Fallen Letters - A Familiar Absence (Single Review)

Release Date: July 09th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Released. Format: DD

A Familiar Absence - Tracklist

A Familiar Absence

Members

Vocals / Guitars / Synths – Vishal Naidu

Guitars – Aditya Ramesh

Bass – Abhay

Drums – Mukund

Review

Progressive Metallers Fallen Letters blend Prog, Psych, Post-Metal and Alt-Metal into a myriad of different styles that calls upon the likes of OPETH, KATATONIA and Deftones. The band originate from Bangalore, India but on their latest track A Familiar Absence you would think they’re from the Scandinavian or American Metal scenes. As they have quite a highly polished and superbly realized sound that marries the Extreme Metal and Underground Metal worlds superbly well.

The vocals move between Death Growls and Doom Metal surroundings with a violent undercurrent of Thrash and Death Metal appearing the background. The subtle switch to different areas of rock and metal serves Fallen Letters amazingly well. Their 2025 album Mindfractures has a different sound to this track which perhaps allows the band to be quite grounded and progressive with their music. Their sound is quite abstract with small waves of Prog Rock, Psych Rock and modern day Doom transforming into fast-paced and intense instrumental melodies. 

The majority of music that I’ve experienced from the Indian Heavy Metal underground scene has been limited down to a great mix of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal bands but I was mighty impressed from what I’ve heard from Fallen Letters with their recent album and their latest track A Familiar Absence. It may take a few listens to fully get accustomed to Fallen Letters' way of delivering pounding grooves but it’s a journey worth taking time and time again. 

A Familiar Absence is a great track for the band to introduce themselves with that ultimately leaves you wanting to hear more.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Official | Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Khayrava - Ghost Pain (EP Review)

Release Date: November 11th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Ghost Pain - Tracklisting

1.Red Hot Sun 07:04

2.Ghost Pain 10:31

Members

Pablo Cádiz Monteagudo

Daniel Carbayo Crespo

Alejandro Torres María

Rubén Uclés Juárez

Review

Khayrava's debut EP Ghost Pain ventures across the Sludge Metal/Post-Metal landscape with highly energetic flashes of Ambient Metal and Shoegaze structures. The end result is an EP that touches upon music inspired by the likes of Neurosis, ISIS, Mastodon, Deftones and Cult Of Luna within its full eighteen minutes run time. With flashes of Post-Rock surroundings and Alt-Metal vocals that have a HARSH and CLEAN delivery to them which can be quite dynamic. 

The little expeditions into Ambient, Psych and Prog Metal that Khayrava slowly exposes the listener to within the excellent opening track of Red Hot Sun offers a sullen Post-Doom aspect which is one the strongest parts of the whole EP.

The title track Ghost Pain appears next and with a slowly played Post-Rock melody appearing and swirling Post-Metal guitars allowing the band every opportunity to unleash a torrent of aggressive Atmospheric Sludge Metal grooves. The music can be quite THUGGISH and AGGRESSIVE with the harsh vocals holding everything together.

Khayrava employ a stripped back production template which gives them a slight Post-Industrial energy to their music which is another highlight that should appeal to the old school Post-Metal fan. There’s an extra level of sonic experimentation with different Ambient themes and noises slowing the mood right down before Khayrava unleash another epic outburst of Progressive Sludge Metal dominance.

Ghost Pain is quite compact with its short run time but Khayrava offer an outstanding slice of Post-Metal that should allow them to make a name for themselves within the underground scene. If future releases are half as good as this EP then they may have a bright future ahead of them.

Words by Steve Howe

Links

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Introduce Yourselves: PAST AND SECRETS

What is the name of your band?

The project is called Past and Secrets.

It was created in September 2019 following the end of one of my former bands. It has the particularity of being a ‘one-man band’.

I write/record each musical part and I involve international solo artists.

What is the genre of music that you play?

Past And Secrets is a masterful fusion of atmospheric, ambient, and djent elements, complemented by a progressive and quirky touch.

This instrumental project offers a musical journey through

Compositions that are both melancholic and ethereal. The tracks, adorned with heavy and catchy riffs, are enriched with impressive solos featuring international guest artists

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

Initiated in 2019, this One Man Band took shape with the singles "Baby M" and "Born", before unveiling its debut album, "Memories", in October 2020.

