By GMA's Bangladeshi correspondent Nabil Abaddon


Purgation is a five piece metal band that hails from the vibrant city of rich cultural background, Kolkata (Calcutta)! Within a very short history of existence, they have created quite a buzz around their hometown and all around India alike with their appearance at Bangalore-based yearly fest ‘Undergrind’ (shared the stage with Singaporean Grind legends Wormrot) and their Death Metal cover of ‘Terminal Show’ at a Motorhead tribute album from India. Purgation is all set to unleash their debut EP “Exterminated Malfeasance” via Slaughterhouse Records and is preparing themselves for their second invasion in Bangladesh for the upcoming Banish The Posers Fest. I caught up with Subhajit, the vocalist of the band over the net to talk about the band, their debut EP and what not! Here is how the conversation was like!

If you live in Bangladesh, you should surely check these young guns out at Banish The Posers Fest 2013.


Ave brother! How is the band doing currently?

Hey man, we are doing great. Our drummer is slowly recovering from a fatal accident. Although Debanjan is in Germany now, we are all set to kick some candy ass in Bangladesh.


So This is going to be Purgation’s second tour to the East Bengal. You guys played here in Death Skull Ritual II just 7 months back. How excited are you guys to come back for more at Banish The Posers Fest 2013? What is going to be the slaying strategy this time?

First of all we are very thankful to all our brothers from Bangladesh. They have been supporting us all throughout. Death Skull Ritual II was absolutely kickass. We were looking forward to more gigs in Bangladesh. Banish The Posers Fest is honestly one gig every band would have loved to play in. The lineup is insane and we had a killer crowd support back in DSR 2. We are really looking forward to this gig and of course we do have few surprises as well.


Did you try any local delicacy or street food in Dhaka last time?

Of course we did. We had a special dish from Dhaka (Don’t remember the name) but it was top notch.

Alright! Now let’s talk a bit about the band. Please elaborate on how the band initially started. What were the directions and motivational factors to start Purgation?

We were basically known to people as Flesh Protocol. Debanjan and I had formed the band and the sound we planned was already different from the ones we had out here. After a few months we went for a couple of changes in our line up with a second guitarist in our band.The line up at the beginning of new year, 2011 was Debanjan bro on guitars, Denzil on guitars, Ayushman on bass, Abhinava on drums and I on Vocals. Arijit replaced Abhinava on drums who left the band around mid August'12 due to some unavoidable circumstances. Actually the name of the band is Purgation and not Purgation Inc. We added the "Inc." word to our Facebook page just to identify it separately from our group. Now that Abhinava is back again we are all set to kick some serious ass.


How did the band name come about and what do you want to convey through it?

It was a random name just like we used to call it Flesh Protocol. Since the lineup was brand new, we decided to give a one word name to it. Purgation means "cleansing" to be very precise.


Purgation has been signed by Slaughterhouse Records for the upcoming EP ”Exterminated Malfeasance”. Purgation have also hooked up with Jeff Fischer from USA for the mixing and mastering duties. How did that come about?

We were more than delighted to know that JR Torina bro from Slaughterhouse Records was interested to get us signed to his record label. Ayushman was busy sending our demo tracks to few renowned record labels in the world. We had a few responses but JR bro was in with full support. The idea of an EP cropped up almost a year ago but we lacked enough resources to make it happen. Jeff Bro has been there for us all throughout. We mixed and mastered our Motorhead Tribute track from him. Somehow we got hold of Tushar Da (of Pentatonic Studio) who helped us a lot in recording, mixing and mastering our tracks.

Purgation was also featured in a Motorhead tribute album from India and you guys covered the track ‘Terminal Show’ which is one of the heavier Motorhead tracks. Purgation covered it quite decently with turned down guitars and growled vocals. Please tell us about the experience. What were the responses that you have received from the fans?


