Artcell

Artcell

Artcell at live concert
Background information
Origin Dhaka, Bangladesh
Genres progressive metal, progressive rock
Years active 1999 – present
Labels G Series (2001–2007)
Members Ershad
Shaju
Lincoln
Cezanne

Artcell is a Bangladeshi progressive metal band formed in October 1999.[1] According to The Daily Star, a leading English national daily, Artcell is "one of the leading band of the country".[2]

Formation

Prior to forming the band, the four current members were school friends from Dhaka, and used to get together to play Metallica songs. Eventually Ershad came up with compositions of his own and the group began to play them at shows. The response they got was encouraging, which led to the formation of a band. What started off as an underground band is now one of the most recognised mainstream bands in the Bengali metal music scene.[1]

The name "Artcell" was decided upon because it was softer sounding than a typical heavy metal name. In Cézanne and Shaju's words:

Even though we were a heavy metal band when we started, we didn't want a heavy metal name. We wanted a softer or an artistic touch to the heavy metal side. 'Cells where art is produced' – that was pretty much the basic idea behind the name 'Artcell.' Ershad came up with it and we all opted for it.[1]

Onno Shomoy (1999–2002)

Artcell released its first studio album Onno Shomoy in 2002. It was both critically and commercially successful.[3] The band lost its main songwriter Rupok to cerebral malaria while working on this album. Onno Shomoy was dedicated to him. One of the songs was titled "Rupok – Ekti Gaan" in his memory.

Aniket Prantor (2002–2006)

After the success of Onno Shomoy, Artcell spent four years carrying out experiments with their music without releasing an album although they did release singles scattered in various albums by other bands or compilation albums. Their second studio album Aniket Prantor came in April 2006.[4] The album was one of the top sellers of the year,[3] and in May the band performed their second solo concert at Dhaka's Bashundhara Convention Centre.[5]

The Dhaka Sheraton where the "10 Years of Artcell Insanity" concert took place
Ershad with Jewel (Miles) at 10 Years of Artcell Insanity concert

Aniket prantor is the longest song of Artcell.

2007–2014

Artcell celebrated its 10th anniversary on 23 October 2009 with a live concert entitled "10 Years of Artcell Insanity" at the Winter Garden, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.[2][6][7][8] A DVD of the concert was due to be released in 2010.[9] Artcell continue to regularly perform live shows and they have also made many tours out of Dhaka, including Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, with some tours in India and Sydney, Australia. In 2009 the band took part in "International Coastal Cleanup 2009", a day-long beach clean-up movement, at the Cox's Bazar sea beach.[10]

In early 2010 the band travelled to Australia and performed at Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney on 3 January.[11] The band is due to be one of the country's leading bands to perform at a concert against violence to women in the Banani Army Stadium, Dhaka, in December 2010.[12]

On 9 January 2012 Artcell announced the releasing of their third album and clarified that it will surely be released sometime in 2012.They posted in their Facebook page:"This is to inform all Artcell fans and friends who have been waiting for our 3rd album, wait just for a few more months and Hopefully you won't be disappointed. In addition Artcell is also getting ready with some special releases...Music, videos and communication contents. So, look forward to a year full of activities. Thank you all again for your love and support. You guys are our true strength. Thank you".

Artcell decided to work on their 3rd album in 2013. They played in "Rocknation Overload" on 19 April 2014 after a break of around 2 years.

In 2014, the rumour has it, that their long time bassist & backup vocalist Cézanne left the band, however no official statement from the band has been made so far on the issue.

Band members

Touring Member

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums (contributed singles)

Music videos

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Band Review – Artcell". www.bracnet.net. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  2. 1 2 Mahmud, Jamil. "A decade of Rock 'n’ Roll". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  3. 1 2 "– Artcell – Heavy metal band from Bangladesh". Tartarean Desire. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  4. ↑ Karim, Elita. "Music to my ears...". Star Weekend Magazine. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  5. ↑ Rahman, Zeeshan B. "The Week in Review – Artcell live in concert". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  6. ↑ Alamgir, Mohiuddin (23 October 2009). "Artcell celebrates its tenth year". Holiday art & culture. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  7. ↑ "Artcell tribute concert held". Dhaka Mirror. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  8. ↑ "Culture News". Dhaka Courier Online. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  9. ↑ "Artcell releasing their new DVD". youthsparks entertainment & lifestyle. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  10. ↑ "AB Bank celebrates 'Int'l Coastal Cleanup-'09'". The Financial Express (Bangladesh). 16 August 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  11. ↑ "Artcell goes places". Bangla Music. Archived from the original on 1 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  12. ↑ "UNFPA, BAMBA to host concert". The Financial Express (Bangladesh). 29 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.

External links

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