Cranium, is one of the best Metal Bands of India hailing from Calcutta who leave chaos rampant in whichever cities they’ve destroyed with their sound and energy. Their debut No Mercy is an indestructible slab of Thrash Metal by which the entire Metal scene here can be judged. Expect no mercy when you listen to the album and its definitely not for the weak-hearted!! They’ve paved the path no one dared to tread back in ’97 and the album still remains a favorite among listeners and musicians alike. This tight 3-member band comprises of Rajan, handling both guitars and vocals which rip your soul apart; Jose, playing bass and is responsible for all the growls in the background; and lastly, Chintu who’s one of the best drummers this country has produced. These guys, influenced by the likes of thrash kings Slayer, Sepultura, Pantera and Metallica came out with an album in ’97 to match the likes of the above artistes. The album’s kicks off with ‘Languish’, a very doom laden song that on first listen proves to you beyond doubt the double-bass skills of Chintu and the tightness of Cranium. And this song has been included in a compilation album by Underground Bands, which was released in the States, a few years ago. How about that impressed aren’t you?? Anyway, the absolutely killer tracks on the album are ‘Neurasthenia’, ‘Slavery to Death’ and ‘Dominion’. On listen to the title track ‘No Mercy’ will get you hooked onto Cranium as it begins with an acoustic guitar and gets heavy like a ton of bricks within no time taking you by surprise. Jose’s growlings in the background on it has very good chances of giving you shivers down your back. If you liked Jose’s voice they you’ll definitely love ‘You’ wherein the vocal duties has been handed over to him and he does an excellent job of it with his growls filling up the gloomy atmosphere with his incessant growls. The album has a little bit for everyone, which makes it all the more enjoyable. For those who doubted the guitaring skills of Rajan for even a minute all your doubts shall be cleared as you listen to ‘Last Breath Elegy’ and ‘Dominion’ the album’s last track, ending this awesome thrash album. Cranium have this uncanny ability to abruptly change from a sledgehammer pounding on your head to a machine slowing grinding away at your body forcing their music to permeate you, fully. You will never regret listening to this tape as Rajan’s commanding voice keeps you captivated and prevents you from getting up without giving them a good, sound listen. Anyway, it make take you a bit of time for the album to be fully appreciated by you ‘cos its not very fast. But later you realize what a 48-minute masterpiece Rajan, Jose and Chintu have come up with!! And anyone not heard this is really missing something! You can contact the band directly regarding details about the tape at or can listen online too at their official website at www.cranium.faithweb.com Once you’re through you’ll wonder why this great metal band is still unsigned!!!