As we've observed, enduring as a musical band can be a challenging feat, even in Western culture. However, in the Nepali music scene, there stands one exception: THE AXE. With a remarkable 13-year musical journey, they have established themselves as a prominent name. This is a tale of sheer determination and attitude, revolving around three individuals who, without any formal commitment, never envisioned that they would craft exceptional songs and music filled with genuine honesty, passion, and, of course, make history.

"We wanted to convey that there is an alternative," says Sarad. "You can strive to be catchy without sacrificing authenticity, be poppy without entirely embracing pop, and uplift people's spirits without becoming pompous. Since we sometimes play mellower tunes, it might not seem like we're out to revolutionize the music scene, but we aimed to counter the insipid noise."

Talking about the band's inception, Suren adds, "It's a fusion of passion, unemployment, and, of course, attitude!" As for their musical genre, Sarad explains, "We don't want to pigeonhole our music as solely rock. While it's undoubtedly rooted in rock, we introduce it as a fresh Nepali take on the genre. Its interpretation depends on the listener's perspective. Initially, we were just having fun with our music, and it's astounding how people appreciated our authenticity."

Undoubtedly, their unique style has garnered widespread acceptance and serves as an inspiration for the new generation. Shiva emphasizes, "We mustn't forget our Nepali roots. We need to be deeply connected to our traditional folk melodies."

THE AXE doesn't rely on loudness to make an impact; they are a band that rocks in its purest form. Their live performances are immensely popular, leaving a lasting impression on spectators. The band had its beginnings in 1992 as a garage band and was formally established in 1993. Their debut album, "Dhunwa," did not receive much acclaim at the time.

It was in 1995, after Ramesh Gyawali left for studies abroad, that Sarad conceived the idea of reshaping the band into a trio. However, adapting the same old sound to suit the trio's alternative style proved challenging. Their album "Farkera Herda" introduced the band to the Nepali music scene, with hits like "Chiya Barima" and "Pallo Dada."

The band faced a conundrum of maintaining their original sound. After a hiatus, they released their third album, "Majhi Dai," in 2000. This album blended hard rock with southern rock influences, showcasing the trio's exceptional synergy. "A Decade," released two years later, incorporated rock ballads, southern rock, and folk-rock fusion. It was widely recognized for their electrifying live performances.

In their music videos, they showcased innovative ideas, such as bungee jumping from a height of 500 feet into the Bhote Koshi River in the video for "Timro Nazar le." Their "The Very Best of the aXe" compilation album, which featured their best tracks from 1993 to 2003, became the best-selling album in 2003 and continues to be popular.

Contrary to rumors of a band breakup, THE AXE continued to perform live shows and released a new studio album titled "Kammasakka." Sarad reflects, "We've matured, traveled extensively, and met numerous people. Musically, we've broadened our horizons, drawing inspiration from artists like Ben Harper, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, and RHCP. Our earlier albums were like cultural sponges; we absorbed it all, and now it's reflected in this record. It's primarily about drive and confidence."

These friends from Maitidevi, Kathmandu, have been close since childhood. Besides their music, they pursue careers in their respective fields. Shiva is a music arranger and director, Suren works with a leading television network, and Sarad is a Data Analyst who also dabbles in computer-related work. His unique style of playing the guitar without a pick sets him apart.

With 13 years behind them, THE AXE continues to push the boundaries and make their mark in the music world. That's what defines THE AXE – longevity, innovation, and a true passion for their craft.