AGAM releases Arrival of the Ethereal, sets sights on global stage and the Grammys
AGAM, India’s trailblazing Carnatic Progressive Rock band, proudly announced the release of their album “Arrival of the Ethereal”. Founded in 2007 by Yadunandan Nagaraj (drums), Aditya Kasyap (bass), Swaminathan Seetharaman (keyboards), T. Praveen Kumar (guitars) and Harish Sivaramakrishnan (vocals), AGAM has pioneered a genre that seamlessly entwines Carnatic ragas with the power of progressive rock. With their latest work, the band is poised to take Indian independent music to the world stage.
Often referred to as “The Pied Piers of Carnatic Music”, AGAM is known for retaining the soul and essence of the Carnatic artwork, while taking the new format of it to global stages. Having played in over 300 concerts across the world including the US, UK, Australia, Middle East, South East Asia and of course India – AGAM has boldly championed Carnatic Progressive Rock on a world stage. Their third album is their most expansive and global soundscape yet!
Arrival of the Ethereal is a musical journey rooted in tradition yet fearlessly experimental. The album opens with The Silence That Remains, inspired by Saint Thyagaraja’s composition Mokshamu Galada in Raaga Saaramathi, set to Aadi Taalam. The track weaves together a grand orchestral introduction, Carnatic vocal motifs, and searing electric guitars, creating a dramatic interplay between hushed devotional passages and roaring progressive crescendos. This powerful piece was released by none other than Dr. A.R. Rahman, who has long been a supporter of AGAM and their unique sound.
Another highlight of the album is Flight to Summer Sky, which draws inspiration from Thyagaraja’s Nagumomu and Subrahmanya Bharati’s Vellai Thaamarai, set to Raagas Aabheri and Bhimpalasi. This track features a special collaboration with Grammy Award-winning Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, adding a global dimension to its Carnatic core. Nostalgic listeners will find joy in the classical references, while younger audiences will be captivated by the infusion of brass, jazz, and progressive textures that bring new energy to timeless compositions.
The album also features The Walk of the Bride, inspired by Seetha Kalyana Vibhogame by Saint Thyagaraja in Raga Shankarabharanam. Set to Khanda Chaapu tala, the piece celebrates both devotion and theatricality. Its Sanskrit verses resonate deeply with traditional audiences, while AGAM’s progressive rock treatment infuses vibrancy and dynamism, making it a perfect embodiment of the band’s ethos of bridging tradition with modernity.
AGAM’s artistry has not gone unnoticed by India’s musical legends. Recently, Shankar Mahadevan shared a video on Instagram, applauding the band’s passion and dedication to their craft. He hailed AGAM as “torchbearers of Carnatic Progressive Rock who are taking India’s music to the world.” This endorsement comes on the heels of years of recognition and encououragement from A.R. Rahman, further cementing the band’s place as cultural innovators. The band is also entering in the Grammy nominations this year 2025.
Reflecting on the album, AGAM band, said, “We have always believed in the power of Carnatic music to transcend boundaries. With Arrival of the Ethereal, we wanted to honor tradition while opening doors to a global soundscape. This album is a step closer to our dream of taking Indian independent music to platforms like the Grammys.”
With Arrival of the Ethereal, AGAM reaffirms its mission of shaping a unique global identity for Indian music. Combining Carnatic depth with progressive ambition, the band is not just making an album they are crafting a cultural movement that brings India’s musical heritage to the forefront of the world stage.
