Hailing from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Executioner Steel is a rising force in traditional heavy metal. Formed in 2020 through shared passion and online friendship, the band blends medieval grit, raw energy, and epic storytelling. With thunderous tracks like “Defenders of Metal” and the powerful tribute “Shadhin Shurjo,” they are forging a global path with every riff.Here’s how they built their sound, their vision, and what lies ahead.

Interview

TheNwothm: Let’s kick off with the basics: Who is Executioner Steel and where do you hail from?

E.S: Hello there, and thank you for having us it’s an honor to be part of this interview. Executioner Steel hails from the heart of Dhaka city, in Bangladesh.

Current Members are:
Uzzair K. Xion – Vocals
Saif Saleh – Guitarist
Rehan Hossain Tamal – Drummer
Marzuk Mojlish Khan – Bassist

TheNwothm: What’s the story behind how the band came together in 2020? Were you friends before the music kicked off?

E.S: Back then, we were all mutual friends on social media. We used to share songs, riffs, and all sorts of music-related content with each other. That’s how we gradually began noticing each other’s musical tastes. Over time, we realized that each of us played different instruments and not just casually, but with serious passion. We recognized the potential within ourselves, and it didn’t take long before we felt that, by joining forces, we could become a powerful, rising presence in the global Heavy Metal scene.

TheNwothm: “Executioner Steel” has a killer ring to it so how did that name come about?

E.S: We wanted a name that felt unique, heavy, and medieval. “Executioner” represents a fearless warrior who stands for justice, someone who faces battles that few would dare to fight whether personal struggles or the trials of life, and emerging stronger and greater and unbreakable! And “Steel” represents power, endurance, and the raw essence of metal itself. When you put Executioner Steel together, sounds powerful and unstoppable.

TheNwothm: Being from Dhaka, Bangladesh, how has your local culture or musical heritage shaped your sound?

E.S: Our culture is rich with emotion, struggle, resistance, and history. Growing up amidst the chaos and vibrancy of this city where history, rebellion, and survival coexist has naturally bled into our music.

TheNwothm: Are there any traditional Bangladeshi musical elements you’ve woven into your songwriting or performances?

E.S: Not really. Our sound is primarily rooted in traditional heavy metal influences, and we haven’t incorporated Bangladeshi folk or traditional elements into our songwriting or performances so far.

TheNwothm: What’s the heavy metal scene like in Dhaka? Any local venues, bands, or movements that deserve a shoutout?

E.S: Bangladesh’s underground metal scene is experiencing significant growth. Small shows are making a comeback, and numerous new bands are emerging. However, traditional heavy metal bands remain few in number. While these newcomers are contributing to the thriving movement, the audience is becoming increasingly niche due to the influx of “false metal” vibes in the local scene. Additionally, venues are becoming stricter and more expensive, causing shows to drop. Still, at the end of the day, the newcomers are carrying the torch of authentic metal, and we believe the vibrant scene will be restored someday.

TheNwothm: Growing up, who were your musical idols? Were there any artists you tried to emulate in front of your mirror?

E.S: Our musical inspirations and idols primarily come from prominent metal bands such as Manowar, Heavy Load, Manilla Road, Iron Maiden, Warlord, Omen, Doomsword, and Brocas Helm. Their legendary albums have greatly shaped the sound and spirit of Executioner Steel. Our music channels the same passion and energy that these iconic artists brought to the metal genre.

TheNwothm: If you weren’t playing epic heavy metal, what genre would you secretly experiment with?

E.S: We believe we would dive straight into early Power Metal!

TheNwothm: What’s one surprising non-musical passion that each band member has?

E.S: Our vocalist channels his creativity into cooking up delicious dishes and painting.
Our guitarist lives for sports, fitness, and hitting the gym hard.
Our bassist dives into the world of online video game tournaments, battling it out virtually.
Our drummer loves exploring new places through the lens, capturing every moment in stunning photos.

