1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Currently we’re working on some final compositions and the recording the debut album as we speak and are in the lookout for potential labels to handle the release.
2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the split and how it differs from previous recordings?
I would say that the material on “Astral Mantras...” has more in common witht he previous 7” we did for Legion of Death Records and the single “JanaaniJanmabhumisca...”, as it continues further explorations into a much intoxicated world fueled with oriental occultism. It however differs from our demo tape as that, we can without a doubt say has more intricate links to the debut full length which has the more aggressive live ritual material included.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer material?
“Astral Mantras...” explores alot of the Sri Lankan occult and our fascination with Sri Lankan and Indian classical music for example on “Transmigrations...”.And whilst “Bandhana” is inspired by a tale of an old practioner of the occult and the infamous event surrounding the individual, “Buddhang Saranang” is atribute cover to the now defunct “Mantra Rock” band who collectively go by the name Thapas. Since I think it’s a known fact that Sri Lanka is known as acountry which through events over the years, adept to the art of war, the material on the full length has more focus on the ancient wars such as the infamous Rama/Ravana scriptures such as the Bhagavat Gita, and further explorations into rituals and Sri Lankan demonology.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
A proclamation of sorts to describe the death or a transcending of a culture and its traditions, contrary to popular belief of the names religious or any other minuscule connotations.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The “In League With The Legion Of Death” gig with Manzer, Abigail and Orator in Siamese Hell definitely gets an honorable mention along with the Deccan Festival in Hyderabad India and a few other festivals in our homeland. And the stage performance? Utter fucking chaos.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Most definitely. We’re now looking into the possibilities of touring more in the European/USA regions, preferably to promote the full length.
7. The new release is coming out on Dunkelhiet Producktionens, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Bernd from Dunkelheit actually got in touch with me a few years ago, and we have been discussing the release, trading, etc since way back. I could tell much about the individual from the way he played his part and communicated with us as from the day he offered to release this LP, and his devotion and interest towards the band and the release has not decreased an ounce since. A man who knows how to deliver, devoid of bullshit and true to his word. Total support,total respect.
8. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by black metal fans?
Leaving aside the obedience to commitments regarding certain aspects of the genre, we are not known as a project to play by much of the rules which have currently established themselves somehow onto the “scene”. So either you like it, or you don’t. We however keep getting countless messages from people who genuinely bonded with the previous ritual recordings and performances, and the support verbal and non is quite astonishing. We are humbled.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
As mentioned before, the full length will definitely have more ties with our demo tape, which displays more of the live ritual selections, which are more aggressive, experimental but plain fucking chaotic. I guess we will have to wait to find out about what will manifest itself after.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Im not exactly sure what you mean by the “newer music” tag, but we have always been influenced by alot of Venom, Immortal, Archgoat and not forgetting theIndian/Sri Lankan classical adoration towards artists such as Premasiri Khemadasa, Jagjit Singh and Zakir Hussain. Recent listens include the new Archgoat, some Metalucifer and Barbatos, and alot of works by people such as James Read, Pete Hemlkamp and Alexander Milenwald.
11. Where does the band draw most of their views of Occultism from?
Mostly from ancient rare scriptures from Sri Lanka, which are 90% written in Sinhalese. And first hand traditions passed on from one generation to the next.
12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Sri Lankan demonology, the occult, arrack, archeology, history and again,arrack.
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thank you for taking the time. Jaya Raavanputhra!
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