Heretic (Kerala)

Biography:
Named after the fearless Greek who was burnt alive for voicing his opinion, Heretic believes in speaking out fearlessly and thinking out of the box, unafraid to voice their opinion and standing their ground. A five piece metalcore/alternative metal band from Cochin, India, Heretic have stormed some of the biggest venues in India and laid to waste fans and musicians alike with their explosive brand of metal. Influenced by Killswitch Engage, Mudvayne and Haste The Day among others, Heretic is a live act to be reckoned with, and not one to be taken lightly.

In early 2008, Heretic released a three track EP entitled “Reprised” for free internet downloads. The band is now in the studio, recording their debut full length album “Insist To Differ.”

History:
After months of contemplation, in Sept 2005, Abhijit Namboodiripad and Hareesh Kumar, friends from school started a 4 piece thrash metal band, playing covers by Metallica and Slipknot. Like every band starting out, Heretic went through the ups and downs associated with live music. Bad gigs with worse sound were commonplace, until Akhil Unnikrishnan, a classically trained vocalist joined the band. He brought with him a drummer, a college mate of his, Arpith Easo Samuel. Benjamin joined the band as the bassist, holding the backline and thus, the essential line-up of Heretic was formed. Within a few months of this, the band started winning regional competitions, gaining the respect of fans and fellow musicians alike. Right from the annual June Rock Out to the Great Indian October Fest, Independence Rock to Yamaha RoXX, Heretic has conquered them all and is always thirsty for more.

Today, Heretic is recognized as the forerunners of the New Wave Of Indian Heavy Metal and is probably the one of the best metal bands from South India. With fans from countries as far as the United Kingdom, Greece and Israel, Heretic is truly a world class act and brings to the table a brand of metal unlike nothing you’ve seen or heard before.

Critical Acclaim:
• Heretic’s song “Bleed To Heal” (from the Reprised EP) was an instant hit on the internet, with the song reaching the Top 100 (of more than 19000 songs) on the Soundclick.com alternative metal charts within one week of being posted on the site.
• Heretic’s original “Reprise” (from the Reprised EP) was featured on the Headbangers India International Connection compilation CD and was selected to be played on Radio Metal, a French internet radio station.
• Heretic’s original “Reprise” (from the Reprised EP) was featured along with Rat King as one of two National Artists on the inaugural TNT Magazine’s Great Eastern Rock Vol 1 compilation.
• Heretic’s music and live gigs have been critically reviewed in several national newspapers and magazines.

Discography:
• Reprised EP (2008) [Independent Release]
• Insist To Differ (expected release July 2010) [Roadcrew Records]