Mass Ritual III: Thanks For The Blackhole Memories

As you would have heard by now, the soon to be iconic Blackhole 212 will be closing down by end August and


The last band to be added to the line up, Humongous C did not show any signs of nervousness as they opened up for Mass Ritual III with Ashley Rozario (Stillborn) assuming mic duties whereas Raguram and Sean flanked side by side on guitars. Inspired by the duo Tenacious D, one would think that Humongous C would follow suit and emulate their source of inspiration but they are as different as chalk and cheese: Ferocious, thrash fused metal that will lacerate your face if you stand too close to the band and remarkably managed to gather a following despite being first in the bill, a rarity but for a good reason. Special appearances by Sathish (Stillborn) and Jaarvis (in an Osama mask) livened up the atmosphere and gave their setlist a Neapolitan twist to satisfy the licks of the masses. Never judge a book by its cover they say, for Humongous C has pages that will stick to you like an Oriental lady on a summer day


Its dark, gloomy and above all, in chains. The nefarious beings Abyssal have arrived and making an entrance that could turn skeptics into spineless heaps of nothingness. Samhain may be months away but on that day, Abyssal took the sun and swallowed it whole, unleashing the fire of retaliation against spoken hypocrisy that has plagued society. Last seen at Victoria Concert Hall performing at Clash Of The Titans, Hafiz and his priests of annihilation delivered on all counts with the middle of the Chan triplets Chien providing the background sermons and expertly stroking the fretboard with ease. The song Colder Than Life was one of the many tracks that caught my attention as the doomy goth masterpiece was a departure from the usual style that they have played and hopefully it will see the light on their upcoming EP


It was finally Jaarvis’ turn to take centerstage with his band Zaganoth and this time, he has opted for a modest pair of boxers with strategically placed tape along with his trusty fishnet stockings. But it was not just all flash and no dash, Zaganoth brought the latter without the need to compromise and somewhere in skanky heaven, GG Ailin would be smiling to himself while watching a metal version of unabashed scumfoolery being played out

Special mention to the rest of the bands who performed at Mass Ritual III as well (Chaosinfernos, Xanadoo & Fallen Thy Kingdom), for being part of a special occasion and powering the stage to life for the last time. Blackhole 212 will forever remain dear in our hearts and hopefully the management will take root in another place and live for another day. Because music binds us together and breaking the chains of conformity