Artcell is a progressive rock band of Bangladesh.

Artcell formed in October 1999. Artcell is one of the leading rock band of Bangladesh.

Formation:                    

The four current members were school friends from Dhaka, used to play Metallica songs. Eventually Ershad came up with compositions of his own and the group began to play them at shows. The response they got was encouraging, which led to the formation of the band. It was an underground band, is now one of the most recognized mainstream bands in the Bengali rock music scene.

The name ``Artcell`` was decided upon because it was softer sounding than a typical heavy metal name. in Cezanne and Shaju’s words:

Even though we were a heavy metal band when we started, we didn’t want a heavy metal name. We wanted a softer or an artistic touch to the heavy metal side. `Cells where art is produced`- that was pretty much the basic idea behind the name Artcell. According to the bassist of the band, Cezanne: ``Our inspiration was Metallica, but we would like to label ourselves as a `progressive rock band`.``

Onno Shomoy(1999-2002):             

In 2002, Artcell released their first album `Onno Shomoy`. It was both critically and commercially successful. The band lost its main songwriter Rupok to cerebral malaria while working on this album. Onno Shomoy was dedicated to him. One of the songs was titled ``Rupok-Ekti gaan`` in his memory.

Aniket Prantor(2002-2006):

Artcell spent four years carrying out experiments with their music without releasing an album after the success of Onno Shomoy. Although they did release singles scattered in various albums by other bands or compilation albums. Their second studio album Aniket Prantor came in April, 2006. The album was one of the top sellers of the year and in May the band performed their second solo concert at Dhaka’s Bashundhara Convention Centre.

Onwards(2007-2012):

Artcell celebrated its 10^th anniversary on October 23, in 2009 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel where also attended leading bands like Feedback, Miles, Warfaze and Aurthohin, who’s inspired Artcell during the last 10 years. A DVD of the concert was due to be released in 2010. Artcell continue to regularly perform live shows and they have also made many tours out of Dhaka, including Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet with tours in India. In 2009 the band took part in ``International Coastal Cleanup 2009,`` a day-long beach clean-up movement at the Cox’s Bazar sea beach.                               

The band travelled to Australia and performed at Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney on 3^rd January, 2010. The band is due to be one of the country’s leading bands to perform at a concert against violence to women in the Banani Army Stadium, Dhaka, in December 2010.

In 9^th January, 2012, Artcell announced the releasing of their third album and clarified that it will surely be released sometime in 2012. They declaired: ``This is to inform all Artcell fans and friends who have been waiting for our 3^rd album, wait just for a few more months and hopefully you won’t be disappointed. Thank you all again for your love and support.

Band Members:

v

George Lincoln D’Costa, Lincoln-Guitar & Vocal.

v Ershad Zaman, Ershad-Lead Guitar & Back up Vocal.

v Saef Al Nazi, Cezanne-Bass Guitar & Back up Vocal.

v Kazi Sajjadul Asheqeen, Shaju-Drums.

Albums:

ü

Onno Shomoy (2002)

ü Aniket Prantor(2006)

Compilation Albums(Singles):

   Odekha Shorgo(Charpotro)

   Shopner Chorus(Projonmo)

   Dukho Bilash(Anusheelon)

   Opshori(Anusheelon)

   Ashirbad(Din Bodol with Black and Cryptic Fate)

   Shommohon(Agontuk 1)

   Chile Kothar Sepai(Agontuk 2)

   Bangladesh(Agontuk 3)

   Chera Akash(Lokayot)

   Uthsober Utsahe(Underground)

   Ei Biday(Live now)

   Kandari Hushiar(Rock 303)

   Hunkarer Opekkhay(Gorge Utho Bangladesh)

Posted in: Artcell,Cezanne.,Ershad,Lincoln