TheNwothm: Your debut single “Defenders of Metal” (2023) is pure epic energy! What inspired its themes of inner strength and medieval warfare?

E.S: For us, the song is the pure expression of imagination it’s a story of brotherhood, loyalty, and friendship. It captures those moments when we stand side by side in life’s battles, trusting each other completely, carrying one another through the darkest hours. It’s about fighting as one, united in defending something we all believe in.

TheNwothm: In 2024, you followed up with ” স্বাধীন সূর্য ” (from what I understand it translates to Independent Sun). How did your approach evolve musically or conceptually between these releases?

E.S: We wanted to push our creative boundaries while staying true to our authentic sound. Our earlier release was raw and driven purely by aggression, capturing raw energy. With Shadhin Shurjo, however, we took a more deliberate approach. Musically, we experimented with more dynamic song structures, richer melodies, and layered harmonies.

Shadhin Shurjo is inspired by the tragic events of the 25 March 1971 genocide in Bangladesh. The song is a tribute to the brave freedom fighters and citizens who valiantly fought and died for their mother language and the independence of our country. We honored their sacrifice through this powerful composition, and we were proud to feature renowned classical singer Salma Sheikh in the track.

TheNwothm: Can you talk about some of your other music and some of your favourite tracks you like to play live?

E.S: Aside from the songs we’ve already talked about, we have tracks that really showcase different sides of Executioner Steel. For example, “Defenders Of Metal” carries a relentless, energetic aura that gets the pit moving from the first bass notes and pounding drums, while “Shadhin Shurjo” explores heavier, more melodic, and darker atmospheres that hit hard live. Personally, I’m excited to play new songs from our upcoming album on stage these tracks build tension and then explode into raw epicness! Another favorite is our cover of “Warriors Of The World” by Manowar, because it’s one of those anthems where the audience sings every line back, creating a connection that’s just unmatched.

TheNwothm: What kind of sonic direction are you leaning towards for your next release? Are you working on a new EP or your debut album?

E.S: We are currently forging our full-length debut album, set to release at the end of this year via StormSpell Records! Musically, we’re leaning towards a heavy, aggressive sound that blends medieval fantasy war inspired themes with raw metal energy, pushing the limits of intensity and atmosphere.

TheNwothm: Any plans to take Executioner Steel beyond Bangladesh? Where would be your dream location to perform live?

E.S: This is a great question! Yes, we definitely want to play live shows beyond Bangladesh. Our dream locations include Germany, the United States, Mexico, France, Italy, Japan, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and many more! It’s our dream to perform at legendary festivals like Keep It True, Frost and Fire, Hell’s Heroes, Blades of Steel Metalfest, Headbangers Open Air, Courts of Chaos, Heavy Agger, Soldiers of Steel, Iron Fest Open Air, Metal & Hell, Metalheadz Open Air, Metal Magic Festival, and many others!

TheNwothm: Do you have any upcoming shows you would like to mention?

E.S: For now, we’re gearing up to perform at our very own album launch event, right here in Dhaka city!

TheNwothm: How can our readers buy your music and merch?

E.S: Our music is available on our official Bandcamp page, where fans can directly support us by purchasing tracks or albums. For merch like t-shirts, fans can send us a direct message on our official page, and we’ll take care of the rest.

TheNwothm: Where can fans follow you online?

E.S: We are all active on all social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bandcamp and Spotify.

TheNwothm: Anything else you would like to mention?

E.S: We wish to advise newcomers: if you are new to heavy metal, you should start from the roots. Learn about the legends, support your local scene, support your friends’ bands, go to their shows, buy their merch, and share the music online! Always stay loud, be proud, and stay true!


Bandcamp: executionersteel.bandcamp.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/executionersteelofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executionersteelofficial
Label: http://www.stormspell.com/
YouTube: youtube.com/@executionersteel
Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7HjelJLdB1lsC987XxeD51?si=F4kn80K4Q_Gis3VYFsEA0A