Avial are an Indian
alternative rock band formed in
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India in 2003, and known for their
Malayalam lyrics. The band initially included lead vocalist Anandraj Benjamin Paul,
turntablist and backing vocalist Tony John, guitarist
Rex Vijayan, bassist Naresh Kamath and drummer Mithun Puthanveetil. Avial had their first breakthrough with the 2003 single "Nada Nada". They are known for pioneering what they call "Alternative Malayali rock", which is the style of combining Malayalam lyrics and rock music. Their eponymous album got them six out of seven Jack Daniels Rock Awards and Footprints Young Achiever's Award in 2008. The band was praised for achieving mainstream success despite singing in their native language.