Artcell

Artcell is a Bangladeshi progressive metal band formed in 23 October 1999, formerly called Tantrik by vocalist and riff guitarist George Lincoln D'Costa, lead guitarist Ershad Zaman, bassist Saef Al Nazi Cézanne and drummer Kazi Sazzadul Asheqeen Shaju.[1]

Artcell
আর্টসেল
Artcell at a live concert
Artcell at a live concert
Background information
OriginDhaka, Bangladesh
Genres
Years active1999–present
Labels
Members
  • George Lincoln D'Costa
  • Kazi Faisal Ahmed
  • Saef Al Nazi Cezanne
  • Kazi Asheqeen Shaju
  • Iqbal Asif Jewel
Past members
  • Ershad Zaman
Websiteartcell.band

The first song the band composed was ‘অন্য সময় (Other Time)’. The song set the standard for all the songs yet to come along the way. The first song released by Artcell was ‘Odekha Shorgo’ which was recorded for the great Azam Khan for a mixed album he was planning on. But later it was released on a mixed album called 'Charpotro'. The song ‘Onnoshomoy’ was written by Rumman Ahmed and ‘Odekha Shorgo’ by Rupok. Both Rumman and Rupok were very close friends of the band members; and together they wrote most of the songs for Artcell. During that time songwriter Rupok died from cerebral malaria on 2002.Rupok left when the band was working on their first solo album ‘অন্য সময় (Other Time)’, which was later released in CD's on May 5, 2002 and was dedicated in remembering of Rupok . And after four years of releasing ‘Onno Shomoy’; Artcell came up with their second album 'Oniket Prantor' on 2006 which led them widespread recognition. Due to some personal reasons Shaju and Cezanne left Bangladesh 2011 and are settling at Sydney. But despite their absence, Lincoln and Ershad is carrying on with Artcell with guest members. Due to various unavoidable reasons, then lead guitarist Ershad Zaman was let go off from the band. They pronounced Kazi Faisal Ahmed as their permanent lead guitarist on 11 November 2018.[2] On July 26, 2018 after 12 years since their last album the band announced that they were going to release their third album very soon. After years of various incidents and speculations, their third album 'Otritiyo' was released in the late March of 2023.

According to The Daily Star, Artcell is one of the leading bands of the country.[3] Their song Oniket Prantor is one of the most iconic band songs in the country.[4]

History

Formation and early days (1999–2000)

Prior to forming the band, the four founding members were school friends from Dhaka, and used to get together to play Metallica songs. Ershad and Lincoln were in a band called Tantrik. In 1999 their frontman and other members left. The duo then staretd looking for a drummer and bassist and soon enough Cezanne joined as the bassist and Shaju as the drummer. They continued Tantrik and later renamed it to Artcell. What started off as an underground band is now one of the most recognized mainstream bands in the Bengali metal music scene.[2][5]

The name "Artcell" was decided upon because it was softer sounding than a typical heavy metal name. In Cézanne and Shaju's words:

Even though we were a heavy metal band when we started, we didn't want a heavy metal name. We wanted a softer or artistic touch to the heavy metal side. 'Cells where art is produced' – that was pretty much the basic idea behind the name 'Artcell'. Ershad came up with it and we all opted for it.

Onno Shomoy (অন্য সময়) (2000–2002)
Main article: Onno Shomoy

After realseing songs through compilation albums, Artcell released their debut studio album Onno Shomoy in 2002 under the label record, G-Series. It was both critically and commercially successful, being one of the first albums to introduce progressive metal music to Bnagladeshi listeners.[6] The band lost its main songwriter Rupok to cerebral malaria while working on this album. The album was dedicated to him. One of the songs was titled "রুপক একটি গান (Rupok A Song)" in his memory.

Oniket Prantor (অনিকেত প্রান্তর) (2002–2006)
Main article: Oniket Prantor

After the success of Onno Shomoy, Artcell spent four years carrying out experiments with their music without releasing an album. They did, however, release singles scattered in various albums by other bands or compilation albums. Their second studio album "Aniket Prantor (No man's land)" was released in April 2006. The album was one of the top sellers of the year.[6]

"Aniket Prantor (No man's land)", the album's namesake, is Artcell's longest song to date, at 16 minutes and 21 seconds.[7]

In May the band performed their second solo concert at Dhaka's Bashundhara Convention Centre.[8]

2007–2019
The Dhaka Sheraton, now Intercontinental is where the "10 Years of Artcell Insanity" concert took place
Ershad Zaman with Iqbal Asif Jewel at 10 Years of Artcell Insanity concert
Sharing the stage with Aurthohin's Bassbaba Sumon(2009)

Artcell celebrated its 10th anniversary tour on 23 October 2009 with a live concert entitled "10 Years of Artcell Insanity" at the Winter Garden, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.[3][9][10][11]

Artcell continue to regularly perform live shows and have also made many tours of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, with some tours in India and Sydney, Australia.

