Artcell Perform Without Lincoln in New Chapter

Bangladesh’s influential progressive rock and heavy metal band Artcell is set to perform in domestic concerts without its long-time frontman and founding member George Lincoln D’Costa. He is currently based in Canada for personal reasons, marking a significant shift in the band’s live performance history.

To continue their touring commitments, the band has confirmed that former Bay of Bengal vocalist Bakhtiar Hossain will step in as the touring frontman for live shows within Bangladesh. The announcement was formally confirmed by drummer Kazi Sajjadul Ahsan Shaju, who outlined the arrangement as a practical decision to ensure the band’s continuity on stage.

Artcell addressed the development through a video message directed at fans, where Lincoln himself spoke with visible emotion about his absence. After 27 years in the band’s journey, he reflected on being away from the group and its audience for an extended period for the first time. He described the situation as unfamiliar and difficult, yet acknowledged that circumstances have made his return uncertain for now. In his words, the band’s journey cannot come to a halt for any single individual, and performances must continue.

Shaju further noted that the upcoming concert scheduled for 10 July at the Bangladesh–China Friendship International Conference Centre in Dhaka will be the first time Artcell take the stage in Bangladesh without Lincoln. He added that the decision was shared openly to maintain transparency with fans who have followed the band for decades.

According to the band, live performances remain their primary connection with listeners. The prolonged uncertainty surrounding Lincoln’s availability had already affected their ability to perform regularly, creating a risk of prolonged inactivity. This situation ultimately led to the decision to move forward with a touring vocalist.

Guitarist Kazi Faisal Ahmed acknowledged that the band had spent a considerable period away from the stage while waiting for Lincoln’s return, but said the current circumstances leave little choice other than to move ahead. Veteran guitarist Iqbal Asif Jewel described the moment as one of the most challenging phases in the band’s history, while emphasising their commitment to preserving Artcell’s identity and musical philosophy.

Formed in 1999, Artcell has played a pioneering role in Bangladesh’s progressive metal scene, shaping the genre’s local evolution through decades of influential work. The current lineup includes bassist Saef Al Nazr Cezan, drummer Shaju, and guitarists Faisal Ahmed and Iqbal Asif Jewel.

The band is also set to perform at a major music festival on 10 July at the same venue, where other prominent acts, including Orthohin and Cryptic Fate, are expected to share the stage. Despite the change in lineup, Artcell have stated their intention to continue live performances with renewed commitment, while maintaining the creative legacy they have built over more than two decades.