KARMANT (band)

KARMANT (band)

KARMANT

Karmant is a thrash metal band based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established in 2016 by Zami Hossain. Subsequently, he incorporated Farhad Bin Taher as the guitarist and Adnan Rashid as the drummer. After five years of contributing to the underground metal scene, the band secured a contract with the American independent digital music distribution service, DistroKid, and released their debut album, "Riot in Uniform." This album draws inspiration from the significant nationwide student movement that occurred on July 29, 2018. This event was pivotal for Karmant, as it greatly influenced their approach to creative songwriting.

Currently, the band is engaged in the production of two full-length albums, titled "Obsidian Pulsation" and "Hack & Slash," which they intend to release shortly. They anticipate that these albums will substantially enhance their artistic portfolio. Karmant has a longstanding history of performing at local gatherings in and around Dhaka, and they have completed two international performances in India.

History

The band was established in 2016 by Zami Hossain who aimed to create music that would contribute a contemporary dimension to the existing thrash metal scene in Bangladesh. Later, he incorporated other skilled musicians to collaboratively realize the band’s musical vision.

Following the release of an instrumental studio demo entitled "MetalRash" in 2017 and an album titled "Riot In Uniform" in 2021, the band Karmant engaged in numerous performances across Dhaka and its surrounding regions. Later, the band had the privilege of traveling to India, where they performed two shows in Kolkata. After this engagement, Karmant received an invitation to perform as the headlining act for the Killmandu Deathfest in Kathmandu, Nepal.

In 2021, the band signed with DistroKid, an independent digital music distribution service based in the United States, and released an extended play (EP) entitled "Riot In Uniform". This release facilitated more than 15 concert performances over the subsequent two years. Notably, "Riot In Uniform" marked the band’s first inaugural release outside Bangladesh. Although the EP does not have a physical release, it is accessible on major digital music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, Deezer, Tidal (service) etc. In late 2021, guitarist Hasan Zamil Nadvi departed from the band to further his academic pursuits in the United States of America. The farewell show was Combat Terror on October 8, 2021.

Bangladesh road-safety protests 2018

The EP "Riot In Uniform" is inspired by the 2018 Bangladesh road-safety protests, a significant nationwide student movement that occurred on July 29, 2018. This event had a profound impact on Karmant's songwriting approach. The EP addresses a range of social issues, including bureaucratic greed, road safety, and the potential risks associated with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, all articulated through its intellectually engaging lyrics.

As of early 2022, Karmant was actively performing as a power trio, showcasing their dynamic sound and energetic presence. The band was in the process of creating new music for their upcoming album titled "Hack & Slash". This highly anticipated album is scheduled for release in 2025 and is expected to highlight the band's evolution and creativity.

Karmant performing in Bangladesh Thrashfest 2023

Throughout 2022 and 2023, Karmant continued to engage with their audience by performing at various concerts across Dhaka and other divisions in Bangladesh, drawing enthusiastic crowds. One of the highlights of their 2023 schedule was their participation in the Bangladesh Thrash Fest, a significant event in the metal scene held in Dhaka. During this festival, Karmant had the privilege of sharing the stage with several notable bands, including Powersurge, Thrash, Goddamn, Burning Democracy, and Kaizen, further establishing their presence in the thriving musical landscape of Bangladesh.

By 2024, the band unveiled demos from their upcoming album, Hack & Slash. Among these demos are two tracks titled "Smelling Death (Rebirth of General Destroyer)" and "Zip-Tied, Gutted". These releases have generated significant excitement among fans, showcasing the band's unique sound and artistic evolution. With these demos, Karmant is giving listeners a tantalizing glimpse into the themes and musical direction of their forthcoming album.

General Destroyer

General Destroyer serves as the illustrated mascot of the band Karmant, making his first appearance in the artwork for their EP "Riot in Uniform". This character is depicted as a haunting skeletal figure, clad in an army general's uniform that underscores his authoritative yet ominous presence.

The artwork captures him in a way that conveys a deep sense of reflection and critique of humanity. He embodies a poignant phrase that echoes throughout the band's themes: "For long I have seen the horror of men. The fear that lurks within causes devastation. With each step, I collect the desire for rain. I walk forward with firm conviction!" This statement suggests a profound understanding of the darkness that resides within humanity, as well as a relentless determination to confront it.

General Destroyer's face is notably skeletal, featuring a smirk that adds an unsettling layer to his character, hinting at both mockery and defiance. He is shown holding a desk globe that is intriguingly designed to resemble a magma-infused Earth, symbolizing the fiery turmoil and upheaval of the world. This artistic representation encapsulates themes of destruction and rebirth, resonating with the band's overarching message.

In the demo "Smelling Death", there are numerous intricate details that tie into the character of General Destroyer. The song primarily delves into the controversial subject of abortion, but it takes a unique perspective by capturing a self-reflective monologue from the viewpoint of the fetus that is on the brink of being terminated.

Throughout the lyrics, the fetus grapples with its existence, expressing a mix of fear, confusion, and longing. Pivotal lines such as, "Am I hearing things in my head? Am I smelling my own death? Afraid of life, unwanted, vilified. You'll be hacked to death if I survive," illustrate this inner turmoil. These words paint a vivid picture of an entity that is acutely aware of its mortality while simultaneously expressing a desire to survive against overwhelming odds.

The song creatively intertwines the themes of abortion and the potential survival of the fetus, suggesting an underlying narrative where the fetus might defy expectations and grow into the formidable figure of General Destroyer. This duality in the lyrics invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of life, identity, and the consequences of choices made in moments of uncertainty.

Band Members

Current members

Mahdee Manzil - vocals (2023 – present)

Zami Hossain - bass, guitar, and vocals (2016 – present)

Rakibul Alam Rafat - guitar (2022 – present)

Naweed Kabir - drums (2020 – present)

Former Members

Hasan Zamil - guitar (2017 – 2021)

Adnan Rashid - drums (2017 – 2019)

Farhad Bin Taher - guitar (2016 – 2018)

Discography

Demos

Smelling Death (Rebirth of General Destroyer) (Demo) - 2022

Zip-Tied, Gutted (Demo) - 2023

EP

Riot In Uniform (EP) - 2021

Albums

Obsidian Pulsation (LP) - 2025

Hack & Slash (LP) - 2025

Articles

The Daily Star - KARMANT: A Thrash Metal Band Beyond the Growls and Screams

The Business Standard - Karmant: Thrashing through society

The Business Standard - Karmant: When protest finds expression in thrash metal

Unite Asia - Thrash Metal Band Karmant Release Debut EP ‘Riot in Uniform’ [Bangladesh]

The Front Page - Bangladeshi Thrash Metal band Karmant to perform in Kolkata