Drawing inspiration from past and present events, the album received a warm welcoming, fueling the motivation

An exceptional cover of Pink Floyd's famous track, "Learning To Fly", further solidified the project's reputation.

Driven by unwavering motivation, a second EP titled "Another Day, Another Time" is about to see the light. Each track of Past And Secrets is a true invitation to introspection, offering complete freedom to be overwhelmed by the emotions it evokes.

What can people expect from your music?

Every listener who discovers my tracks finds themselves transported on a journey where they can create their own emotions.

Sometimes I'll write a track where I'm feeling a certain emotion myself and then discuss it with someone who tells me they've felt things completely differently.

The aim of each album has been to transport listeners and make them experience emotions from the first to the last second through each track.

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?

According to me, it's very difficult to make a choice, but I'm really focused on a track from the latest album called "World" (featuring Brian Bajak). This track really inspired me because it talks about what the world can mean in the eyes of a child and even an adult.

Above all, it represents what the human race is capable of doing for it, both positively and negatively.

They can discover it on this link

https://youtu.be/uBuV6u1wSn8?si=0bAlX17MFOTZs9OY

Where can people find you on Social Media?

Past and secrets is available on Facebook and instagram

You can find my music on Bandcamp and on my Youtube channel with the same name You can listen all tracks from the project on all platforms like Deezer,Spotify,Amazon,iTunes ect…

All albums “Memories” and “Another Day,Another time” (CD) are available on bigcartel The best way is this link to join the project

https://linktr.ee/pastandsecrets

Thanks to Bad Dog Promotions for all of the details.

ARGONAUTA FESTIVAL 2023 / Belgium | Germany Has Been Announced.

After two years of anticipation, planning, and overcoming multiple postponements due to the global pandemic, the highly awaited Argonauta Festival is set to captivate audiences with an extraordinary showcase of musical prowess. Presented by Argonauta Records, the festival brings together a harmonious union of three exceptional bands for an unforgettable experience.

In a triumphant testament to the power of perseverance, the Argonauta Festival promises to deliver a riveting musical journey featuring three bands, each hailing from diverse corners of the metal spectrum. The festival's concept revolves around the convergence of these bands, all signed with Argonauta Records, performing two exclusive shows together.

Argonauta Fest Belgium is slated to transpire on Friday, November 17th, at the Asgaard in Ghent. The event is brought to life through the collaborative efforts of No Name Collective, Grimm Gent, Artifacts From The Tangent Universe, and Go To Eleven.

Argonauta Fest Germany will follow on the subsequent day, Saturday, November 18th, at the Gesellschaftshaus Schleicher in Eisenhüttenstadt, organized by local promoter RockHütte.

Attendees can expect an immersive auditory expedition as the festival showcases a diverse range of sonic landscapes, brought to life by three extraordinary bands:

SPLENDIDULA (Atmospheric Doom Metal, BE)
UNVERKALT (Post Doom Metal, DE/GR)
WIZARDS OF WIZNAN (Blackened Sludge Metal, CH)

A unique aspect of the festival is the co-headlining arrangement between SPLENDIDULA and UNVERKALT. While SPLENDIDULA will headline in Belgium, UNVERKALT will take the helm in Germany.

As a tribute to the shared passion for music and the unwavering spirit of the global community, the Argonauta Festival is committed to providing a safe and memorable experience for all attendees. By adhering to the highest safety standards and regulations, the festival endeavors to create an environment where fans can come together to celebrate their love for music without compromise.

Facebook events and tickets info are as follows:

November 17th (Belgium): https://www.facebook.com/events/3407307649533451
Pre-sale: 12 EUR (https://asgaard.anykrowd.app/#/events/detail/120)
At the door: 15 EUR

November 18th (Germany): https://www.facebook.com/events/6560671004014351
Pre-sale: 25 EUR + 1 EUR shipping (mail to: rockhuette@yahoo.com)
At the door: 30 EUR

Ticket stores:
• Getränke Reschke, Gubener Str.42, 15890 Eisenhüttenstadt
• Tourismusinformation, Lindenallee 25, 15890 Eisenhüttenstadt
• Besucherinformation, Bahnhofstrasse 22, 15898 Neuzelle

https://www.argonautarecords.com/
https://grandsounds.net/