Mirror Magazine

Planting the seeds of local talent in the international music arena, Stigmata, the local heavy metal phenomenon, will create a firestorm among the rock audience of Maldives at their first international concert appearance this weekend!

Organised by the Maldivian leisure magazine, CQ, the two-night rock festival, Rock Storm, is expected to draw a crowd of approximately six to seven thousand fans and will feature the Maldivian band Serenity Dies and a Malaysian solo artiste named Fuzzy. However, the focal point of the two evenings will be Stigmata, who will be headlining the festival of rock.

Stigmata, having proven to be among the most ingenious composers in the country by creating a revolutionary new rhythm in the local music industry with the release of their album ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’, were recognised by the magazine, and invited to play in this major international event. As an extension of heavy metal with a touch of Sri Lankan flair, ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ was a novel concept in the Sri Lankan music industry, and triumphed in capturing the attention of the local audience, as well as the international heavy metal connoisseurs. “This is the first time that a local hard rock or heavy metal band is appearing in an international rock festival,” said the band’s vocalist Suresh de Silva.

“As far as Stigmata is concerned, this concert is a milestone for us, as it is the first time that we are playing abroad,” said Suresh, adding, “This festival will be a window to show the international crowd what we, as Sri Lankans, are capable of.”

Substituting for the band’s Bass Guitarist Vije Dhas, who will not be joining Stigmata in the Maldives, will be Javeen from Tantrum. “It is an honour and pleasure for the Stigs to work together with Javeen, until Vije recovers,” said Suresh, adding, “Vije’s commitment and dedication to the band is absolutely unmatched. Even while undergoing medical treatment, he supports Stigmata in whichever way he can.”

The festival will further serve as an opportunity for Stigmata to promote their album ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ among the international heavy metal fan base. “Listening to our music on a CD is totally different to seeing us perform live,” said Suresh, revealing the band’s expectations to promote their album in the Maldives. “The music we make is our language, and there’s a lot of freedom of expression in what we do,” he added.