By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The much awaited power packed first edition of Shillong Battle Rock kicked off at the U Soso Tham auditorium with the prelims for Shillong bands here on Thursday. Organised by Shillong City Entertaintment Network Enterprise in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture, the mega event saw the registration of 49 bands, all vying for the prize money of Rs 1,50,000, finals of which will be held on June 1.
While some performances tore the house down, others left both the judges and audience in trances of delirium. 25 Shillong bands were judged on Day 1, based on tightness, technical precision, originality, creativity and the undeniable stage presence.
Overall six bands have made to the next round of selection. Midnight Garden Factor, a progressive metal unit, sailed to the next round topping the charts, closely followed by Dossiers Urge. The others who made it to the list on Thursday include Empirical Tribe, Aberrant, Deadnote and Echo Dirt.
The prelims for outstation bands will be held on Friday.