Band: Illan Kaapan
From: Australia via Sri Lanka
Their formation story:
(Asela, vocals): "A while after I immigrated to Melbourne from Sri Lanka (which has a sick metal scene but no hardcore unfortunately), I wanted to start a band. It was a mission, but over time I met 3 amazing Lankan homies - George (guitars), Ko (bass), and Prince (drums) who are now family, and we put this band together."
Their sound in their own words:
"We’re groovy heavy hardcore in the vein of much better bands like Hatebreed, Warbrain, and Suburban Scum. But everything we do is informed by Sri Lankan pop culture and all the cool shit we grew up with. So you’ll hear Lankan R&B samples and cultural melodies woven into our tracks."
Latest release info:
"We just put out a four-track demo. Much of it is based on the immigrant experience and finding community far from home and within hardcore despite the challenges you might face, regardless of citizenship or skin colour, and staying true to yourself without taking any shit."
Future plans:
"We’re playing some shows coming up soon, including a special one on the 7th of December while my mum and grandma are here from Sri Lanka. Then who knows, maybe we’ll get around to recording again."
What other bands from their region should we check out?
"Man, the scene here is insane! Big shout out to Naarm hardcore Forewarned, Gravitate, Blood Oath, Mindrace, Fever Shack, Heat, Time Peace, Implode and fifty million other bands I love. Also big love to Sri Lankan heavy music like Sacrament, Stigmata, Mass Damnation and more."
Illan Kaapan on social media: Instagram
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