It was one hell of an experience. We are thankful to the whole crew that gave us this opportunity to be on board with some of the best bands from our country. I approached Srikanth Bro from Bevar Sea and he was really interested in giving us this opportunity. It was basically a home recording with drums programmed because our drummer was out of town. We really regret on that part, however Jeff bro tried his best to make it sound professional. We had mixed responses to be honest but the major part of the crowd appreciated the fact that we did not budge away from our area of comfort, Death Metal.


For those who don’t know Purgation, which song would you like to suggest to them and why?

"Communal Carnage"! This song reflects our sound perfectly. The lyrical aspect gets portrayed beautifully. Check Communal Carnage on YouTube.


How is the metal scene like in Kolkata in terms of musicians, bands, venues and gigs? I have heard that Kolkata used to be full of Metalcore bands and pretentious pseudo metalheads once upon a time. Then dedicated organizations like Putrid Ascendancy, KOSMA emerged strongly out of the fog and a new era started in Kolkata since then. How much has the scene changed or evolved you think? would you like to suggest us some bands from there?

The metal scene in Kolkata was more like bollywood. Fortunately the trend followers have all died with the inception of Putrid Ascendancy. It all started with Metalcore, Deathcore and finally it had come to a halt with the likes of Djent and other ass foolery genres we have nowadays. KOSMA is new and they are oozing with confidence and talent. We really have promising bands like Armament, Gypsy and of course Necrodeity who have already set an example for young lads trying to follow the right path.

Coming to a personal question, how did you get into Death Metal and who do you take your inspirations from?

From being naïve listeners to getting better day by day, we decided to choose the best and create the sound that helps us to deliver the message to the people more elegantly. Death metal had always been our first priority. We have our influences from the likes of early Suffocation, early Deeds Of Flesh, Immolation, early Morbid Angel, early Cannibal Corpse, early Cryptopsy, the list never ends.

Our primary inspiration is drawn from mighty acts like Autopsy, Grave, Benediction, Obituary, and Unleashed and of course Acts like Dying Embrace, Kryptos, Bevar Sea from our country and Orator, Morbidity, Nafarmaan from Bangladesh.


Most of the Metal bands these days portray atheistic or nihilist ideologies through their music. Whats your take on this? Also tell us what are Purgation’s lyrical themes based on?

There is no problem in portraying nihilist or atheistic ideologies in the form of music. The main concern is about the way you put it. It is very important to amalgamate the ideologies with the band’s sound. Our lyrical theme is totally based on anti-socialism, against the system, corruption and I use a bit of occultism as well.


What do you think of the Extreme Metal scene in Bangladesh? Do you listen to any bands from ‘Opar Bangla’?

The extreme metal scene in Bangladesh is f**king A. With bands like Morbidity, Orator and Nafarmaan one becomes anything but skeptical about the extreme metal scene out there. Then we have bands like Warhound, Enmachined, Nuclear Winter as well. Bunch of talented people who are really true to their music. The crowd is insane.


What do you have to say about the folks from Primitive Invocation?

The brothers from Primitive Invocation are doing a great job. Organizing such huge gigs requires lot of responsibilities. They are setting examples and helping people in other countries take similar initiatives as well.


What holds for the band in the future? Any sneak peak?

Well, we do have our EP on its way from USA. We are planning to release our EP on the gig day itself making it a grand occasion.


Alright mates. Thanks a ton for giving us your time! Really looking forward to see you guys perform in BTPF 2013. Hails! Anything you want to say to your fans? The space is all yours.

This is for our brothers in Bangladesh who are fighting against the political turmoil in their country. F**K THE SYSTEM!!

http://facebook.com/PURGATION

Interview by GMA's Bangladesh correspondent Nabil Abaddon


Orator perhaps needs no introduction to those who keep track of what's brewing up around the South-East Asian Extreme Metal scene. Orator, the Deathrashing horde of Tantric occultism rising strong from the lands of East Bengal, bears the fire of true primitive Metal in their hearts. Inspired by the unorthodox left hand Tantric doctrines, extremism and similar aspects from the Qlipoth tree of death worship, Orator preaches about cosmic destruction and burning paths of self-becoming through their barbaric primitive style of music. Born from the demiurgic womb of Barzak in 2008, Orator came out burning like a phoenix, stronger than ever before, decimating at home and abroad alike. Having played strength to strenght alongside Manzer (France), Infernal Execrator (Malaysia), Dying Embrace (India), Abigail (Japan), Infernal Curse (Argentina) at different Metal fests.

