Bhubaneswar witnessed the first ever open rock band competition in its history.
From the very beginning, the idea of “Chaosphere : War of the Rock Bands” seemed far-fetched. Bhubaneswar is a city renowned for its temples, and even conceiving the idea of an open rock band competition inside the Infosys campus was daunting. However, thanks to the enthusiasm of the employees of Infosys Bhubaneswar, coupled with the eagerness of the Human Resources department and a few dynamic volunteers, Konark Karnival 3 finally hosted Chaosphere.
Thirty-odd bands from around the country, from Delhi to Trivandrum and from Mumbai to Gangtok, enlisted for the screening process. These were all nationally acclaimed bands, winners of numerous competitions, and some participants at Launch Pad, while others had opened for International Bands. They were all vying for the top prize of fifty thousand rupees, and finally after a difficult screening process, six bands were selected to perform at Infosys Bhubaneswar.
The stage was set. A breezy evening, an eager crowd, six superb bands and two amazing musicians as judges; Sahil Makhija of Demonic Resurrection, and Saumik Ghosh, a renowned musician from Kolkata. And what better way to inaugurate the newly built amphitheater than with the sound of distortion.
First up was “Girish and the Chronicles” from Gangtok. They had been runners up at The Suncane Scale International Fest 2010 in Montenegro, and it was immediately evident why. Girish has a phenomenal vocal range, and on hearing their music, one would feel as if they were transported right back to the ’80s. They performed a host of originals, and concluded with a cover of Stairway to Heaven.
Next up was “Cynical Recess“, a band with credentials such as having headlined at the Hornbill Festival, Launch Pad and Great Indian Rock. Their music was an immediate hit with the audience. It was time for some heavier stuff now.
“Chronic Xorn“, a band which has played at the Summer Storm Festival, headlined by Lamb of God, and who have also released their debut album “Death.Destruction.Sermon“, were up next. Their unique blend of metal-core and melodic death metal got the crowd so beefed up that people left the stands, came up to the stage to head bang!
The band that was up next was probably the most technically proficient of the six. With their brand of grind core and progressive elements, “Evil Conscience” literally set the stage on fire. Their mesmerizing guitar riffs, and extremely proficient vocals, drumming, and bass, truly demonstrated what technicality is all about.
Next up were “Purple Asparagus“, who had a more alternative approach to music. Already renowned for being the winners of Launch Pads Eastern Zone, and being runners up at the IIT Spring fest, this band was all about groovy music and showmanship. Their entire show was one great performance.
The last band was “Purple Blood“, who had come all the way from Trivandrum. They have opened for Hammerfall and are presently recording their debut EP. Their electrifying metal core music and awesome stage presence were the best way the show could have ended.
Chronic Xorn won the first prize and Purple Asparagus were the runners up.
It has to be said that this was undoubtedly one of the most audacious shows that Infosys Bhubaneswar has ever staged.
