Dimapur came alive with electrifying energy as Smash Fest 3.0 rocked the city on Saturday at Urban Haat, drawing thousands of rock enthusiasts for an unforgettable night of high-voltage performances.
This year’s edition marked the grand finale of Smash’s quarterly live rock band competitions, where emerging talents Azaro, Annie’s OK, High Voltage, Death Trap, and Pink Eye battled it out in an intense showdown. Their fiery performances set the stage for an adrenaline-fueled night of music.
In the competition, Pink Eye emerged as the winner, with Death Trap securing the runner-up spot. The best drummer award went to Death Trap, while Annie’s OK bagged both best bassist and best guitarist honors. Pink Eye also took home the best vocalist accolade, capping off a stellar night of performances.
Following the competition, the crowd was treated to a power-packed lineup of explosive performances. The festival reached its peak with a thunderous set by Bhayanak Maut, the Mumbai-based metal titans who delivered a jaw-dropping performance.
They were joined by Street Stories, Nagaland’s acclaimed rock punk band; War Tonight, the Melodic Metal band from Kalimpong featuring a fierce female growler; and Jammers Graveyard, the veteran rock outfit known for their aggressive edge since 2011.
The festival’s prestigious judging panel, featuring Arjun Chauhan, a Delhi-based professional content creator and musician; Genuica, a PhD scholar specializing in Indian Heavy Metal Music and Folklore; and Vinit Patil, a seasoned veteran in the live music industry, lent their expertise to the competition, making it a truly competitive and prestigious event.
Beyond the electrifying performances, Smash Fest 3.0 delivered a vibrant festival experience, with a variety of food stalls serving everything from authentic Naga cuisine to Korean and Thai flavors. Exclusive merchandise stalls and free water stations added to the well-organized setup, ensuring festival-goers had an enjoyable experience.
As a non-profit initiative, the event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners, including The Garden Supermarket, Audio Garage, Shiu Lights, Metal Gear, Oak House, i/o-ki, Violent Minds, Cupable, OnCue, Tsuipu, Rent Your Adventure, Tofutcg.in, Action Powerline, and City Dental. With a massive turnout and electrifying performances, Smash Fest 3.0 cemented itself as one of the most thrilling rock festivals in the region, leaving music lovers eagerly anticipating the next edition.