Defiant’s final show of  Nepal Tour at BnC

By Mannu Shahi

Defiant is a hardcore quartet based in Helsinki, Finland, comprising of Nepali guitarist Saurav Tamrakar, Finnish drummer Kat Brelo, vocalist Heikki Elovaara and bassist Aleksi Koivistoinen. Embracing their eccentric creative visions and retracting away from preconceived musical boundaries, the band creates an erratic and inventive sonic palate.

A dynamic combo of “ruthless Himalayas and Nordic darkness”, the outfit with their contribution aims to push the creative envelope of heavy, dissonant and angsty music. Their discography consists of a four-track demo ‘Wanderer’ (2019), full-length album ‘Kill Your Idols’ (2021), six track EP ‘Demons’ (2022), and a handful of singles. 

After completing his undergraduate degree in Ethnomusicology from Nepal, guitarist Saurav Tamrakar relocated to eastern Finland’s town of Kuopio where he started to manifest the embryo for Defiant.

He was formerly associated with underground acts such as Breach Not Broken and Spinal Discord. Both the groups had garnered a niche following in the local heavy music scene yet they disbanded over time.  Continuous jam sessions with his partner Kat Brelo, exploration of the local scene of Helsinki and crossing paths with Heikki Elovaara and Aleksi Koivistoinen finally gave birth to Defiant. Hence, the quartet played their first show in 2019 at Squat Kumma, Helsinki, alongside Swedish hardcore group God Mother. The band has also performed in the CBB Fest III, Baltic Tour 2019, Tattoo Circus 2020, Ülase Fest in 2021 and Initiate Fest in 2022. 

Their music advocates a range of emotions and issues such as: not being afraid to start over; exploring the unknown to unravel one’s true potential; fighting personal adversities; lack of belongingness; identity-crisis; creating one’s own life path and purpose; veganism; elucidating voices of the marginalised and enslaved among others.  The band’s latest EP and debut album was released via the DIY German record label Bound By Modern Age and distributed by Catalyst Records (US) and Retribution Records (Japan). Both the entries, plus the demo tape, were recorded, mixed and mastered by guitarist Saurav Tamrakar, and the cover artwork was created by drummer Kat Brelo.

Now, the band is on their first ever Nepal tour titled ‘Chaos Over The Himalayas’ supported by Noodle Rex, Vehement Records, Nepali Guitar Tutorial, Oscar Event Management, Karmalanche Record, Leena’s Print, Studio 5150 Nepal and Silence Festival. They have already performed a total of three shows in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Damak on November 5, 8 and 12 respectively.

The supporting bands for this tour leg were Nepali metal and hardcore groups: Discord, Strangle, The Voices Unheard, Anhur, Maranatha, Void Turned To Message, Blind Dick, Nainsook and Neck Deep In Filth.  According to Defiant’s guitarist Tamrakar, the reason behind the tour was “cultural exchange”.

“I have been in Finland for long and have learned a lot about Nordic culture and music. I also wanted my band members to see where I came from and what Nepal was like. Our plan was to explore Nepali underground music and culture, visit new places, connect with people, play some music and hangout,” he said. The band will be performing their final show of the tour at Beers and Cheers, Jhamsikhel next week on November 19. The ticket for the event is priced Rs. 300 per entry and will be available at the venue. So be there !