BIG69 is BIG beacause: SikTh and Hacktivist

Jan 15 • Events • 3437 Views • 2 Comments on BIG69 is BIG beacause: SikTh and Hacktivist

India has been deprived from Metal Festivals for a long time. From the time when Iron Maiden first landed in India in 2007 till the year 2015, no metal festivals have taken place till now. The closest being in Europe in the west and Japan in the East, Big69 is India’s first truly dedicated metal festival. With the likes of Carcass, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Sikth and Hacktivist headlining the festival, this two day festival does look promising.

Right from the old school metalheads to the new school metalheads, Big69 is a big treat to everyone. UK band Sikth has voiced their opinion on Big69, ‘Yes, it shows the World of Metal is spreading, and new scenes are more exciting. Things still feel fresh. I think it is really important for the metal industry, now more than ever.’ The first day of the festival is completely dedicated to old school metal while the second day is dedicated to new school metal.

Formed in 1998 Sikth, one of the second day’s headliners, is considered to be influential to the djent movement alongside Meshuggah. They disbanded in 2008 and became huge in the underground djent scene. Influencing bands like Periphery, they are considered a pioneer in their genre. After reuniting in 2014, this is the first time they are performing in India. When asked about playing with such a huge line-up from India and abroad, they quoted ‘It feels good to be playing shows with these bands. We know Carcass, Jeff came to a few shows, I knew Bill Steers years ago too. I really would like to hear more music from Indian bands. We heard some Kathmandu bands, they were awesome. So, we are excited to play with them too. Our good friends Under Side.’ After their reunion in 2014, they have been touring a lot all over the world. They have toured the sub-continent before. They have headlined the Silence Festival, Nepal in October 2014. They are hoping to get a parallel response during Big69. So, if we are wondering what we should expect from them after their reunion. Then, they have the perfect answer for us, ‘Whatever it would be, you could expect energy, complexity and depth. Musically, vocally and lyrically.’ They do have a fair share of knowledge on the Indian metal scene too. ‘We all know of various bands from India, I remember a band called Reverse Polarity. Then also we know Skyharbor. And then this band who drove all the way to Kathmandu, who were meant to play. I want to see them, but can’t remember their name.’

Hacktivist from UK, second day’s co-headliner, was formed in 2011 by Timfy James is a crossover of many genres like Rap metal, djent, Nu-metal. While most bands struggle in the first few years, Hacktivist has become a well-known band in just four years. Having performed in many festivals in Europe and a headlining tour in UK, they are one of the co-headliners in Big69. Hacktivist has a very strong political and social messages in their lyrics. Adding it to their unique music style, they are a band to look for. Considered a ‘fluke’ by Tim, they have got a considerable amount of airplay in BBC1 radio and their singles reached number 1 in iTunes metal within few hours. This is the first time a band like this is performing in India and definitely we need to look forward for it.

Having said all these Big69 is a giant platter served to the metalheads in India. It is the first time a two day metal festival is taking place in India but surely it won’t be the last. We sign off with Sikth’s message, ‘We can’t wait to come to India and rock out with you all! Be ready! We want to see your energy, as much as you do ours!’