Every city has its hotbed of rich young kids with a happy-go-whatever attitude. Perhaps Hyderabad's oldest and most respected school, the
Hyderabad Public School, can make its claim for the aforesaid. Talking of the good old days in HPS has its own social value in the youth circles these days. So it doesn't come as a surprise when three members of the four-piece band Orion have roots in HPS.
Orion represents the change of guard in the rock scene of Hyderabad. They are talented, happening, and continuously burn the night-lamp to pass their exams! Orion is Michael (bass/vocals), Aman (Keyboards), Karna (lead and rhythm guitars) and Omar (drums/vocals). And it is one band that definitely has a good firm foundation and knows where it's headed.
Influenced by a diverse genres ranging from Metallica and Guns 'N' Roses to Dream Theater, Orion's goal is to churn out quality original stuff. They feel rather disheartened to see Indian Bands rooting for independent rock in India but ending up with only mediocre stuff. The quartet is united not just in their likes, but also in their dislikes. None of them can stand the so-called "New Age Rock" which includes Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park.
Orion has been together since November 2002 and feels it has a lot more to offer. Having performed in the usual pub joints such as
Passport and
One Flight Down, they went on to open for Parikrama at
Vasavi College of Engineering's annual cultural fest, Euphoria. Now each member of the band has earned a name for himself, and it is for this reason they have moved apart for now to improve on their skills and learn from others.
While Karna is the guitarist for Shangri-la and Sledge, Omar and Michael are with
7Sigma while Aman keys in for 33RPM. With their hands full, Orion has taken a back seat since mid-2003. Is the band gone for good? No way, Ladies and Gentlemen - Orion is going to be back with Classic Friggin' Rock.
Psst? heard on the streets: "Orion's a good band, but they better get back to public view. As the saying goes - Out of sight. Out of mind."