Feature

Elysium a young band to watch out for

Mahdin Mahboob

The energy and talent in this group of teenagers is definitely praiseworthy. Elysium as they call themselves is a young Rock band in the Underground music scene in Bangladesh. These young people have just started their A Levels and are currently jamming to rock their fans this summer in numerous concerts.

Elysium was initially the dream of a bunch of 6th Grade students of Sunbeams school who were greatly influenced by the Western music culture. By the time they were in 7th Grade they had already started learning to play the instruments required to form a band, each member choosing to pursue his own interest. The band started jamming and initially had 5 members, with Tahsin on guitars and vocals, Ayman and Ayihim on guitars, Khalid on drums and Zeeshan on bass. A few months later, Ghalib joined in as the bassist and vocalist and then Zeeshan shifted to his other interest and started playing guitars. The band was then complete. After about a year of jamming and getting their basics right Elysium started with some original compositions, finding a great talent in Tahsin and Ghalib for lyrics.

The significance behind the name of the band is very interesting the word 'elysium' comes from Greek Mythology and means 'the final resting place of the bravest of soldiers' the band believes that Bangladesh is an 'elysian field' as many valiant soldiers sacrificed their lives for the independence of our country. Thus the choice of the band's name was an expression of patriotism.

However, in this short span of existence Elysium has had to go through a lot of struggles. With limited resources and a lack of time due to studies, it was very hard to keep practicing on a regular basis. Ayihim then left the country and the band was left with 5 members. Their debut concert was in July '06 at the Battle Underground held at Nazrul Institute, which was organized by Underground Inc. However, a few months after this concert their drummer Khalid left for the States and the band then decided to take a break for their O' Levels. Now, finally with their exams completed, the band is busy preparing for their upcoming concerts.

Elysium's musical influences are quite varied indeed. The band-members seem to be huge fans of Aurthohin and Artcell from the local music scene, and they are greatly inspired by Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theatre, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pink Floyd, Guns & Roses and U2. However, their personal tastes in music are pretty diverse too. Tahsin's influences include Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Vinnie Moore and the Eagles. Ayman on the other hand is greatly influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani, Malmsteen, Arch Enemy and Tool. While Ghalib enjoys listening to Flea, Stu Hamm, John Myang and Sumon of Aurthohin, Zeeshan prefers Nirvana, Megadeth, Incubus and Nemesis.

The band has composed five tracks so far: 'Amar Khojey Ami', 'Moving On', 'Smriti', 'Artoshor' and 'Tomar Jonne'. The band currently has only four members in Dhaka, with Tahsin on guitars and vocals, Ghalib on bass and vocals and Ayman and Zeeshan on guitars. Elysium is planning on performing with a guest drummer this summer. Truly, this is a band with great caliber and enthusiasm towards music, definitely one to look out for in the future.