MUMBAI : One of India’s most legendary rock bands, Parikrama, brought the house down with their thunderous act at the 29th edition of the Mahindra Independence Rock (Mahindra I-Rock) last weekend. During its pulsating performance, the I-Rock alumni band released their newest single, Demons of Time, as well as revealed the artwork of its first-ever vinyl recording of their 2022 Mahindra I-Rock performance as a true ode to the I-Rock spirit.

I-Rock was nothing short of a movement started by Farhad in the 80s in defiance of a college principal’s authoritative diktat against rock music. Throughout its rich history, the festival has also given countless emerging and aspiring rockstars a chance to showcase their talent and perform on its legendary stage, Parikrama being one of them.

This year’s 29th edition of Mahindra I-Rock once again saw Parikrama return as part of the spectacular line-up. In the true spirit of their homecoming to their alma mater, the band released their brand new single, Demons of Time, at the festival and debuted the track live onstage during their performance. Demons of Time is based on the character of Aragorn from the fantasy series Lord of the Rings (LOTR). The song completes the trilogy of songs that Parikrama had written inspired by the series - the first two being Am I Dreaming and Tears of the Wizard. Releasing and debuting this song was a momentous occasion for Parikrama as it saw the band come full circle on the stage where their love affair with rock truly started.

Not only that, but Parikrama also revealed the artwork of its first-ever vinyl, which was recorded live during Mahindra I-Rock 2022. The vinyl is a recording of its full performance at the festival last year.

Furthermore, it also jammed with the mastermind behind I-Rock, Farhad Wadia himself. Parikrama shared the stage with numerous guest artists, including Uday Benegal, Suraj Jagan, Vernon Ibrahim, Girish Pradhan (of Girish and the Chronicles), and 11-year-old child prodigy Megan Rakesh. The band went out with a bang — with a high-octane, power-packed set that saw attendees and their fans mosh and headbang without hesitation or judgement, giving them an adrenaline rush unlike before.

Last year, Mahindra I-Rock broke its nine-year hiatus to return and reclaim its legacy as India’s oldest, largest and loudest rock music festival. The 28th edition was brought back to life by Wadia alongside Hyperlink Brand Solutions, with Mahindra as the Title Partner. And now, even in its 29th edition, Mahindra I-Rock still endures, with bands like Parikrama still making their way to this stage, their sound reverberating in India’s diverse sonic landscape.