Sri Lankan heavy metal trailblazers Stigmata kickstarted their year-long 25th Anniversary celebrations with their first head-banging gig of the year titled “Silver Jubilee: 25 Years of Steel” at the Main Sports Bar and Restaurant – Havelock City Mall recently.
During the high-octane non-stop 2 hour set, Stigmata went through their fan favourites from each of the four albums and played a few tracks from their fifth album. The highlight of the evening was the official release of the band’s first track “Trigger” from their highly-anticipated fifth album. The fiery track, which has been played before at the band’s local and international gigs from last year, drew great reactions from the packed audience. ‘Trigger’ is a bold, razor-sharp exploration of musical prowess and addictive melody, a blistering showcase of the band’s signature fusion of melody and masterful technique. Blazing with thrash, speed, and death metal influences, the track delivers a relentless barrage of groove, scorching solos, neck-snapping breakdowns, and hooks that hit hard and linger long after. The track is mixed and mastered by Mixing and Mastering Engineer – Jed Brewer , Burning House Sound, Chicago, IL, 🇺🇸 Good Loud Media, USA while vocals and drums were recorded at Pearlbay Music Lounge. All guitars were recorded at band member Tenny’s Home Studio with all music, arrangements, and lyrics by Stigmata. The ‘Trigger’ lyric video was also unveiled at the event.
On the occasion of their milestone anniversary a cross-section of die-hard Stigmata fans and partners expressed their views about their personal and professional working with the band. Robert “Dougie” Douglas – Founder of Happening Colombo stated, “I first connected with Suresh back in 2021 at a rock concert and we teamed up with them by becoming the Event Partner of Stigmata’s first concert in 2 years later that year. I was always impressed by how much they have accomplished and how they took Sri Lankan metal to the world stage. They have been recognized by the BBC, performed across 3 continents, writing multi layered songs combining a myriad of melodies and musical influences to create their own unique Lankan sound. On stage they are incredibly talented musicians with a furious energy. Off stage they are creative consultants, brand consultants, loving parents, animal rescuers, and caring, friendly gentleman. So far, Happening Colombo has been an event partner in 13 of the last 14 gigs. For us, it has been an honour and pleasure to work with Stigmata. I love being a part of this ecosystem and long may it continue!”
“We’ve been the proud Digital Media Partner of Stigmata, supporting them in the spaces we’re on, for as long as we’ve been around. Speaking of working with Stigmata and what they bring to the table, I must say that it has been nothing short of professional, and a leveling up experience every time. It’s not just the music; they bring in a unique experience every time they do a live show which is never the same thing twice. Here’s to more years of heavy metal from the architects of the genre, from Sri Lanka, Stigmata,” added Yaz founder of Decebel.lk.
Taking a trip down memory lane Doos stated, “I got into Stigmata mainly because of their original unique sound and the lyrics that speak to your innermost being. They are truly teachers of life’s lessons. It is very difficult to cover this band as the instruments and vocals are embedded in their true signature. I have been a fan since I was a teenager and after 25 years I still can’t get enough of them. They surprise me all the time especially now that they are heavily into touring internationally. Their 25th anniversary gig show had added energy and was like a second life while their new songs are absolute killers!”
Nevindee Amarasinghe – Founder of Good PR and PR Partner of Stigmata events added, “Suresh is a multi-talented creative personality who is much more than a pioneering rocker. A few years ago, we worked together on a PR and Communications plan for one of the biggest ministries in Sri Lanka and carried out a hugely successful campaign. In recent years, GoodPR has been the PR Partner of Stigmata and together with our sister company RSVP&Co we have been able to support the band on their journey. I must point out that the GoodPR brand has reached this level with the support of Stigmata and their wonderful fan base. On a personal level, I have been a huge fan of Stigmata’s music from my younger days and have watched in awe as to how they have elevated Sri Lanka’s very own “Sri Metal” brand of music and taken it to the global stage. Also, they constantly keep on pushing the envelope when it comes to their music. A good example is how they have got a percussionist (Lahiru) as a 6th member of the band to give a new twist to their music. They deserve a huge amount of credit and of course funds for them to keep on reaching new heights as they take Sri Metal to the world!”
Stigmata’s year-long Silver Jubilee festivities promise an array of exciting experiences – from fresh music video releases and brand new merchandise to international tours and live performances at Colombo’s trendiest venues. With a vibrant schedule of events planned to mark the milestone, the band has opted to limit its concert appearances within the island, as they also need to focus their attention on international tours that will see them performing across multiple countries.
Stigmata’s Silver Jubilee: 25 Years of Steel was powered by The SOKK Republic,E-Venture, Skyn Family Wellness, Venture, Happening Colombo, Decibel.lk, Pearlbay Music, AION Strategy, EvilCat Lab and GoodPR. 
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