By Mannu Shahi
Kathmandu, Nov 30: Chepang are a grindcore immigrant Nepali band formed around 2016 in New York, USA where they’ve been based in since the last decade. The band members state that the political turmoil happening in the nation led them to migrate outside of the country and the frustration of leaving their native land left some feelings of chaos in them, thus, bringing each member together by creating a stronger bond for the band to head forward and discover this structured-cacophony that calmed their internal crisis.
Their first EP: Lathi Charge was published on 1st August, 2016 through Nerve Altar (USA) and Holy Goat Records (Germany) which was well-received and earned them a spot to play in Maryland Death Fest 2017 held at Baltimore.
The band classifies their music as "immigrindcore", as their songs deal with issues relevant to oppression and class warfare.
Soon after their first entry the band felt like they needed a full-length album and also came across the idea of adding in 2 drums for not only the live shows but also recordings. And a year after on 3rd November 2017 they released their 14 tracks album; Dadhelo – A Tale of Wildfire, which deals with people being oppressed, controlled and taken advantage of in many forms around the world.
After the release of this album the band has been touring throughout USA and in parts of Europe, playing in major underground metal festivals like Obscene Extreme Fest 2018. Chepang are Surya Pun aka Himalayan Leopard, Gobina Sen aka Hammer, Sanket Lama aka Bhotey Gore, Kshitiz Moktan aka Captain Bhudey/ Tone Lord and Dipesh Hirachan aka Mountain God.
And currently the band is back in their hometown for two shows as a part of their event Dosro Bhet Nepal Tour happening today at Purple Haze, Thamel from 3:30 pm onwards and next Saturday 7th December at Bohemian Rhapsody, Pokhara.
The event features some of the favorite local acts hailing from the underground scene of Kathamandu. Hardcore quartet Neck Deep in Filth, grindcore group Discord and the four-piece death metal outlet Disorder are the bands supporting the shows. The tickets are priced Rs. 500 per entry and the event is presented by Gurkha Commando Blast Team and Purple Haze Underground.