LET’S ALL AGREE, cancer is a real downer. However, to create an awareness against the dreadful disease Deepsikha Cancer Care Foundation organized a fundraiser concert ‘Preetir Enajori 2009’ at the Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts at Machkhowa, Guwahati on August 8 featuring Indian melodic metallers Demonic Resurrection, all the way from Mumbai.

There were posters and brochures and occasionally some words from anchor Anupjyoti Choudhury to remind the audience the reason for the show, but thankfully the music was allowed to take centre-stage. Another excellent move was to keep the concert smoke and alcohol free, family-friendly event. Infact, the Centre itself is a strict venue as far as these stuff are concerned.

Over the years Deepsikha’s goal, besides raising money for cancer cause, was to present a variety of music styles. Happily, both goals were met. Those who paid the price of admission were treated to a glimpse of some possible future metal stars. The only negative point that evening was the screeching and wailing from the young metal lovers while the anchor tried to sail them along the tide of ‘bond of affection’. They should have at least respected the cause if nothing else.

Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary, the chief guest of the evening released the souvenir Preetir Enajori 2009. He appreciated the foundation’s initiative and appealed to all to lend a helping hand. He also assured utmost help from his side. The Governor was felicitated by Bimi Goswami, a cancer survivor. Sudipto Choudhury, the chief operating officer of Bharati Airtel, North East, the prime sponsor of the evening also sharing his views appealed to the people to join hands with Deepsikha. The foundation chairman Devasish Sharma said, “we at Deepsikha try to add life to their (cancer patients) years, than years to their lives.”

After the formal inauguration Demonic Resurrection took total control of the stage. Melodic and harmonic solos, some added clear vocals and overall high levels of maturity within the songwriting, Demonic Resurrection definitely are a highly talented band. With Demonstealer on vocals and guitars, metallic Mephisto managing a hundred keys, the dynamic Daniel on lead guitars, hurricane Husain on a pounding bass guitar and Virile Viru on drums, the band sailed away comfortably throughout the evening. Right from the word go the band was well received and one could feel the perfect blend of clean vocals with gut wrenching growling, skin blasting drums and head banging riffs completed with melody from the keys in the band. Some of their numbers were very popular amongst the young head banging audience present that evening. Although I am not so much of a Metal lover everything seems to be perfect with this band, from the great guitar leads to the perfect vocals and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

During the course of action the young head bangers, who were seated on the last rows of the auditorium, slowly gathered around the stage area and the elderly present went home with a good dose of what their young offsprings like — Metal!

I was very impressed with the sound arrangement and also the way the band showcased their style and their talent, especially as they continued to add elements from bordering genres such as Death Metal, some Thrash and even Power Metal into their sound.

For the record, Deepsikha Cancer Care Foundation is a non-profit voluntary organization which has been working exclusively for the care of cancer patients of the northeastern region in Mumbai for the last four years. Cancer is a family experience, and careers of the patient are confronted with a myriad of problems from the time cancer is diagnosed. By focusing on the people coming to cancer treatment facilities, Deepsikha has provided assistance in everything like finding a proper place to stay, the process of registration in the hospital, meeting respective doctors, procuring medicines, acquiring blood, getting financial assistance, arranging ambulance, and helping with paperwork for the illiterates.

All said and done, ‘Preetir Enajori 2009’ has been deemed a success. Sure, there could have been a few more people through the door and no doubt many lessons were learnt as regards to the selection of the artistes, but the show had a good feel to it and there were few if any sour notes. Kudos to the team at Deepsikha.

Sattyakee D’com Bhuyan