Serpents of Pakhangba set to unleash shamanic metal rooted in Meitei cosmology in Imphal

Renowned shamanic art metal band Serpents of Pakhangba is set to perform live in Imphal on January 3 at The Venue by Elle’s, in a concert that holds special cultural significance through its deep engagement with Meitei cosmology and indigenous spiritual traditions. Organised with the support of Extreme Entertainment, the event is expected to attract music lovers and followers of experimental fusion music from across Manipur and the wider North East region.
The upcoming performance was announced during a press meet at Hotel Imolesh, where the band outlined the philosophy behind its music. Band founder Vishal J Singh said Serpents of Pakhangba draws its identity from Pakhangba, the primordial serpent-dragon deity of Meitei belief, symbolising creation, continuity, and transformation. He said the collective seeks to reinterpret this ancient symbol through contemporary sound by blending extreme metal with ritualistic chants, indigenous rhythms, and traditional instruments.
According to Singh, the band operates as a shamanic musical collective rather than a conventional metal band, using sound as a medium to reconnect audiences with ancestral narratives and cultural memory. He added that the group’s compositions are rooted in indigenous consciousness while engaging with modern metal forms, creating a unique dialogue between tradition and modernity.
The programme will also feature performances by bands including Ereimang, Innocent Eyes, and The Square, adding to the diversity of the evening. Singh appealed to music enthusiasts to attend the event and support original music emerging from the region.
Vocalist Takako Haremaki said sound has historically served as a primal language capable of expressing meanings beyond words. She noted that the band draws inspiration from serpent and dragon deities found in both Japanese and Manipuri traditions, highlighting shared cultural symbolism. The Imphal concert is expected to offer an immersive experience that merges shamanic art, metal music, and indigenous heritage.