"ARB, ARB, ARB," chanted the crowd as they eagerly waited to see their favourite rock band live in full strength after two years. A group of musically enthusiastic friends casually started a band together, putting zero effort into their band name, 'Arekta Rock Band.'
Yet, with life's twists and turns, the band's vocalist and guitarist had to sail overseas to build their lives away from music, invariably leading the band to remain in a state of hiatus, only to be broken on 28 December evening at NLA (National Library Auditorium) when they took the stage along with Eida, Owned and Firoze Jong.
Was it worth the wait? One hundred percent.
"The bad news is we're back in Dhaka for only one night; but the good news is— tonight we are yours," announced Riasat Azmi as soon as ARB took to the stage.
The vocalist meant every word.
ARB kicked off their nine-song setlist with songs from their last (and only one to date) album such as 'Tomar Haat Dhore Aaj Ami Bhorer Opekkhay' and 'Upashona'. During 'Tasher Prashad', Riasat's raw metal days were on full display as his voice soared through the low growls and screamed from his gut.
After the first few songs, they transitioned into their cult favourite tracks with 'Chaap' where everyone in the auditorium was exchanging adlibs with the vocalist before calling it a night with the likes of 'Eden' and their first ever release 'Shikari Aaj Shikar'.
"I didn't expect such an incredible turnout, and I'm truly grateful to my friends and fans for their unwavering support. This moment is unforgettable, and I'll be riding this high until the next time we meet," said Riasat to TBS.
Although ARB performed second in the lineup, it would be unfair to say the excitement ended there. The lineup was incredible, starting with 'Owned,' who kicked off the night with fan favourites like 'Siren,' 'Shomporon,' and 'Ohom'. Their electrifying energy set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
'EIDA' took everyone on a trip with no recreational influences involved with their soulful tracks like 'Aurora Dreams' and 'Nightdriver'; they had the audience hooked singing along with them.
The night's showstopper was rightfully 'Firoze Jong,' a band that consistently delivers their best. Their infectious energy on stage is undeniable, creating a connection that effortlessly spreads to their fans. With every track, the audience sang along word for word—a truly magical experience to witness.
There wasn't a single dull moment throughout the night. The energy was electric, fueled by the performers' genuine enjoyment on stage and their playful interactions with the audience.
A reunion like this truly lived up to the hype, leaving fans exhilarated by flawless performances that made their time and money well spent—a refreshing contrast to the disappointment of recent concert experiences.
Credit goes to 'Karkhana', the organisers who truly went above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable experience last night. From the creative theme of a plane ticket to announcing the show in true airline style, they left no detail untouched.
They ensured everyone followed the rules, creating a space where all could fully enjoy the evening. With perfectly coordinated lights and a smoke machine that uplifted the live music atmosphere, Karkhana covered every element with precision and flair.
They also introduced food and dessert stalls, face painting, a tea stall, and band merchandise, ensuring their audience had everything they could ask for.
It would be remiss not to highlight the electrifying energy of the crowd. From the very first note to the final encore, they danced, sang, and celebrated their favourite musicians with unbridled enthusiasm, making the experience unforgettable for both the audience and the performers.