In 2009 the band took part in the "International Coastal Cleanup 2009", a day-long beach clean-up movement, at the Cox's Bazar sea beach.[12]

In early 2010, the band travelled to Australia and performed at Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney on 3 January.[13] The band was due to be one of the country's leading bands to perform at a concert against violence against women in the Banani Army Stadium, Dhaka, in December 2010.[14]

On 9 January 2012, Artcell announced the release of their third album and confirmed that it would be released by the end of the year. They posted on their Facebook page: "This is to inform all Artcell fans and friends who have been waiting for our 3rd album, wait just for a few more months and Hopefully you won't be disappointed. In addition, Artcell is also getting ready with some special releases...Music, videos and communication contents. So, look forward to a year full of activities. Thank you all again for your love and support. You guys are our true strength. Thank you".

Artcell worked on their third album in 2013.

They played in "Rocknation Overload" on 19 April 2014 after a break of around two years.

Cézanne and Shaju, two of the founding members, have not been active with the band for a long time. They only work with the band when they come to Bangladesh. The official Artcell website says that both of them have settled in Sydney, Australia, for family reasons. Ershad And Lincoln are presently running the band themselves with guest members.

In 2016, Artcell released their new music video "Obimrishshota" from their third album Otriteeyo with the original band lineup. After almost 10 years their new song had been released, written by their new lyricist Ishtiak. Both Cézanne and Shaju remain in Sydney, but they participated in the album work. Cézanne recently said in an interview that he is planning to be back in the country soon.

In the 17 years since its inception, the band has released two albums. Their third album was scheduled to be released in December 2016. Initially scheduled for a 2012 release, it is widely speculated that the delay is due to Cézanne and Shaju's inactivity, and to Ershad and Lincoln's busy schedule. But later band members among themselves created controversy fighting each other on social media. There was three versus one fight, as Ershad was all alone. Lincoln carried out the band with his favorite students and knowns.

In 2019, Kazi Faisal Ahmed (founder and lead guitarist of Metal Maze) joined Artcell as their permanent lead guitarist and performed in the highly esteemed open-air concert "Joy Bangla" Concert. Artcell released a heavy-sounding track with Kazi Faisal Ahmed playing the solo within a very short time. Later that year, Artcell played on their 20th anniversary open-air gig in the Expo Zone of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

In 2023, Iqbal Asif Jewel (lead guitarist of Miles) joined Artcell as their third lead guitarist.

Otritio (অতৃতীয়) (2023)
Main article: Otritio

Despite the album's title translating to Not Third, Otritio is Artcell's 3rd long awaited studio album after Oniket Prantor, released on 23 February 2023, after 17 years.[15] Global release of this album was on 9 March 2023. Artcell played on their Otritio open-air gig in the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). With the release of this new album they went on to play gigs in Australia and Canada.

Influences

Bands like Dream Theatre and Metallica were huge influences for the band. Mike Portnoy, formerly of Dream Theatre, was a huge influence and inspiration on Shaju’s two hand hi-hat fills and various other techniques in majority of their songs. James Hetfield was also a great influence for Lincoln’s powerful vocals and heavy rhythm guitar riffs.[16][17]

Members

Present members
  • George Lincoln D'Costa – vocals, guitars (1999–present)
  • Saef Al Nazi Cézanne – bass (1999–present)
  • Kazi Shazzadul Asheqeen Shaju – drums (1999–present)[1]
  • Kazi Faisal Ahmed – lead guitar (2018–present)[18]
  • Iqbal Asif Jewel – guitar (2023–present)

Past members
  • Ershad Zaman – lead guitar (1999–2017)

Discography

Studio albums
  1. Onno Shomoy (2002)
  2. Oniket Prantor (2006)[19][20]
  3. Otritiyo (2023)

Track listing

Artcell have released a total of 45 tracks till March 2023. Among them 26 are from their 3 studio album, 13 from band mixed albums and 6 Singles. The first released song was Odekha Shorgo (অদেখা স্বর্গ) in 2001 from the band mixed album Chharpotro (ছারপত্র).[21] The last released song was Harano Chetona (হারানো চেতনা) in 2022, it was a single release. Artcell released their long awaited 3rd album "Otritio" on 23 February, 2023 exclusively on GAAN.app. Global release of this album was on 09 march, 2023.

