ILLUCIA is an Indian based heavy metal outfit formed in 2014 by Nitin M Charles (Guitars) and Srivasta Balaji (Drums), friends who shared a mutual passion for music. The band draws inspiration from legendary heavy metal acts such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio, and King Diamond to name a few. In 2015, they paid tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio, showcasing their admiration for the legendary heavy metal vocalist. They also played at Freedom Jam in 2016, one of Bangalore's local music festivals.

 

In 2019, ILLUCIA released their debut EP '111', which garnered critical acclaim from fans and critics alike. The EP was later signed to Heart of Steel Records, an Italian record label for digital promotions. In between playing shows and writing new music, the band released a single titled "Dreamtime Observers" in 2020, which remains one of their most anthemic tracks to date. 

 

In May 2022, the band was invited to play at Dead By Dawn, a heavy metal festival in Kolkata and later performed at the 2nd edition of Spectral Decay in Bangalore, India. Both gigs turned out to be their most memorable performances and solidified their position as a rising force in the Indian heavy metal scene.

​

In July 2022, they released their debut album, "A New Reign," which was recorded at Stained Class Productions LLP and Eleven Gauge Recordings in Bangalore, India. The album was mixed and mastered by Clinton Stephen Selvam and received positive reviews all around the world, with many praising its strong and energetic 1980s feel.

​

On 16th July 2023, they released their first ever official music video for the song Hellucination, taken from their debut album 'A New Reign'. 

​

Currently, ILLUCIA is gearing up for an Indian tour and soon plans to put out an European tour. The band continues to evolve and expand its sound and is set to make a mark on the Indian heavy metal scene.

 

The Band is 

Nitin M Charles - Guitars

Srivatsa Balaji - Drums

Vineesh Venugopal - Vocals

Imli Jamir - Bass