Fallen Letters, the Bangalore-based atmospheric and progressive metal band, came to life as an outlet for the darker, melancholic ideas shared between its founding members, Vishal Naidu and Aditya Ramesh. Both engineering graduates, Vishal and Aditya discovered a mutual love for music during their college days, bonding over their shared appreciation for bands like Opeth, Katatonia, and Blackfield. Over time, their collaborations led them to unearth a collection of melodic, shadowy rock riffs that laid the groundwork for what would become their debut EP, Forlorn Pages.
Thematically, Forlorn Pages captures the lingering weight of life’s darker emotions, as Vishal explains: “Humans experience a wide range of feelings, but it’s often the darker ones that stay with us, shaping our memories and perspectives.” Through this release, Fallen Letters dive into themes of vulnerability, exploring addiction, betrayal, and the shadowed aspects of human nature.
Influences from Deftones, Opeth, and Katatonia shape their sound, but Fallen Letters also bring a distinctly Indian perspective to the genre. Vishal credits the vibrant musical diversity of Bangalore for broadening their approach: “Bangalore is a confluence of various forms of music, both Western and Indian. We’ve been exposed to these sounds from a young age, which definitely finds its way into our compositions.”
The production of Forlorn Pages took the duo on an international journey. The track “Beneath the Opaque Veil” was mixed and mastered at Jens Bogren‘s Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, a studio known for its work with prominent metal bands. “It was almost a no-brainer,” Vishal says. “Almost all of our favorite albums were produced there.” The rest of the EP was handled by Canadian producers Mike Langford and Peter Letros. Langford even contributed drums to some tracks, an unexpected collaboration that enriched the final sound. “Mike’s ears and mixing touch took the songs to a whole new level,” Vishal reflects.
Fallen Letters craft their songs by blending haunting melodies with intense, heavy riffs, allowing each part to make its own impact while working together to create a cohesive sound. Vishal notes, “We believe the contrast of the melodies and heavy riffs complement each other, with each element shining in its own way.” Their track “Beneath the Opaque Veil” exemplifies this dynamic, mashing acoustic and heavy sections into a cohesive piece. Vishal attributes the track’s intense vibe to a blend of creative spontaneity and thematic inspiration drawn from true-crime documentaries, which lent the song a darker, more intense tone.
For those new to Indian progressive metal, Fallen Letters aim to present a unique take on the genre. They infuse personal influences and cultural signatures without overtly striving for an “Indian” sound. “We are proud of our roots and incorporate them where possible,” Vishal emphasizes, hoping Forlorn Pages resonates with a global audience.
The EP’s success has also spurred them toward live performances, with recent shows in Bangalore attracting a promising turnout. The duo has since expanded into a full band, with Abhay Prakash on bass and Mukund Narasimhan on drums, and they’re exploring more performance opportunities and new collaborations.
Looking ahead, Vishal and Aditya hope to play a meaningful role in the evolution of India’s progressive metal scene. “Metal in India was always underground, away from the limelight. But we believe that, over time, it will come into the forefront and get its fair share of attention.” Fallen Letters are committed to connecting with listeners and adding to the genre’s growing presence in India and beyond.
Forlorn Pages is out now; check it out on Bandcamp. Like Fallen Letters on Facebook, and give them a follow on Instagram.