Studio albums

Artcell have released 26 songs under their own studio albums.

  1. অন্যসময় (Onno Shomoy)
  2. ভুল জন্ম (Bhul Jonmo)
  3. পথ চলা (Poth Chola)
  4. রুপক (একটি গান) (Rupok: Ekti Gaan)
  5. মুখোশ (Mukhosh)
  6. রাহুর গ্রাস (Rahur Grash)
  7. ইতিহাস (Itihash)
  8. কৃত্রিম মানুষ (Kritrim Manush)
  9. অবশ অনুভূতির দেয়াল (Obosh Onubhutir Deyal
  10. অলস সময়ের পাড়ে (Olosh Shomoyer Pare)
  1. লীন (Leen)
  2. স্মৃতি স্মারক (Smriti Sharok)
  3. ধূসর সময় (Dhushor Shomoy)
  4. পাথর বাগান (Pathor Bagan)
  5. ছায়ার নিনাদ (Chayar Ninad) – Instrumental
  6. ঘুনে খাওয়া রোদ (Ghune Khawa Rodh)
  7. শহীদ স্মরণী (Shahid Shoroni)
  8. তোমাকে (Tomake)
  9. গন্তব্যহীন (Gontobbohin)
  10. অনিকেত প্রান্তর (Oniket Prantor)
  1. প্রতীতি (Protiti) – Instrumental
  2. বাক্স বন্দী (Baksho Bondi)
  3. বিপ্রতীপ (Biprotip)
  4. স্মৃতির আয়না (Smritir Ayna)
  5. অসমাপ্ত সান্ত্বনা (Oshomapto Shantona)
  6. অতৃতীয় (Otritiyo)

Band Mixed album

Artcell have released 13 songs from 12 different band mixed album.

  • Chharpotro (2001)[21]
    • অদেখা স্বর্গ (Odhekha Shorgo)
  • Anushilon (2002)[21]
    • অপ্সরী (Opshori)
    • দুঃখ বিলাশ (Dukkho Bilash)
  • Agontuk (2003)[22]
    • অস্তিত্বের দিকে পদধ্বনির সম্মোহন (Ostitter Dike Pododdhonir Shommohon)
  • Projonmo (2003)[23]
    • স্বপ্নের কোরাস (Shopner Chorus)
  • Agontuk-2 (2004)[21]
    • চিলে কোঠার সেপাই (Chile Kothar Shepai)
  • Lokayoto (2004)[21]
    • ছেঁড়া আকাশ (Chera Akash)
  • Agontuk-3 (2005)[24]
    • বাংলাদেশ...স্মৃতি ও আমরা (Bangladesh...Shriti O Amra)
  • Underground (2006)[25]
    • উৎসবের উৎসাহে (Utshober Utshahe)
  • Live Now (2007)[26]
    • এই বিদায়ে (Ei Bidaye)
  • Rock 303 (2009)[27]
    • কান্ডারী হুশিয়ার (Kandari Hushiar)
  • Din Bodol (2014)[21]
    • আশীর্বাদ (Ashirbad) [with Black and Cryptic Fate]
  • Riotous 14 (2014)[21]
    • কারার ঐ লৌহ কপাট (Karar Oi Louho Kopat)

Singles

Artcell have released 6 singles.

  • হুংকারের অপেক্ষায় (Hunkarer Opekkhay) (2011)
  • স্পর্শের অনুভূতি (Sporsher Onuvuti) (2016)
  • অবিমৃষ্যতা (Obimrishshota) (2016)
  • সংশয় (Shongshoy) (2019)[28]
  • অভয় (Obhoy) (2019)[29]
  • হারানো চেতনা (Harano Chetona) (2022)[30]

Unreleased/Demo
  • Jani Bhul Korechi Ami
  • Jibon Jokhon
  • Provu

Live album
  • The Platform Live: Artcell (Season 1, Vol.1) (2022)
  1. Ei Bidaye
  2. Chile Kothar Shepai
  3. Dhushor Shomoy
  4. Uthshober Uthshahe
  5. Poth Chola
  6. Dukkho Bilash
  7. Onno Shomoy

Videography

Artcell has done music videos of some of their greatest hit song. They have 8 music videos.

