After much anticipation and popular demand, the latest chapter of Gathering, the most ambitious solely hard rock and metal sessions, successively rocked up a storm at Alimas Carnival’s Main Stage on March 8th.
Returning for its sixth and, in this writer’s opinion, grandest edition held thus far, it mustered a “gathering” (as the name suggests) of music fans from all genres.
The Gathering is currently organised and lead by a team of five members, supported by fellow rockers along the way. In an exclusive interview to the Edition, the team revealed that each chapter took them three to four months of planning and coordinating, to get every detail right.
Since its inception in March 2015, the platform intended to showcase established and upcoming musicians amassed a growing cult following.
Likewise, Chapter VI began filled with an electric atmosphere as numerous music enthusiasts, notably “metalheads” and artists of all kinds, flocked to the Carnival eagerly awaiting the Friday evening kickoff.
Veteran fans may have thought they knew what to expect with a line up of celebrated local giants such as ‘Fasy Live’, ‘1 Knight Stand’, ‘Tormenta’ and ‘Sacred Legacy’ that had previously performed at previous instalments of the Gathering.
Chapter VI, however, proved to exceed any and all expectations. The sound of fierce growling vocals backed up by hard hitting basslines, fast paced uptempo drums, heavy distorted guitar riffs and solos incorporating atmospheric licks and effects were perfectly accentuated by programmed stage lighting, smoke machines and animated visual backdrops, all to fuel even the most stoic souls with adrenaline.
Newcomers to the metal scene, Zennia debuted as the opening act of the show, kicking the fest off with vigour that set the tone and theme for the entirety of the event, inciting the first of many mosh pits throughout the night. The band left a lasting impression with attendees for their energetic performance, creating a name for themselves as the next rising star on the scene.
Flaming Biskeemiyas followed, infusing the session with their old school hard rock style , a far departure from the preceding act, handling the technical issues they faced with the mic during one of their songs and still proving to impress with the professionalism only experience brings.
In a notably different twist, Kusheh Nooney took to the stage next. Their ambient use of effects pedals, alternative-punk fusion style riffing and Dhivehi lyrics in their original songs was a welcome change that significantly stood out. The band showcased songs from their upcoming album, offering listeners an enticing taste of what is to come.
It was then that the much anticipated and hyped alternative metal band supergroup Fantastic 4H Fihaara lit up the stage, driving the already pumped up crowd to a frenzy with an amped up nostalgic set that catered to a fans across a variety of genres. Their lively performance was only eclipsed by the awe-inspiring raucous audience participation - at one point, the vocals were drowned in the sea of voices singing renditions unison to F4HF’s songs in utter unison.
Politically and socially conscious Maldivian veteran hard rock band Traphic Jam was next, bringing back their original classics such as the controversial “Party System”, updated to befit the current political landscape. Having an established big name such as the Traphic Jam grace the stage served as an extra notch amongst Gathering’s famed alumni of performers.
Stagnant Rift, technical metal virtuoso supergroup, entered next, comprised of recurring members hailing from different bands. As the act delivvered their second performance in the Gathering series, upon witnessing the sheer pinnacle of experience being showcased, the crowd went full-on ballistic.
Vile Servium closed the night with the technical mastery and intensity that is the band’s staple, a truly fitting end to the high energy rampant throughout the show.
If the Gathering’s purpose is to endear music enthusiasts to the hard rock and metal community, then within this installment, that goal was certainly met. There was a deep sense of mutual respect and unity amongst the crowd even within the chaotic mosh pits that ensued, and everyone felt welcomed.
As Fantastic 4H Fihaara’s lead guitarist Aafee Umar attested, "Heavy metal isn't a cult or a specific lifestyle. You don't have to dress in a specific way or be a specific kind of person to be a heavy metal fan or musician, and we proved that at Gathering Chapter VI.”
“The crowd was a healthy mix of young and old, both ladies and gentlemen as well, along with hardcore rockers with their long hair and band tees, and people with decent haircuts and regular casual attire,” remarked the lead guitarist.
Aafee went on to say, “I'm also especially proud of the fact that no matter who was involved, there was a sense of unity and camaraderie. When someone fell in the mosh pit, we helped them get up.
“We shared drinks with each other and the vibe in the venue was amazing in general,” said Aafee, going on to assert that his enthusiasm towards continuing the movement, while adding that audiences should expect news for Chapter VII soon.
Recalling on his performances at the night, a member of the Gathering team Mohamed Afnaan, who performed for both Zennia and Stagnant Rift, humorously declared, “The force was with me throughout the show. The show turned out much better than I expected. There are many people who listen to metal music here, and that number will increase.”
“This is the continuation after a long break for metal. Let’s hope rock and metal and other genres of hard extreme music comes alive here”.
Noting that there are many young talents, Afnaan expressed wishes to see Maldives’ music scene bloom, mentioning his hopes that Gathering had proved to be an avenue where attendees got to witness undiscovered talent, and that the show was enjoyable for all.
Afnaan’s hopes were not unfounded as attendee Miraash Mohamed recalled that his initial trepidation of joining the mosh pit disappeared after he jumped in. Miraash fondly referred of the show as being “the best night ever and best experience of my life - it was very different”.
Each chapter receives immense support, and interest to sponsor the event. According to the organizers, “It is important to note that some companies prefer to be a silent partner and donate generously to help the musician’s community.
The Chapter VI has three partners and three sponsors signed, including Kaban Events as lighting partner, Official Events as sound partner and Stage Core as the visual partner. Rock Chamber, Maldives Music and Arts Centre (MMAC) and Baiscoafu made the magic happen as the main sponsors.”
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