Sure, it might sound a little unusual to call an EP the progeny of a region’s music scene, but that’s exactly what Flint Knife Murder’s latest release feels like for Meghalaya’s Folk Metal scene. Following in the footsteps of Dymbur, Flint Knife Murder, a duo from Shillong consisting of Siddharth Barua on Guitars/Vocals/Programming duties and Saptarshi Das on Bass/Vocals, brings something raw and fierce to the table through Pretayug. At first glance, they might remind you of American melodic death metal giants Black Dahlia Murder, with their name evoking some truly grotesque imagery, and rightly so, because this band gives the dark side a voice with Pretayug, an EP that plunges you deep into a sea of storytelling, weaving together the brutality of death metal with the soul of folklore. Released this September, Pretayug is the second EP by Flint Knife Murder, and listening to it is an experience that leaves you ruminating long after the final note fades.
The EP opens with the track Nartiang, starting off with ritualistic ululations typical of Assamese and Bengali ceremonies, layered with Dhol and Kartaals that give it an authentic vibe. The sound of temple bells rings throughout the track, adding to the mysticism. Inspired by a legend from Meghalaya about human sacrifice, it’s as chilling as it sounds. But it’s the blend of history, culture, and the supernatural that really hooks you. Siddharth Barua’s false chord gutturals enhance the eerie atmosphere and draw you deeper into the dark tale the music tells.
The EP keeps the momentum of eeriness steady with the second track Likai, which is based on the legend of the famous Nohkalikai falls. The prelude paints a dark picture with Tiara Kharpuri’s voice lending a demonic or to say the least, a creepy start to the song, which greatly complements the rhythms inspired from Khasi music and the tabla used to accentuate the percussion.
The third track, Angulimala, takes its name from the famous Buddhist tale of the finger necklace-wielding beast who finds enlightenment. It’s a death-thrash powerhouse, packed with Indian instruments that really set it apart. The song tells the wild story of Angulimala’s transformation, from feared forest beast to a figure of redemption. And just when you think it can’t get any more intense, it wraps up with the serene Buddhist chant: Buddham Saranam Gacchami, Dhammam Saranam Gacchami, Sangham Saranam Gacchami, which is a striking contrast that really leaves an impression.
It is then followed by the fourth track Dharmapala, which is a 7-minute work of art. It brings together Tibetan instruments such as the Tibetan Gong and Shamisen, along with samples of a real Tibetan long horn, known as Dungchen, which contributes its haunting wail to the mix. This track transports you into the world of the Buddhist God of cemeteries, the Citipati, making for an immersive experience that captivates the senses.
The final track, and my personal favourite, that shares the same title as the EP, with a Shamisen, which sounds similar to a Biwa (Demon Slayer fans, assemble) and an ambient soundscape, assisting it, was an absolute tastemaker. This track is all about ominous music that speaks of something dark and brooding on the horizon, and feels like a commencement rather than a conclusion, justifying what the band says, “The fifth song “Pretayug” is a coda that almost sounds like an introduction instead of an ending, telling all that the time for Flint Knife Murder has come.”
Through Pretayug, Flint Knife Murder carves a path leading to a dark cave filled with chilling tales. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, prepare yourself for a journey that feels like swimming through dark waters while ancient stories whisper in your ears, then Pretayug is the EP you should be adding to your playlist now.