  • "অলস সময়ের পাড়ে (Lazy Time Shifts)"
  • "বাংলাদেশ... স্মৃতি ও আমরা (Bangladesh... Memories and Us)"
  • "লীন (Leen)"
  • "পাথর বাগান (Stone Garden)"
  • "অন্য সময় (Other Times)"
  • "ধুসর সময় (Gray Times)"
  • "অবিমৃষ্যতা (Ingenuity)"
  • "অদেখা স্বর্গ (Unseen Heaven)" [31]

References
  1. "Artcell announces 20th anniversary concert". Dhaka Tribune. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  2. "Band Review – Artcell". bracnet.net. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  3. Mahmud, Jamil (24 October 2009). "A decade of Rock 'n' Roll". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  4. "Top Ten Bangladeshi Rock Songs". TheTopTens. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  5. "Onnoshomoy by Artcell". banglacdcovers.blogspot.com. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
  6. "– Artcell – Heavy metal band from Bangladesh". Tartarean Desire. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  7. Karim, Elita (21 April 2006). "Music to my ears..." Star Weekend Magazine. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  8. Rahman, Zeeshan B. (18 May 2006). "The week in re(ar)view: Artcell live in concert". Rising Stars. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  9. Alamgir, Mohiuddin (23 October 2009). "Artcell celebrates its tenth year". Holiday. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  10. "Artcell tribute concert held". Dhaka Mirror. 25 October 2009. Archived from the original on 21 January 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  11. "Culture News: Artcell celebrates through concert". Dhaka Courier Online. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  12. "AB Bank celebrates 'Int'l Coastal Cleanup-'09'". The Financial Express. Dhaka. 16 August 2009. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  13. "Artcell goes places". Bangla Music. Archived from the original on 1 November 2010. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  14. "UNFPA, BAMBA to host concert". The Financial Express. Dhaka. 29 November 2010. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 30 November 2010.
  15. "Artcell releases third album after 17 years". Dhaka Tribune. 26 February 2023.
  16. "ARTCELL band / artist (Bangladesh) - discography, reviews and details". www.proggnosis.com. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  17. "Artcell Podcast | Episode 4 | Season 4". eightify.app. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  18. "Kazi Faisal Ahmed joins Artcell". The Daily Star. 11 November 2018. Archived from the original on 29 September 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  19. Karim, Elita (21 April 2006). "Music to my ears…". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 23 December 2019.
  20. "bracNet – Band Review – Artcell". bracNet. 2006. Archived from the original on 25 August 2007.
  21. Hassan, Mainul (13 October 2009). "A tribute to Bangladeshi rock music". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 27 May 2022.
  22. Ahmed, Hana Shams (8 September 2006). "Not for the Weak-hearted". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 31 October 2007.
  23. "Projonmo [Band Mixed Album]". Bangla CD Covers. 21 January 2012. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019.
  24. Tanim, Faizul A. (5 June 2005). "Instrumental album 'X Factor' and mixed album 'Agontuk-3' released". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 27 May 2022.
  25. "Underground [Band Mixed Album]". Bangla CD Covers. 28 January 2012. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019.
  26. "Live Now [Band Mixed Album]". Bangla CD Covers. 27 January 2012. Archived from the original on 11 July 2019.
  27. Pritom, Nusrat Jahan (13 October 2009). "Rock 202 and 303: Behind the scenes". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 27 May 2022.
  28. Shahnewaz, Sadi Mohammad (8 May 2019). "Joy Bangla concert 2019 resonates across Dhaka". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Archived from the original on 9 May 2019.
  29. "Artcell gives out prize for 'Obhoy' cover". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 29 January 2020. Archived from the original on 30 January 2020.
  30. Sm Fahim Ban, Sm Fahim Ban (5 November 2022). "Netizens claim Artcell's new song 'Harano Chetona' plagiarised". The Business Post.
  31. "Odekha Shorgo Music Video by Artcell" – via YouTube.
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