MUMBAI: After almost four years in the independent music scene, heavy rock/ metal band- 'Girish and the Chronicles' which hails from Sikkim, but is now based in Bangalore, is launching its debut album under the Universal Music Group label. The band talked to Radioandmusic.com about its debut album and influences.

Formed in the latter half of 2009 in Gangtok, Sikkim, Girish and The Chronicles is a band that has been tagged as a hard rock band but prefers to be deemed under the category of classic metal. It was founded by lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter - Girish Pradhan. The other members are - Suraz Karki (lead guitars/backing vocals), Yogesh Pradhan (bass guitar/vocals) and Nagen Mongrati (drums/percussion).

Their music is heavily influenced by the sound of the 70s and 80s era with inspirations ranging from Led Zeppelin, ACDC, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Guns and Roses and the likes. The band has gained many accolades and performed and headlined at many music festivals, a huge feat and first of its kind for a band originally based in Sikkim.

They have been playing their several singles live on different stages, which include tracks like 'Angel', 'New Beginning', 'Golden Crown' and others. All their singles have been compiled to form one album that they have titled 'Back On Earth', an homage to Ozzy Osbourne's track of the same name. The album contains a total of 14 tracks which are out for sale in the form of physical copies as well as digital downloads.

Pradhan says, "The idea of the album is to bring back the old and classic music. The music back in the earlier days was so much fun and it has been lost out on us."

He adds, "Our main influences are the sounds of the '70s, the overdriven guitars, the love for music and the immense energy. Hard rock and classic metal are the sounds that we love, and that is exactly what we have created for our fans. The album is dedicated to all the fans who just like us love the '70s and '80s era."

The group is currently on their album launch tour, with their first gig at Hard Rock Café, Mumbai that took place on 7 August. They will also be performing in other branches of Hard Rock Cafe in cities like Delhi, Pune and Hyderabad as a part of their tour, which will end on 4 September with their last stop in Bangalore. They will also be playing at the 'Bangalore Open Air 2014' festival, which will take place on 13 September.