Shillong witnessed a gathering of metal enthusiasts as the Metal Battle Northeast prelims culminated with a thunderous performance by six shortlisted bands. Held as part of the first edition of Shillong Open Air at the State Central Library premises on Saturday, the event drew hundreds of metalheads from across the region.
Emerging victorious, Air Raid Sirens from Mawkyrwat clinched the top spot and will now represent the North East at the India Subcontinent round of the Metal Battle to be held in Bangalore on February 6. The ultimate winner of this contest will head to the international stage at Wacken Open Air in Germany, one of the world’s largest and most iconic metal festivals later this summer.
The event did not end with the competition; it was followed by electrifying performances from top metal bands across India. Eternal Scorn and Adremelech from Shillong, Speedtrip from Bangalore and Godless from Hyderabad set the stage ablaze with their high-octane sets, making the night unforgettable for attendees.