MEET
ALBATROSS
Nepal's most iconic alternative rock band. Formed in Kathmandu in 1998, Albatross have spent 28 years redefining Nepali rock — from underground metal roots at Thamel pubs to international stages at SXSW, and now their most ambitious undertaking: the Down Under Tour 2026.
ABOUT THE BAND
2025 — Present
Shirish Dali
Since 2002
The commanding voice of Albatross since 2002. Shirish returned from the US to pivot the band toward melodic alternative rock with Nepali-language lyrics that speak to a generation. His stage presence is an event in itself.
Sunny Manandhar
Since 1998
Co-founder and sonic architect of Albatross. Suncha Vox has shaped the band's signature sound since 1998 — distorted, melodic riffs rooted in Alice in Chains and Pantera but entirely his own.
Kismat D. Shrestha
Since 2012
The rhythmic engine behind every Albatross show since 2012. Kismat's thunderous precision and dynamic range power the band's most intense live moments.
Avaya Siddhi Bajracharya
Since 1998
Founding member and bass backbone of Albatross. Avaya's introspective low-end approach and production expertise have shaped the band's studio sound across every album since Hi:fly (1999).
28 YEARS
IN THE MAKING
From Kathmandu underground pubs to international stages, Albatross have never stopped evolving while remaining unmistakably Nepali.
1998–2002
Underground Metal
Started as a thrash/heavy metal school band influenced by Pantera, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Megadeth, and Metallica. Early gigs at Thamel pubs like Bamboo Bar. The founding nucleus of Sunny and Avaya formed what would become Nepal's most iconic rock act.
2002–2005
Alternative Rock Shift
After Shirish Dali returned from the US, the band pivoted from pure metal to melodic, alternative, and progressive rock with Nepali-language lyrics addressing contemporary social issues — a first for Kathmandu's rock scene.
2005–2011
Mainstream Breakthrough
The album 'Jo Jas Sanga Sambandhit Cha' went viral through Bluetooth file-sharing — an unprecedented path to fame in pre-streaming Nepal. 'Timi Bhane' became the legend and crowd singalong anthem of a generation.
2011–Present
Legacy & International
First Nepali band at SXSW (Austin, Texas) in 2016. Solidified as Nepal's most iconic rock band with deeper social commentary, folk elements, and consistent international touring across 11+ countries.
Musical DNA
Awards & Milestones
Best Rock Vocal
16th Hits FM Music Awards
Best Rock Composition
16th Hits FM Music Awards
Best Performance by a Group
16th Hits FM Music Awards
Best Performance by Group/Duo with Vocal
18th Hits FM Music Awards
Best Rock Vocal
18th Hits FM Music Awards
First Nepali Band at SXSW
South by Southwest, Austin, Texas
Albatross
आल्बाट्रस
Kathmandu, Nepal · 1998
DISCOGRAPHY
6 Releases — 1999 to 2025
1999
Hi:fly
- Hell's Kitchen
- Idiot Nation
- 7 Mins of Rebellion
2005
Jo Jas Sanga Sambandhit Cha
- Timi Bhane
- Khaseka Tara
- Awaz
- Sacred
2011
Atti Bhayo
- Nischal
- Abhimaan
- Jhari Ko Raat
2014
Ma Ra Malai
- Ma Ra Malai
- Aafnai Sansaar Ma Kina
- Bhool
2023
Raat Ko Rani
- Bachau
- Raat Ko Rani
- Utha
2025
Barahsinghe Acoustic Sessions
- Timi Bhane (Acoustic)
- Abhimaan (Acoustic)
- Nischal (Acoustic)
LISTEN NOW
Stream the expected setlist direct from YouTube — every track plays in-page.
Timi Bhane
Albatross · 5:20
Playing via YouTube · Audio streams in-page
SEE THEM LIVE — DOWN UNDER
11 shows across Australia and New Zealand. Presented by Brizrocks.