By Aniruddh ‘Andrew’ Bansal
The fourth edition of the annual Trendslaughter Fest is set to take place at the No Limmits Lounge in Bangalore, India on Saturday February 1st. Organized by Cyclopean Eye Productions, the gig promises to bring together the best of Asian underground extreme metal, and with an enticing lineup of bands, it should serve to be a special treat for metalheads in India. Sri Lankan black metal band Serpents Athirst will be partaking in the activities as a support act. Formed in 2011, they have just one release to their name so far but have been actively performing local shows in Sri Lanka. This happens to be their first ever gig overseas, and they’re raring to go. I caught up with drummer Obliterator to talk about TSF, the band’s local fan base, and more. Read the conversation below.
You’re playing Trendslaughter Fest in Bangalore on February 1st. What are your expectations from the gig and what should the Bangalore audience expect from you guys?
Infernal Hails! This is our first live ritual overseas and we don’t expect much from it other than playing a killer set and sharing the spirit of metal among the horde. Bangalore may expect something from us which will be worth the wait.
In the past year or so, you’ve been playing shows in Sri Lanka on quite a regular basis. Are you happy with how you’ve been progressing as a live band with each of these shows?
Indeed. The crowd has been excellent in supporting us throughout the year of 2013. We started off 2013 opening for Infernal Curse, the most evil band from Argentina. In mid-2013 we shared the stage with Zebulon Kosted (USA), which was a killer experience. We do expect good journeys this year and it’s an honor to kickstart our year with TSF IV sharing the stage with the mighty Impiety, Orator, Dying Embrace and other killer acts! This is going to be something unforgettable.
How’s your local fan base in Sri Lanka? Have you been able to build a sizable legion of fans through these shows?
To a certain extent. There are those who support us and there are those who don’t. Nevertheless, we stand for what we believe and do what we need to do to get our message out.
You released a demo called ‘Prevail’ in 2012. What’s the progress in terms of new material and when are you planning to put out your next release?
Prevail was our debut release that first came as a split and then on tape format released by Eternal Transmigration Records, Bolivia. We’ve recorded our new material with our war-brother B.W.G of Genocide Shrines/Funeral in Heaven as our producer who has been supportive throughout our journey. This has been completed but we’re still awaiting completion of mixing and mastering in order to release this.
With this India gig, are you hoping or planning to open the gateway to break out and do more shows outside of Sri Lanka?
Indeed. We’d really like to thank Sandesh, Vik and all of the TSF Crew for the offer since this has really opened our gates to more live shows overseas.
Sarcofago, Archgoat, Impiety, Blasphemy, Revenge, Black Witchery, Conqueror, Diocletian, Surrender of Divinity and 1349.
Black metal has a different interpretation for people. For some it’s just a musical style, for others it has a deeper meaning. Where do you stand in this regard?
To us, it’s a gift from the elder evil (older bands). It gives us the ability to manifest our own auditory decimation. As a conclusion it definitely gives the band a deeper meaning, since we relate the story of our lives and what we’ve seen, and the same goes through our music to convey the message.
I genuinely think your band name Serpents Athirst is great. How did it originate?
Much thanks. It basically means what it means. ‘Serpent’ represents the most venomous creature alive. ‘Athirst’ is a rare word for craving. In our situation, there’s the term called ‘Trends’ which we believe should be obliterated. This is how it was from the start of our journey since 2011. The Naga (Serpent) craves to destroy filthy trends brought up by weak minds.
Where does your lyrical inspiration come from?
Our anger towards the weak society. Our anger towards organized Religion & Laws.
What’s your take on present-day black metal? Do you consider any of the newer black metal bands good, or are the older bands still the only ones carrying the torch in your opinion?
I believe the older bands carry the torch since they’ve influenced us from the start. If it wasn’t for the raw black metal era in the 80’s and 90’s, none of this would exist. The early days of black metal is what keep the infernal flame alive to date.
Links:
Serpents Athirst Facebook Page
Trendslaughter Fest IV Official Event Facebook Page
Cyclopean Eye Productions Facebook Group