Maya Neelakantan continues to prove she’s a rising star in the metal world, impressing yet again by shredding on stage with thrash legends Exodus. At just 11 years old, her growing resume includes not only performing with Testament and earning the respect of icons like Gary Holt, but also gaining the attention of Adam Jones, who gifted her a signature guitar.
Her passion for thrash metal, nurtured from an early age, is more than just a phase—it’s a serious dedication. Imagine listening to Slayer, Metallica, and Lamb of God at two years old! Maya’s technical ability and poise on stage prove she’s not just a fan but an artist with ambition. Her plans to blend extreme thrash metal with the intricate rhythms of Carnatic music showcase her vision of breaking boundaries and creating something uniquely her own.
If she keeps this momentum, Maya could very well redefine the genre with her innovative ideas. Thrash metal with Carnatic influences? That sounds like a genre the metal world didn’t know it needed. It’s safe to say she’s not just a prodigy but a potential trailblazer.