Orator has released an EP “Dominion of Avaktyam” (2010), a live tape “Live Cremetoration” (2011) and their first full length album “Kapalgnosis” earlier this year via Armee De La Mort Records (France). Followed by that, Orator inked a deal with the Singaporean label Pulverised Records this year, which elevates them to the next level.

The interview undertaken was done with the frontman, guitarist and lyricist of Orator, Amit Skullbearer. We spoke about the upcoming “Banish The Posers Fest”, his approach to music and much more.


Apocalyptic hails Skullbearer! Firstly, congratulations on the amazing worldwide response to Orator’s latest album “Kapalgnosis” and also on the sign up with Pulverised Records (Singapore)! So how do you define the genre “Deathrash” yourself?

Thanks for the support brother. Death / Thrash to me is the unification of two very archaic forms of Metal music into one that would represent elements from both the genres, distinctively but supporting each others.

Check out their song ‘Satanachesh Grimore’ here from their album “Kapalgnosis” :


How is the band doing now? Orator has not hit the stage for quite some time now. Are you guys upto writing some new songs?

Yup we are presently writing new materials. And we are also gearing up for Banish the Posers Fest in November.


Orator has played in many countries around Asia and with a lot of the big names around this region. What kind of response do you get from the audience and fellow bands every time you play a gig in the overseas? Which is your favourite country to play gigs in apart from Bangladesh?

Undoubtedly it is Thailand, to answer your second question. We have played there twice. Killer gigs with great bands, great brothers, good times and what not. We always have good response from the audiences wherever we play, surrounded by comrades who headbang to our originals and cover songs alike.

Orator started in 2008 from the ashes of “Barzak”, which was a Black / Death Metal band. Although being the brain-children of the same person which is you, these bands are totally different in terms of genres and ideologies. Why did this transition take place?

Well to be honest, I kind of had enough with this “Black / Death” notion, Barzak turned out to be like that on the full length “Qabiluhu”. But I have always preferred the “Opocheshta” demo tape sound which was purely of Death Metal. And, in 2008 it was only me and Vritra who were left with a broken band, so we decided to change the band name and genre along with it.


Recently you have posted a practice video of a Barzak song called ‘Shiraj’ on Facebook. Would you like to tell us more about it?

One of my earliest compositions, revived just for the coming gig in November. I jammed it for the first time after 8 years. Mephistopheles has added a totally different aura to the drumming compared to the original, so we’re really excited to go live with this track for the first time. I am sure a lot of Barzak enthusiasts are looking forward to this too. Orator’s rehearsal footage of “Shiraj” can be viewed here.


Orator is known for the distinctive primitive, barbaric yet Eastern essence and also for using ethnic instruments and chants in some of the songs. How important are these aspects to Orator’s music?

Keeping both the thrashy and Death metal elements is very important for us while composing. But the ethnic instruments, they have no importance whatsoever. We used some ethnic instruments only on few of the songs that demanded it, there are no obligations tied to the use of them. And, instead of ripping off Eastern classical scales what we do is blend in one / two notes within our own riffs to make the difference.

Do you care much about the sites which have reviewed Orator’s releases so far? Do you give them a read?

No not really, unless someone gives me the link to it or tells me about it. I have ignored many people who sent me emails asking for CD's in exchange for an album review.


Do you agree that Asian Bands are overlooked by much of the Metal world?

I agree, and then I also claim that Asia has given birth to so many great bands in the past and present which are very hard to be overlooked. They have proven that “your music speaks for your band”. Let’s see what the future brings.


