A Decade of Chaos: The Brutal Survival of Nepal’s Metal Underground | @strangle420 | Ep 65

Strangle is a cornerstone of the Kathmandu Valley Hardcore (KVHC) scene. Hailing from Lalitpur, Nepal, the band has spent over a decade evolving from a raw thrash metal outfit into one of South Asia’s most formidable crossover-hardcore powerhouses. Known for their DIY ethos and high-energy performances, Strangle has taken their message of socio-political resistance far beyond Nepal’s borders—from being famously stranded in Indonesia for four months during the pandemic to successful tours across China and India. In this episode, we dive into their 15-year journey, the cost of being an independent artist, and the resilience required to sustain a metal band in Nepal.

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Host : ‪Aaryan Shrestha
Instagram:   / aaryanshresthaa  

Guests : Ashish Kayastha
Instagram:   / ashish__kayastha  

Guests : Bibek Tamang
Instagram:   / st_goti  

Band :   / strangle420  

Production: HouseXLegends
Instagram:   / housexlegends  
WhatsApp: 9822799248

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Timestamp

00:00 – Highlights
02:11 – intro
03:00 – Strangle new EP launch
04:22 – Why an album?
06:01 – Formation of Strangle
09:10 – Ashish’s Australia journey & return to Nepal
10:01 – Bibek (Goti) joining Strangle
11:07 – Sustaining a decade-long journey
12:10 – Cost of recording an album/EP
13:38 – Initial audience reaction
16:21 – First meeting
18:24 – First album together
20:06 – Band payments
26:26 – Support from Nepali music industry & venues
29:50 – Being stranded in Indonesia for 4 months
34:47 – Influences in metal music
35:45 – Misconceptions about metal
39:12 – Societal pressure
41:45 – Growth of the metal scene in Nepal
42:56 – Managing band finances
45:50 – Playing in multiple bands (Bibek/Goti)
47:22 – Guitar & pedal setup
49:56 – Photoshoot discussion
1:03:16 – Songwriting process
1:05:16 – Album discussion
1:09:26 – Improving the metal scene
1:10:45 – Future of metal with the new generation
1:13:56 – Managing different band personalities
1:14:00 – Ashish beyond Strangle
1:15:13 – Performing during lockdown
1:16:48 – Favorite bands
1:17:48 – Mosh pit culture
1:20:19 – First international show experience
1:25:27 – Favorite venues & shows
1:27:14 – Message to upcoming artists
1:27:27 – Message to supporters
1:28:27 – ending

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#Strangle #NepaliHardcore #Podcast #MusicBusiness #MetalSceneNepal #KVHC #HardcoreSurvival #DIYCulture #NepaliMusic2026