Higher On Maiden live @ Imphal (Revival)
- Seven Sisters Winter Rock Tour 2011

Lukhendro Keisham *

Seven Sisters Winter Rock Tour,
Imphal,
the 15th of December, 2011

The Seven Sisters Winter Rock Tour in Imphal was one great hell of a rock-maniac night and what local rock critics called it the best rock event ever in the state. Higher On Maiden, the sister band of the legendary Iron Maiden of United kingdom is on North-East India tour for the second time. Not only that an internationally acclaimed rock band is playing but to have a glimpse of the legendary Iron Maiden in the form of Higher On Maiden. It was quite a memoir to haze about.

Bright city lights, clear sky, spacious parking lot and tight security arrangement makes this Bheigachandra Open Air Theatre a perfect place to host an internationally acclaimed artist event. High end monitors, powerful stage lights, Nexo Sound systems and front stage barricade reflects of a heart looming place to party hard. The night was yet beginning as the crowds pour inside the amphitheatre.

With one of the best in sound, lights and stage set ups it was a jam-packed slaughtering house with no outdoor passes issued. The stage was set for the beast to arrive and the slaves were ready for the flames. It was a humpy rough ride to reach the favorite spot with all the pathways overcrowded by the Metalmaniacs. Among those present that day includes many familiar faces of the Manipuri rock music scene.

No offense to those who wants to get a little high for it was a rock show not a puppetry. If you want to kiss the devil's sister you give a damn to the biting cold winter night or the cop's frisking while driving home after the event. Only be stoned and fearless is all that matters to enjoy the anthem of hell.

As He Shrill - So Shall I Rife was the first on stage. These headbangers from Imphal with its horse mouth growl put up a smashing start. With low tuned heavy guitars and turbo metal drum steps the band settled with one of the best metal band in Manipur. Graced that the band got such shows under their belt. It was fast and fabulous pouring out metal throughout their show. Watching the band it was quite certain that the night was going to be really loud and dark. From the songs they covered it was certain that Lamb of God was their favorite Metal God.

The 42 Street Station were simply awesome in the true sense of the word. Great showmanship and stylist guitar solo makes these hard rockers from Guwahati a real hot headed animal of the evening. The band is a must - see on the list of the heavy metal menu. Abhishek Boro, guitarist of 42 Street Station told a news agency about the talents embedded in north - eastern youths and how such events can curve a platform to showcase their talents in front of international artist. Going with the zeal and pride the 42 Street Station will sure lock some of the best gigs in near future. They made the crowd ready for the big one.

Higher On Maiden, the official and the finest tribute band of the legendary Iron Maiden of United Kingdom set the stage on fire. With last year's debut in Shillong the band is in North - East India for the second time and the first in Manipur. As energetic as the real Maiden the band left no stone unturned to give the best of the Maiden. The classic left - right crowd scream, onstage runs from one end to the other, the Trooper's cannon fire guitar pose and the very best Devil's voice were all enacted and exposed. They thrashed out Highway to Hell, Two Minutes to Midnight, Fear of the Dark, Phantom of the Opera, Number of the Beast, Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter, Iron Maiden, Hallowed Be Thy Name, etc.

With the entire crowd in a wave it was Rockers Rocking On Rocking Chair the whole night. Higher On Maiden were truly the rightful owner of the finest tribute band of the legendary god father of heavy metal. They wind up the show with Run to the Hills. The front barricade must have had a hard time supporting the crowd.

Heads off to all the bands, audience, promoters and management teams for making the event a grand success. Special treat to R.K James, Director of Oriental Pumpkin Events and Communication for his welcoming gesture in promoting the event and rock music at large. His effortless contribution in shaping up the gig was truly remarkable.

Reason why big cities have the most successful and the biggest band in the country is the platforms which set them high. Opportunity is all self achieved. To walk in the limelight needs that ramp to walk through.

Expecting that the original Maiden will sure tour the North Eastern region in near future the rock music community of Manipur wants the global music scene in the state. Let this metal extravagance bring peace, harmony and progress in the State of Manipur. With a background of three decades of rocking history the people of Manipur deserves the next level of its generation.

Event Name : Seven Sisters Winter Rock Tour, Imphal - 2011
Date : 15th of December, 2011
Venue : Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (B.O.A.T), Imphal

Bands

As He Shrill - So Shall I Rife (Imphal, IN)
42 Street Station (Guwahati, IN)
Higher On Maiden (London, UK)

Organizers : Seven Sisters Entertainment Group, Delhi

in association with
Oriental Pumpkin Events and Communication, Imphal
Skygroup's Sky Connect as travel partner and Sky Wealth Management as financial partner
Hospitality Partner: Classic Hotel, Imphal
Media Partner: GoManipur.com
Merina Spring (Sponsor)
Sounds: Cresendo, Dimapur (Linearee system of Nexo, France)
Powered by: NOKIA
Entry: Rs.300/- per head

Higher On Maiden
is
Ian Mikensie (Vocal)
Paul Hewiton (Guitar)
Martin Strickson (Bass)
Steve Parry (Guitar and Backing vocal)
Steve Bennet (Drums)

Visit: www.higher-on-maiden.co.uk

As He Shrill - So Shall I Rife
is
Richard (Vocal)
Goliath (Guitar)
Maxim (Guitar)
Arnold (Bass)
Sadananda (Drums)

42 Street Station
is
Rainjong Lepcha (vocals)
Rui Xing (drums)
Rupesh Jigdung (Bass)
Abhishek Boro (guitar)

Visit: www.facebook.com/pages/42-Street-Station

Seven Sisters Winter Rock Tour Dates

13th Dec. 2011, TNL Ground, UKHRUL
in association with Mizim Entertainment, Ukhrul

15th Dec. 2011, B.O.A.T, IMPHAL
in association with Oriental Pumkin, Imphal

17th Dec. 2011, DDSC Stadium, DIMAPUR
in association with Youth Association Nagaland, Dimapur

**This review is also cross-posted at www.LukhendroKeisham.blogspot.com (here)