Band Members :
Abungcha Kshetrimayum - Vocals (R.I.P.-1999)
Imocha Phurailatpam – Guitars / Vocals
Ingocha Thingom - Guitars
Boycha Konjengbam - Bass
Bipin Sanjenbam - Drums (1988-1993)
Paras Nongmaithem – Drums
Abungcha Kshetrimayum - Vocals (R.I.P.-1999)
Imocha Phurailatpam – Guitars / Vocals
Ingocha Thingom - Guitars
Boycha Konjengbam - Bass
Bipin Sanjenbam - Drums (1988-1993)
Paras Nongmaithem – Drums
Post Mark is one of the pioneer Thrash / Heavy Metal band from Imphal, Manipur, formed in 1988. Originated under the band name "Death's Guitar", which comprised mainly of covers of well-known hard-rock/metal bands, the band’s philosophy of playing covers being a kin to stealing talent drove them on to a journey to discover their own sound. In 1989, they rechristened themselves to 'Post Mark' and released an album called "Stamp On You". That is perhaps India’s first Classic Thrash Metal / Old School Metal album released. The term 'Post Mark' means an official seal printed over a postage stamp, which validates the stamp and records the date and place of mailing also in the process precluding its further use. Post Mark’s performances were a ‘satisfaction-guaranteed’ package for those who embraced heavy metal. Apart from licks, grooves and chops, they also delivered excellent showmanship. During their performances, as a substitute for smoke machines they burnt 'mekruk' (resin that when burnt released fragrant smoke, which are normally used during religious worship). They wore the heavy metal attitude on their sleeves. They lived it – and it was expressed through their powerful stage presence and raw energy with which they belted out songs on-stage. The song 'Soar High' was written to the beat of Thabal Chongba (a popular Manipuri dance). The song 'It's so funny' is folk-metal, it was based on ethnic music played during indigenous dances and festivals like Kabui Jagoi (dance of the Kabuis). Ras Leela(dance of the Hindus) and Lai Harouba (dance of the Meiteis). A soft ballad called 'Epilogue' that incorporates the sound of a sitar illustrates their musical prowess over a wide spectrum of musical genres. The band members knew at the time of releasing ‘Stamp on you’ that the chances of a heavy metal album making it big in India at that time were slim. They refused to compromise with their sound and wrote the kind of music they loved, recorded an album, and preferred to remain as a metal band – no matter how small their audience would be, no matter how much money they would make (or rather not make) from their album. The sheer grit and passion of the band made them release Manipur's first ever thrash metal folk fusion album. Post Mark’s attempt to do the unusual to the point of being ridiculed at the time should be an inspiration to local musicians who have an inner voice that wants to be heard. One of the last shows performed by Post Mark was in 1996 in Mumbai after which the band lay dormant. The legacy of Post Mark lives on.
Album 'Stamp On You' 1989 Track List :
4. Highly Inflammable
5. Epilogue
Click Here To Listen/Download The Tracks
Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI could never get a chance to be with the band at that point of time. I wss more into jazz music. Even though abungcha,the vocalist, was my youngest brother, I stayed away from the kind of music he loved. Now, after so many years, I understand the band. I ecpress my love to postmark and its members, belatedly though. God blesd
ReplyDeleteI could never get myself acquinted with the band even though abungcha, the vocalist was my youngest brother. I was not into the kind of music they played. I was more into jazz. Now, I understand their padsion. I wish I knew it earlier. I express my love to all the members of the band, including abung who is pethaps soaring higher somewhere in the blueness of the heavens. God bless.
ReplyDeleteAhhh.. they are really great and I'm feeling very very proud of having the old school metal band from Kangleipak, Manipur
ReplyDeleteThey deserve to call them as the #ROCK_LEGEND_OF_MANIPUR, no matter about their small audiences and money
#MAY_GOD_BLESS_YOU_POSTMARK🔥🔥🔥
Metal pioneer of North East \m/
ReplyDeleteI think at that time there's no western MTv1 music channel in India either nor metal band. Yes, but less so, Imagine!!is this called creativity
ReplyDelete