Nemesis a reincarnation off the ashes...

by Aravinda Dassanayake

The engines of rock music in Sri Lanka have started revving up with their rpms at max, and one of the hottest topics in town is, 'Nemesis is back!'. Nemesis which first kicked off in 2006 headed by Tharindu Mathew, became one of the grooviest rock bands in town, before their speedy journey had to be brought to a halt close to the end of the year due to numerous unavoidable reasons.

However, now Nemesis is back in action with a new line-up and new tone of music. The pioneering Tharindu Mathew preferably known as Mackie, says, "It was an uphill battle to try out more than 20 people to find the best to reform the band".

Their music has evolved in to one which combines acoustic, alternative, blues incorporated with a metal touch, which was more or less focused on heavy metal in its first endeavor.

With the new incarnation, Nemesis has really focused on delivering something which would spur up some stimulation in the Sri Lankan arena. They clearly emphasis on the fact that, "people should relate to it if they are to love it".

"We want to do something which blends with the Sri Lankan mindset, apart from the traditional pimps and whores mentality which most try to associate with rock", they say to articulate their understanding about the bottleneck rock music has to go through, within the country right now.

They are deviating from the tradition, and coming up with their own "honest music" with expectations of incorporating a bit of eastern music, yet retaining the groove of rock music.

The supremacy of their new arrival was verified at 'Acoustica' held on November 22 at H2O and they will be rocking the season at 'Rock Christmas' happening in Kandy on December 15.

Nemesis has started an inventive expedition towards discovering new vistas of rock music with high expectations of emerging as the number one in Sri Lanka and being one of the most sought after bands in the international market one day.

The crew's eyes gleam with enthusiasm at the mention of their prospect to play in Wembley, UK. Their journey seems a gradual one, yet each step preserves some sensation of victory. Their official web site is expected to be launched by the end of this year as an action which would take their identity out in to the cyber space.

The new line-up headed by Mackie extends their utmost gratitude to the Rock Company for giving them the exposure and helping to bring out Nemesis. Furthermore, Mackie also fondly remembers the old line-up which had to broken off due to studies, differences in musical viewpoints etc, for contributing in their own ways for the growth of Nemesis.

***

Tharindu

Alias - Mackie

Profile - This 21 year old husky guy is the founder of Nemesis and allegedly the guy who keeps the band on their toes throughout while being a fanatical 'chick magnet'.

Having loved the guitar since the age of fourteen, he juices up the music of Nemesis, as the Lead Guitarist. He is an all-round personality who is currently in his third year at the University of Moratuwa excelling in Computer Science & Engineering as well as a completer of the CIM second stage.

Influences - Randy Rhodes, Metallica, Symphony-X

****

Mihindu

Alias - Myya

Profile - Mihindu is the heavyweight of Nemesis, despite the fact that he is the youngest among the rest, being 19 years of age. Although the rest bully him as the pig of the band, he is the vaued vocalist of the band who posses a unique, deep tone of voice.

Another unique feature of this burly guy is that he is inspired by Eastern Music, and contributes a lot in formulating Nemesis's own music with the oriental touch. He is awaiting his A/L results with high expectations of entering the University and meanwhile he is honing his managerial skills as a student of the CIMA.

Influences - A.R Rahman, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Aamir Khan, Metallica, Guns & Roses, Zakk Wylde

***

Loshaarn

Alias -Losh

Profile - If you are looking for the focal amusement of Nemesis, you've got 20 year old Losh. Being the bassist of Nemesis he also posses a laugh which is referred by the crew as the most 'idiotic' laugh.

He works as an image editor and team lead at the moment. Interestingly, he is not conversant with Sinhala right now, yet striving hard to get the touch due to some influence which sprung up quite recently.

Influences - Iron Maiden, Metallica, Opeth, Nevermore, Kamelot, Blind Guardian

***

Chathura

Alias - EGA

Profile - 21 old Chathura is the pet of the band being the slimmest and shortest guy among the crew. He sets the beat for the music of Nemesis as the drummer and always is on a hunt for novel concepts and ideas.

He, who defines a girl as 'anything with a skirt', is known as the 'Lady Killer' of the band. He is apparently the most forgetful guy on earth, although he is determined to see himself as a businessman in the future.

Influences - Marylin Manson, Cradle of Filth, Nevermore