2013 has been quite an interesting year for Bangladeshi Metal scene, specially for Orator. First, the release of “Kapalgnosis”, then the big news from Pulverised Records. How did this deal come about?

It was simple yet extreme. I wrote to brother Calvin, sent him few of our songs as sample. Both him and brother Roy Yeo were impressed and we got the record deal. Frankly this is the biggest thing that has happened to Orator so far.


What do you think of the overall Bangladeshi Metal scene right now? What are the goods and bads? Any new band(s) you would like to suggest to watch out for?

The scene is much better than it used to be. Bands with guts are showing up in the scene. They not only have good influences, but Warhound, Morbidity, Nafarmaan are some of the bands to look out for. And some promising Thrash Metal bands like Nuclear Winter, Enmachined, Thrash etc are building up a Thrash Metal scene which was previously totally absent.

Orator deals with Tantric occultism as far as the lyrical themes are concerned. Why and how did this mystical topic catch your interest to work on? What does Orator orate through the left hand Tantric ideologies?

Throughout the history Vama margh has proven to be one of the most unorthodox and extreme paths of self becoming, becoming into nothing. And this notion has drawn my interest very much. I personally use this tradition as a form to uphold the ultimate reality of nothingness, the unending vast void of ‘avyakta prakriti’ that every being or thing is destined to embrace. Orator is just the agent of the undifferentiated primordial chaos that is forever there and consuming.


You were a part of the legendary band “Weapon” before Vetis Monarch (founder of Weapon) moved to Canada. Earlier this year Vetis Monarch officially disbanded the band just when things were getting even bigger for them. He also stated in his “last” interview that he has untied himself from the isolation's of being a Black / Death metal musician’s life for good. What do you have to say about it?

It’s his life and I am sure his actions speak for himself.


What do you make of the studio facilities in Bangladesh in terms of recording Extreme Metal music?

We have many studios here to record the instruments and vocals. It gets frustrating when it comes to mixing and mastering. Most of the sound “engineers” here are into commercial mainstream pop rock shits to whom you cannot explain the type of output you want. Luckily we had Maamar Huq, of Sonic Occult Studio who himself is into metal music, so we did not have much trouble to deal with.


What holds for Orator in the future? When can the fans expect a new album under Pulverised Records?

Hopefully by mid 2015. There might be some demo tape releases in between this time, maybe in 2014.


Lastly, whats going to be Orator’s killing strategy for Banish The Posers Fest 2013?

Get up on stage, perform, and get off the stage.


Gratitudes for your time brother Skullbearer! Really appreciate it! The last words are going to be yours…

Deathrashing madness prevails! Keep up your apocalyptic support. Hail.


Orator is :

Skullbearer - Vocals, Guitar and lyrical concepts
Vritra Ahi - Bass
Mephistopeles Warmonger - Drums


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orator/320273501690?ref=ts&fref=ts

Amidst the horrific weather outside and sheer distance between Gibraltar and the UK, DSBM one-man project Days Of Our Lives found the time to sit down with GMA and report about the project history, current events, future plans and spoke about the Gibraltar Metal scene. Coincidentally the sole musician Nathan Colombo is also GMA's Gibraltar correspondent, read the interview below:


Days Of Our Lives, how did the name come about and why that name?

The name came to me a few years back when I was trying to find my own path in music. I wanted a name that reflected on a personal level which will also allowed the band to "change" overtime. The idea was for the project to reflect the day to day life that I live, sometimes happy, sad, angry, etc. The name seems silly to some but to be honest I couldn't think of a better name for the project.


Now you exclusively play DSBM, who inspires you and what makes your music DSBM?

I have always taken inspiration from my own life really. The past, present and future will always have a massive part in the music I create. I guess writing about it helps me to cope? Black Metal and DSBM has played a huge part in my life. It's pretty much all I listen to and I wanted to create art just like that. What makes my music DSBM? I'd have the say the amount of emotion behind the music that I put into it and the not keeping to any musical "standards" and "rules" that most genres have. DSBM for me is freedom of expression for the artist, anyone can do just about anything to create their art especially in this genre.


