Artcell is a Bangladeshi progressive metal band formed in October 1999.[1] According to The Daily Star, a leading English national daily, Artcell is "one of the leading bands of the country".[2]
| Artcell | |
|---|---|
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Artcell at live concert
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Genres | progressive metal,progressive rock |
| Years active | 1999 – present |
| Labels | G Series (2001–2007) |
| Members |
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Contents
[hide]- 1Formation
- 2Onno Shomoy (1999–2002)
- 3Aniket Prantor (2002–2006)
- 42007–2016
- 4.1Band members
- 5Touring member
- 6Discography
- 6.1Studio albums
- 6.2Compilation albums (contributed singles)
- 7Music videos
- 8References
- 9External links
Formation[edit]
Prior to forming the band, the four current members were school friends from Dhaka, and used to get together to play Metallicasongs. Eventually, Ershad came up with compositions of his own and the group began to play them at shows. The positive response they received led them to the formation of a band. What started off as an underground band is now one of the most recognised mainstream bands in the Bengali metal music scene.[1]
The name "Artcell" was decided upon because it was softer sounding than a typical heavy metal name. In Cézanne and Shaju's words:
Onno Shomoy (1999–2002)[edit]
Artcell released its first studio album Onno Shomoy in 2002. It was both critically and commercially successful.[3] The band lost its main songwriter Rupok to cerebral malariawhile working on this album. Onno Shomoy was dedicated to him. One of the songs was titled "Rupok – Ekti Gaan" in his memory.
Aniket Prantor (2002–2006)[edit]
After the success of Onno Shomoy, Artcell spent four years carrying out experiments with their music without releasing an album. They did, however, release singles scattered in various albums by other bands or compilation albums. Their second studio album Aniket Prantor was released on April 2006. "Aniket Prantor", the album's namesake, is Artcell's longest song to date, weighing in at 16 minutes and 20 seconds.[4] The album was one of the top sellers of the year,[3] and in May the band performed their second solo concert at Dhaka's Bashundhara Convention Centre.[5]
2007–2016[edit]
Artcell celebrated its 10th anniversary on 23 October 2009 with a live concert entitled "10 Years of Artcell Insanity" at the Winter Garden, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. A DVD of the concert was due to be released in 2010.[needs update][9] Artcell continue to regularly perform live shows and they have also made many tours of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, with some tours in India and Sydney, Australia. In 2009 the band took part in the "International Coastal Cleanup 2009", a day-long beach clean-up movement, at the Cox's Bazar sea beach.[10]
In early 2010, the band travelled to Australia and performed at Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney on 3 January.[11] The band is due to be one of the country's leading bands to perform at a concert against violence to women in the Banani Army Stadium, Dhaka, in December 2010.[12]
On 9 January, 2012, Artcell announced the release of their third album and confirmed that it would be released by the end of the year. They posted in their Facebook page:"This is to inform all Artcell fans and friends who have been waiting for our 3rd album, wait just for a few more months and Hopefully you won't be disappointed. In addition Artcell is also getting ready with some special releases...Music, videos and communication contents. So, look forward to a year full of activities. Thank you all again for your love and support. You guys are our true strength. Thank you".
Artcell decided to work on their 3rd album in 2013. They played in "Rocknation Overload" on 19 April 2014 after a break of around 2 years.
Cézanne and Shaju, two of the founding members haven't been active with the band for a long time. The two only work with the band when they come to Bangladesh. The official Artcell website says that both of them have settled in Sydney, Australia for family reasons. Ershad And Lincold are presently running the band themselves with guest members.
In 2016, Artcell released their new music video 'Obimrishshota' from their 3rd to be released album 'Otriteeyo' with the original band lineup. After almost 10 years their new song had been released. Both Cézanne and Shaju remain in Sydney, however. They have also created a new band named 'Godmode' in Sydney. Both of them are busy working with that band. It is thought that they have permanently settled in Sydney with their families and will not continue with Artcell.
In the 17 years since its inception, the band has released only 2 albums. Their 3rd album is scheduled to be released in June 2016. Initially scheduled for a 2012 release, it is widely speculated that the delay is due to Cézanne and Shaju's inactivity.
Band members[edit]
- Ershad Zaman, Lead Guitar and Vocals (1999–Present)
- George Lincoln D'Costa, Vocal & Guitar(1999–Present)
- Saef Al Nazi, Cézanne – Bass,Back up Vocals(1999–Present)But Settled in Sydney Doesn't perform with the band anymore.
- Kazi Sajjadul Asheqeen, Shaju – Drums(1999–Present) Settled in Sydney with Cézanne.Doesn't perform with the band anymore.
Touring member[edit]
- Reaz(Mechanix) – Drums (2010–Date)
- Methew Guda - Lead Guitar (2012 - 2013)
- Zahin – Bass (2014–15)
- Niaz Kamran Abir - Drums (2014–15)
- Faisal - Bass (2016-Date)
Discography[edit]
Studio albums[edit]
- Onno Shomoy (2002)
- Oniket Prantor (2006)
- Otriteeyo (2016)
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