From Humble Beginnings to Global Rock Icons: The Story of Girish and The Chronicles
When most people think of India’s music scene, they imagine Bollywood soundtracks, classical ragas, or the booming world of contemporary pop. Few would expect a heavy metal band from the Himalayan state of Sikkim to make waves on the international stage. Yet, that is exactly what Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) have achieved—proving that true rock and roll can thrive anywhere if it’s fueled by passion, persistence, and grit.
🎶 Early Life and Influences
The story of GATC begins with brothers Girish and Yogesh Pradhan, who grew up in a musically rich household in Gangtok, Sikkim. Their mother, Bimla Pradhan, was an accomplished Nepali folk and classical singer, while their father, Shyam Pradhan, nurtured their budding musical interests. Surrounded by melodies at home, the brothers fell in love with the energy of classic rock and heavy metal, drawing inspiration from the likes of Aerosmith, Skid Row, Guns N’ Roses, and Iron Maiden.
This unlikely fusion of Himalayan roots and Western rock influences planted the seeds of a band that would one day bring an unapologetically raw sound to global stages.
🎤 Formation and First Steps
The band was officially formed in October 2009, when Girish decided to chase his rock dreams with the same intensity he once idolized in his heroes. Early recordings like the demo track “Angel” hinted at their potential, but breaking into India’s mainstream music scene as a hard rock band was no easy task.
At the start, GATC survived on small gigs in pubs and intimate venues. They played acoustic sets, jammed at local events, and steadily built a reputation. Unlike pop bands that quickly captured radio play, GATC had to fight for every ounce of recognition in a country where rock and metal often struggled for visibility.
📀 Albums and Breakthroughs
Their perseverance bore fruit in 2014, when they released their debut album Back on Earth under Universal Music India. The record introduced GATC’s signature style—powerful vocals, anthemic riffs, and lyrics that echoed themes of struggle, rebellion, and resilience.
But it was their second album, Rock the Highway (2020), that began opening international doors. Released under Denmark’s Lions Pride Music, the album garnered attention abroad, with critics praising its throwback to the golden age of rock and roll. Suddenly, this band from Sikkim was being compared to international acts rather than just local peers.
The momentum continued with their third album, Hail to the Heroes (2022), released under Frontiers Records, a prestigious Italian label known for housing global rock legends. This was a historic moment: GATC became the first Indian band signed by Frontiers, cementing their status as a group capable of carrying India’s rock banner onto the world stage.
🌍 Taking Their Music to Bigger Stages
Relocating from Sikkim to Bengaluru gave the band greater access to audiences and exposure. Soon, GATC was no longer just playing small bars; they were sharing stages with international acts like Hoobastank, Poets of the Fall, Destruction, Skid Row, and Bullet for My Valentine.
A highlight came in 2023, when they opened for Guns N’ Roses in Abu Dhabi and later in Mumbai—fulfilling a dream for musicians who had once idolized Axl Rose and Slash from afar.
Their live shows became legendary for their energy and authenticity. Girish’s powerhouse vocals, Yogesh’s bass grooves, Suraz Karki’s fiery guitar solos, and Nagen Mongrati’s thunderous drumming all combined to create an electrifying performance that proved Indian rock bands could hold their own against the world’s best.
📺 A Global Spotlight: America’s Got Talent
In 2025, GATC reached an entirely new audience when they appeared on America’s Got Talent (AGT). Their choice of performance was bold—a rock-infused cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.”
The gamble paid off. Judges and audiences were stunned by their ability to transform a pop ballad into a soaring hard rock anthem. For GATC, this wasn’t just another performance; it was a defining moment that introduced them to millions of viewers worldwide.
💡 The Secret Behind Their Success
What makes Girish and The Chronicles so remarkable is not just their music, but their persistence against the odds. They refused to conform to the expectations of the Indian mainstream music industry, instead staying true to a sound steeped in the raw energy of the 1980s.
Their story is also one of patience—years of small gigs, self-funded recordings, and relentless dedication. They’ve shown that talent alone isn’t enough; it’s the willingness to keep pushing when recognition seems distant that transforms artists into icons.
Perhaps their greatest strength lies in their identity. By proudly carrying their roots from Sikkim while embracing a global sound, GATC represent both the diversity of Indian music and the universality of rock and roll.
🏆 From Sikkim to the World
Today, Girish and The Chronicles stand as proof that great music knows no borders. From their humble beginnings in the Himalayan foothills to sharing stages with rock giants and winning hearts on international television, their journey is a modern rock fairytale.
They may have started out as underdogs, but GATC have shown the world that Indian rock has a voice—and it roars with guitars, thunderous drums, and vocals that can shake arenas.
As their story continues, one thing is clear: Girish and The Chronicles are no longer just a band from Sikkim. They are a global rock phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of musicians to dream beyond boundaries.
About The Author