And what of the Gibraltar metal scene, what can you tell us about that?

It's pretty dead to be honest... however with other genres there's LOADS of things going on but with metal music there's not much going on. Metal bands don't last long here for some reason and break up as fast as they formed which is a damn shame really.


For those thinking of visiting Gibraltar, what attractions should they visit?

Gibraltar has a lot to offer for those history buffs, you know the great siege tunnels and all that. I'd say Gibraltar has a lot to offer for music fans also. For those into rock and metal music they should visit the Rock on The Rock club which has concerts going on every weekend and even brings in bands from pretty much anywhere to play some tunes and drink some booze.


So you have an upcoming release, tell us more about that?

Yeah I will be releasing my first album under the Days Of Our Lives name at the end of the month. It is entitled "Trapped Inside Past Memories" which you can figure that its based on the past. A lot of work went into it, I'd say more on the stress part really. I had planned for some guests and in the end it just ended up being me solo once again... Well not 100% solo as N.F (a good friend of mine) helped me co-produce it. Those who are familiar with my music will get what they expect... slow, depressive, minimalistic black metal.


And what future plans does Days Of Our Lives have?

I'd like to say play live but my bad luck with session musicians has been a freaking hassle. Maybe one day... MAYBE haha. I have a lot planned though, recording wise. I've been asked by a lot of bands to do some splits and they are all being sorted out right now actually. The big thing I have planned really is next year when I plan to release four albums "Spring", "Summer", "Autumn" and "Winter", which will each be released in their respective seasons. I have been working on these albums since I started working on "Trapped Behind Past Memories" so I have been quite busy but there is more to come... ALOT MORE


Finally are there any hello's, greetings, thank you's etc you wish to issue?

Well first off I want to say thanks to you for interviewing me and thanks to those who have supported my project over the years. My album is out on the 31st October 2013 so if anyone is interested now you know I guess? Support the underground scene! Bye!


https://www.facebook.com/pages/Days-Of-Our-Lives-Official/292415740773818

Since their inception in 2008, Moldova's Infected Rain have been making waves across the European continent with their unique mix of Nu Metal, Melodies and elements spanning many other styles of metal. Their music video 'Me Against You' shifted their attention to a more natural and original sound and as such, their premier release "Asylum" carries on that unique sound that the quintet mustered over the five years. As they plan on expanding further outside of the Eastern European corner of Moldova and Romania, GMA shifted it's usual interview style to accommodate a new type of interview that involves free-thinking questions and answers as you can see below:


If you were stuck on a desert island and were only allowed one album, what would you choose?

Vladimir – 30 Seconds To Mars - A Beautiful Lie
Vidick – Korn – Untouchables
Sergey – Metallica – Black Album
Lena – Bring Me The Horizon – Sempiternal
Eugene – Rush – Hold Your Fire


Who in the band is considered the party animal? What is the craziest thing you have done?

Sergey is the craziest one of us at parties we go to. Once, whilst Vidick was driving the car, he was riding the roof of the car, he wanted to get some adrenaline rush and he got it because a police officer stopped the car… It’s a long story.


What hobbies outside of music do you as a band have?
Soccer, Tennis, Sex, Boozing, Dancing.


If you were in charge of the world for a day, what would you do?

Vladimir - I would save all the people from diseases
Vidick - I'd give myself the ability to fly
Sergey - I'll offer a beer for everyone
Lena – I’ll make all drugs disappear


How do you unwind after a gig? Do you watch a movie?
Party all night long


Your music video 'Me Against You', how was it to ride motorbikes?

We actually never rode any motorbikes that day, but it was such an amazing experience just watching the professionals doing their job.


What do you hope to achieve through Infected Rain?
Infected Rain it’s not a way to achieve something, it’s a way to say something.


