Kathmandu, June 1
On Saturday, the metalheads at Calm Restaurant, Kathmandu, were beyond excited—not only were they attending Underside’s concert, but they were also witnessing the launch of the band’s new album, What Divides Us.
Since metal shows have become rare in Kathmandu these days, metal music enthusiasts get very few opportunities to enjoy live performances. So, whenever a show does happen, the excitement is palpable. And when it’s an Underside show, that excitement reaches another level—which is exactly what happened on Saturday.
Despite the band having plans to release their album in 2020 and embark on world tours, the Covid pandemic thwarted their plans. Instead, Underside redirected their focus towards Metal For Nepal, a charity project aimed at supporting impoverished communities through various initiatives such as food distribution, community aid, and ensuring children’s access to education.
After a long wait of six years, the band finally released What Divides Us, which features the songs Crisis, Live a Lie, Animals, and Sky Burial. The band performed the first three songs during Saturday’s event.
Regarding the album, in an interview with Onlinekhabar in March 2024, the band said the songs will be different in many ways than their earlier songs.
“Lyrically, we used to write more about inward journey, personal conflict and emotion. I think this time it is bigger than us. There is a message in every song, mostly about social political issues,” says KC in the-then interview with Onlinekhabar.
In the same interview, the band also said they are trying to make their own identity through sound. And the band has done that by incorporating Nepali instruments like madal, dhime, sitar, sarangi and panche baja for the upcoming songs.
“Our country has a lot of unique instruments, so, why do not we try them? ,” said Bikash Bhujel, guitarist of the band, back then. “When we go abroad with such a unique sound, we stand out from various other bands coming from different parts of the world.”
The album launch of What Divides Us not only featured Underside’s powerful performance but also showcased sets by other metal bands including Six Coffins, Chakachak, and Divine Influences—making it a complete treat for the city’s metalheads.
Known for infusing theatrics and cultural elements into their shows—be it body suspension acts or masked dancers inspired by traditional Lakheys—Underside once again lived up to their reputation. This time, they added a nostalgic twist by inviting former bassist and founding member Manil Shakya to join them on stage for two songs, Father and All Notes Off.
What Divides Us is now available on Spotify, marking the return of one of Nepal’s most celebrated metal band—with a sound louder, bolder, and more rooted than ever.
