A decade of Rock ‘n’ Roll

(Clockwise from top): Ali (2-R) of Reborn joins Warfaze’s Kamol (2-L) and members of Artcell to perform a cover of “Mukti chai”; Suman (L) of Aurthohin with Artcell; Ershad (lead guitarist of Artcell) with Kamol.

Artcell, one of the leading rock bands of the country, celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 23 with a grand concert titled '10 Years of Artcell In-sanity'. The concert was held at Winter Garden, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.
It was a much-awaited event for the young urban rock n' roll enthusiasts.
Deshi bands, which inspired Artcell during the last 10 years as well as bands that are being inspired by it at present, came together to celebrate this special occasion. Apart from Artcell, the presence of one or more members from leading bands like Warfaze, Miles, Feedback and Aurthohin made the concert a grand affair.
Members of upcoming bands like Cryptic Fate, Reborn, Mechanix and Power Surge also made appearances at the concert. Apart from performing their compositions, most of the bands and artistes covered at least one Artcell number.
The concert began with a rendition of "Shaheed swarani" by Artcell. The song, from the band's second album "Aniket Prantor" (2006), is a tribute to martyrs. Before inviting guest artistes on the stage, the band performed two more songs -- "Onno shomoy", title track from Artcell's debut album and "Dukkho bilash".
Artcell's two studio albums and several solos -- featured in mixed albums -- are known for evocative lyrics on the complexities of the human mind and contemporary issues.
According to the bassist of the band, Cezanne: "Our inspiration was Metallica, but we would like to label ourselves as a 'progressive rock band'."
With a full house and dazzling lights, the ambiance was all set for a charged performance. Power Surge performed three songs, including a cover of Artcell's "Rahur grash" and Feelings' "Sultana bibiyana". Reborn performed two songs. Later the band's vocalist Ali joined Warfaze's Kamol and together with the members of Artcell they did a cover of the Warfaze number "Mukti chai."
Suman of Aurthohin jointed Artcell and rendered two songs, including "Poth chola". With Hamin Ahmed on stage, Artcell made a homage to Miles with a cover of "Ek jhor eshey." Maqsood performed "Ami jonmechi ei deshey" with Artcell.
Arshad and Morshed, members of one of the earliest progressive deshi bands Rockstrata, performed two songs, including "Jiboner ei pothey." Mechanix's performance of a medley, starting with Azam Khan's "Bangladesh", was a tribute to Bangladeshi rock music.
Members of Artcell also performed "Tomakey", "Utshober utshahey", "Chiley kothar shepai" and a cover of Metallica's "Unforgiven".
The grand event ended with a rendition of Artcell's "Aniket prantor".