If you could meet any famous person from any point in history, who would it be?

Lena – Marilyn Monroe
Vidick - Albert Einstein
Vladimir – Alexander Pushkin
Eugene – Kurt Cobain
Sergey – Nicola Tesla


Finally what are your phobia's? Your worst fears?

Vidick – Height & Insects
Sergey – Fearless
Lena – To be alone
Vladimir – Snakes
Eugene – Anybody playing with my drums


https://www.facebook.com/infectedrain?fref=ts

It is quite a hard task to keep track of what is happening in the most exotic parts of the planet when it comes to Extreme Metal. Thailand, a country mostly known for its tourism, body massage shops, crazy night-life, Mua Thai boxing and tourist destinations, perhaps has become one of the fastest growing Metal hubs in Asia; especially when it comes to the “underground cult”. Savage Deity is an old school Death Metal band hailing right from the streets of Bangkok. Formed in 2010, Savage Deity has a 7” vinyl split EP with Goatchrist666 and has performed at the Siamese True Metal Festival with the Black / Death Metal legends Impiety.

Heavily influenced by the old predecessors of Death Metal, Savage Deity exhorts rebel against all the conventional false religions & deities and summons upon the ancient occult entity through their music. On the 16th of November, Savage Deity is going to have their international debut at Banish The Posers Fest 2013 in Bangladesh. GMA's Bangladesh Correspondent Nabil Abaddon caught up with Ray Mullaxul over the internet, lead guitarist and the founder member of Savage Deity and talked to him about their trip to Bangladesh for Banish The Posers Fest 2013, their upcoming full length album and much much more.


Infernal Hails to you brother Ray! You are the lead guitarist of a young Death Metal band from the depths of Thailand. Would you like to tell us how did the band come about? What is the meaning behind the band moniker? Please tell us the ideological references for such band name.

We began at the end of 2010, the band initially started with Twish on bass and vocals and me on guitars, Tanasan from Nuclear Warfare then joined to play drums with us. We recorded and self-released a demo “Rehearsal Tape 2011” and also worked on a 7” vinyl split EP “Icons of the Wicked” with Goatchrist666 in 2012. We have gone through some line up changes this year. We have Thinnarat on drums now (replacing Tanasan) and our second guitarist Saran aboard. So we are a four piece band at the moment. Now, we are about to release our debut album ‘Amulet of Sin’ from Slaughterhouse Records (USA) and looking forward to playing some gigs.

By the name ‘Savage Deity’, we refer to the ideologies of ‘The Ancient Ones’, ‘Occult God’, sometimes the ‘Evil God’ or ‘Satan’ from the ancient dark side.


Banish The Posers Fest 2013 is going to be Savage Deity’s first international gig. How excited are you guys? What are you expecting from the Bangladeshi metalheads?

I’m f**king excited to be there! It seems like ‘I am gonna play this gig and I’m gonna have some adventure too!’ This is really our first overseas gig and first time in Bangladesh too. I’ve heard that Bengal metalheads are fucking awesome! The hellish crowd and the consistent concert goers are there. I wanna see them all in front of stage when Savage Deity goes there!


Do you have much idea about the Bangladeshi Metal scene? Do you follow any bands from the Bengal?

I think the Bengal metal scene is awesome. I’ve seen in the photos that everyone goes to the shows and makes a big crowd. I don’t know much about the bands though. But I’m certainly a big fan of Orator! They’re the most bestial Metal act ever in Bengal scene.

If I am not mistaken, you guys have played at the ‘Siamese True Metal Festival’ for two years in a row, right? How has been the experience? Please tell us more about the festival.

Actually, We’ve played at the STM festival only in the first year, on 2011. The gig included 15 bands and started from mid-day till the midnight. We performed with great bands like Impiety, GxSxD, Surrender Of Divinity, Zygoatsis at that gig. It was a great experience.


Savage Deity is going to come up with their debut full-length album “Amulet of Sin” this year from Slaughterhouse Records, USA. Any insights about the album? Is it going to be out in tape format or CDR?

