Artcell

Formation

Prior to forming the band, the four current members were school friends from Dhaka, and used to get together to play Metallica songs. Eventually, Ershad came up with compositions of his own and the group began to play them at shows. The positive response they received led them to the formation of a band. What started off as an underground band is now one of the most recognised mainstream bands in the Bengali metal music scene.

The name "Artcell" was decided upon because it was softer sounding than a typical heavy metal name. In Cézanne 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.' Ershad came up with it and we all opted for it.

Onno Shomoy (1999–2002)

Artcell released its first studio album Onno Shomoy in 2002. 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)

After the success of Onno Shomoy, Artcell spent four years carrying out experiments with their music without releasing an album. They did, however, release singles scattered in various albums by other bands or compilation albums. Their second studio album Aniket Prantor was released in April 2006. "Aniket Prantor", the album's namesake, is Artcell's longest song to date, weighing in at 16 minutes and 20 seconds. 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.

2007–2016

Artcell celebrated its 10th anniversary on 23 October 2009 with a live concert entitled "10 Years of Artcell Insanity" at the Winter Garden, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. 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 of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet, with some tours in India and Sydney, Australia. In 2009 the band took part in the "International Coastal Cleanup 2009", a day-long beach clean-up movement, at the Cox's Bazar sea beach.

In early 2010, the band travelled to Australia and performed at Belmore Sports Ground in Sydney on 3 January. The band was 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.

On 9 January 2012, Artcell announced the release of their third album and confirmed that it would be released by the end of the year. They posted in their Facebook page: "This is to inform all Artcell fans and friends who have been waiting for our 3rd album, wait just for a few more months and Hopefully you won't be disappointed. In addition Artcell is also getting ready with some special releases...Music, videos and communication contents. So, look forward to a year full of activities. Thank you all again for your love and support. You guys are our true strength. Thank you".

Artcell decided to work on their third album in 2013. They played in "Rocknation Overload" on 19 April 2014 after a break of around two years.

Cézanne and Shaju, two of the founding members, haven't been active with the band for a long time. The two only work with the band when they come to Bangladesh. The official Artcell website says that both of them have settled in Sydney, Australia, for family reasons. Ershad And Lincold are presently running the band themselves with guest members.

In 2016, Artcell released their new music video "Obimrishshota" from their third to be released album Otriteeyo with the original band lineup. After almost 10 years their new song had been released, written by their new lyricist Ishtiak, one of the most potential writers of his generation. Both Cézanne and Shaju remain in Sydney, but they participated in the album work in a full swing. Cézanne recently said in an interview that, he is planning to be back in country soon.

In the 17 years since its inception, the band has released two albums. Their third album was scheduled to be released in December 2016. Initially scheduled for a 2012 release, it is widely speculated that the delay is due to Cézanne and Shaju's inactivity. Besides Ershad & Lincoln's busy schedule to recreate the old vibe of the band through concerts and other activations is a prime cause too.

Band members

Lyricist

Artcell's lyric and their intellectual theme has always been a major cause of their popularity among the youths. Beside working on music, they have always looked after properly on their writing sector.

Touring member

Studio albums

Compilation albums (contributed singles)

Music videos