The album will be released in CD format worldwide and the production is going to be limited to 500 copies only. We will also release the album in tape format via Demonized Productions, Thailand.
Get a glimpse on what awaits for you in the album ‘Amulet of Sin’ here


What is the Metal scene like in Thailand in terms of what festivals are there, venues, labels, media and most importantly the bands? Which bands would you recommend us from there? Also tell us about the fans and how they support Metal?

We have no big festivals here yet. We have a newly opened Metal shop called ‘Sick Chainsaws Metal shop’ by the label Sick Chainsaws Productions. I’d like to recommend Thai bands like Goatchrist666 (Black / Death Metal), Intricated (Brutal Death Metal), Heretic Angels (Legendary Death Metal), Zygoatsis (Black / Death Metal), Surrender Of Divinity (Black Metal) etc. Thai fans are really supportive to the bands. They also support by going to the gigs in the middle levels.


Lets talk a bit about you Ray, how did you get into Metal music, playing Death Metal and who do you take your inspirations from?

I’ve been into this music ever since I was a kid and my father inspired me to pick up the guitar. He’d play the videos of Queen, Gun n Roses, Metallica and Def Leppard and teach me the songs on the guitar. When I was about 15 years old, I got the compilation CD ‘Best of Roadrunner’ from which I discovered bands like Sepultura, Obituary, Deicide, Malevolent Creation, Suffocation, Pestilence and Death. I was totally blown away by their music. I told myself that I must get all the f**king stuffs of these bands! I became a crazy fan of Death Metal right away and began practicing my guitar skills. I take my inspirations from my favorite Death Metal guitarist Trey Azagthoth from Morbid Angel!

Can you give me five albums that you would want to take to your grave?

The five albums would be

1. Morbid Angel – ALL ALBUMS
   
2. Deicide – Deicide
   
3. Impiety – Paramount Evil
   
4. Slayer – Reign In Blood
   
5. Iron Maiden – The Number Of The Beast
   

Whats your take on religion and spirituality?

I just have interest on occultism and anti-christianity. I don't need Jesus Christ because I have my own way of seeking truth and the Christians way back then would have said that I am evil because they had this authoritarian type of view and they wanted to control everything. I don’t believe in any of the Gods at all.


What are the future plans of Savage Deity? Any more tours outside your country or any festivals coming up?

Yes, we are looking forward to more gigs and overseas tours in 2014 to promote our debut album ‘Amulet Of Sin’ !


Savage Deity has a split with Goatchrist666 called “Icons Of The Wicked” which came out via Legion Of Death Records. Please tell us more about that alliance.

Absolutely! Goatchrist666 are our blood brothers. We wanted to show our brotherhood to the world. We had to contact with so many labels to release a split EP in 7” vinyl format but they ignored us. Until we contacted with ‘Shaxul’ from Legion Of Death Records and we finally released it in 2012. The production was limited to 300 copies and included 2 exclusive tracks from each band.

It has come to my attention that Savage Deity will be on a compilation featuring the most gruesome cult bands like Mantak, Belligerent Intent, Twisted Fate, Orator etc. When is it coming out? What do you make of the underground cult movement in this part of the world?

Mark Aitken from Twisted Fate is the person who is managing everything. He can tell you better. It’s the compilation of the bands from South East Asia, also from the Australian region. Well, I just want to do my own thing. Attitude, goal and the stand point is very important. I want to represent what I am, what Savage Deity is! We want to show the true Death Metal from Bangkok, Thailand to the world!


Gratitudes for your time Ray. Looking forward to Savage Deity’s performance in BTPF 2013. Ave! Any last words for the readers and fans?

Thank you so much GMA, for the great interview session. To all the Bengal Metalheads, See you in Dhaka! Get ready for our gruesome sacrifice and the upcoming debut album ‘Amulet Of Sin’!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Savage-Deity
http://www.youtube.com/savagedeity

GMA caught up with Sarke, front-man and multi-instrument player of Sarke from Norway. Speaking to him about We selected 7 of the questions with the best answers, but you can hear the entire interview by clicking the audio button above. (finish after typing up intie)

You've recently released or going to release in the next couple of days your third album, could you explain the concept behind the album title?

Yeah, well it itself is a made up word as are the previous two albums, I wanted to... the meaning of the word is a kind of door into the darkness, halfway into a darker side, so for me it's a door that is halfway.


Now Norway, since Black Metal started in Norway it has gone through a first wave and a second wave, is Sarke part of a third wave would you say?

I don't see Sarke as a Black Metal band, I don't think Sarke is hard enough or dark enough to be a real Black Metal band and I think people think that way because it's from a cold and awesome tone of Darkthrone and Satyricon, that it is easy to put Sarke into the Black Metal genre but I think that Sarke is much more than just a Black Metal band, it's more of a dark rock, heavy music I think, I don't feel that we are a Black Metal band.


Comparing the upcoming album "Aruagint" to the second album "Oldarhian", what has changed in between the two albums?

Cyrus is not in the band anymore, it's not a big thing, he took up parts with other bands and also Nocturnal to do some guitars, but otherwise it's the same band and music-wise we haven't just continued the Sarke sound, we've added some new elements and we've kept a lot of it, so for me maybe the picking between the first two albums, I feel.


The Norwegian Metal scene has not always been in positive light, especially when you have people like Varg Vikernes (who did the church burnings) and most recently the Norwegian extremist Anders Behring Breivik who took ideologies from Vikernese, so do you think that Black Metal is not looked upon in a positive way in Norway because of these atrocities?

Here in Norway, I think most people separate the murders, the church burnings and the music, because it's a few individual people who does it and it doesn't seem like it affects the music and the popularity of it, so it's not as positive as speaking about the Black Metal because of Dimmu Borgir, and Enslaved; although it's not a Black Metal band it always talked about, but these bands are very popular here and when we are on TV they speak well and they speak in a positive way, also Satyricon is popular and so it's been very accepted here and usually the peoples who burns things and are doing bad stuff, it's a smaller band who is not popular usually so it doesn't, it goes more on the person themselves rather than the music. Of course it was a bit different in the start in the beginning of the 1990's because then Black Metal was not so well known in the world so then when people who did something, it's Black Metal, but that's a long time ago, so I guess in the last 15 years it has found a positive way.


Does the Norwegian government offer any incentive for youth to learn how to play musical instruments, is there some sort of encouragement?

Yes in Norway it's like they support the music and they also give money to bands to tour and to record albums, but it's not just Black Metal it's all genres, so Black Metal gets money and so does Jazz and Pop, but they also have some rehearsal places so we can say that for the Government, they don't care if it's pop music or Black Metal, they just want to export and distribute it.


When you went into the studio and sat down and decided on what music you wanted to play, what lyrics you wanted for certain songs, where there any songs that you felt did not fit onto this album?

I usually throw away the song before it's done if I'm not going to have it on the album, so I usually finish only the songs I'm going to have on the album and I made 'Strange Pungent Odyssey', it's a special song, but I wasn't sure if the band would accept it but they all liked the song so we had it on the album, so that was one of the songs that we were unsure about. But I showed them the song before we went into the studio, but that was maybe a song I was not sure that the song was going to be on the album, I also do the lyrics at the same time as I do the music so I don't finish a song before the lyrics are finished, so I don't write a lot of lyrics and then write the songs I just add the lyrics to the songs as they are done together.


Finally are there any hello's, thank you's, greeting you wish to express to friends, family, band-members, colleagues, etc?

Of course our management, Gunnar is a very good man and also Lars-Erik vestry(?) who produced the album with me, he knows the sound I want and his work is very good so those are the main two people, but also the people involved with Sarke and of course all the bands. But I guess it would have to be those two.


'Aruagint' is out now via Indie Recordings

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