We caught up with Nepal’s symphonic black metallers, KALODIN, who recently released their sophomore effort, Sarv EP. We spoke with band’s founder/guitarist, Davin Shakya for an exclusive interview.

Hails, brother. Greetings from MetalIndia Magazine on the release of your second EP ‘Sarv’. How are you guys feeling about it?
Greetings. Extremely relieved!

Well, first of all, we would like to know about the formation of the band, line up changes and the major events that followed.
Kiew Jay Joel did the vocals for the first album, “The Bestial Ritualism of Harlotry”. The band, after relocating in Nepal, started out with a new line up with the members from ‘Garudh’. Sanjay Maharjan, Ashish Senchury and Gobinda Senchury have been with Kalodin for more than 2 years and its amazing. Bikash Rai had just left for overseas to pursue his studies. We have Pramod Ban on bass currently. We played couple of open air concerts in Kathmandu namely, Nepfest series, Ides of March, Silence Festival and a Metal Mayhem tour to Gangtok and Guwahati, India. We just had an EP release gig and planning on more tours.

Now, tell us something about the EP. Give us a little insight into the concept/ theme/ tale behind each track.
The general theme of the EP or rather a song, “Trishula” is inspired by the image of Hindu Deities and the epic tales namely ‘Shiva’. The concept is such that the songs from the EP are written in their own context and the title of the EP, “Sarv” which means ‘to kill’ or ‘to injure’, an euphemism used to express the phenomenal urge to be liberated from within, is used in the song “Trishula” which inspired the theme of this record. This EP is an experimental approach to what we might end up doing in the next album. The theme strongly uplifts our musical/philosophical intent in the album hence the name, “Sarv”.

Which musical and non musical influences are present in the EP?
I started applying natural harmonic minor scale to most of what i play. After a few jam session, messing around with a few Eastern Classical scales. I was extremely appealed by how it may sound if induced with our own influences. As for non musical influences. It was in trance, the music was written. All the thoughts are being written in words.

Could you tell us about the music making process of Kalodin? What is it like?
Its different this time really. For the first album, we did everything via internet. Used MIDI drums to fill up the void of not having a drummer then. Now, Gobinda Senchury with his live drumming made the audio sound much better. After composing the guitars, we add other instruments gradually and make any amendments if needed. As the song progresses, we get a clearer perspective on which direction to head towards. Most of the compositions are done in the band’s home studio.

You’ve told previously ‘Sarv’ means ‘to kill’ in Sanskrit. How appropriate, according to you, is the EP title?
“SARV” is a word used as a medium to express the general intent we’re going for, musically and philosophically. All 4 songs doesn’t necessarily have the same theme because this is only the EP . An experimental approach to what could be done if the music is arranged otherwise.

You had an EP launch event promoting the release. Are there any gigs or tour or any other promotional campaign lined up to promote the EP?
Yes. We do have a few gigs lined up and yet to be confirmed to promote the release within the country for a start.

How would you describe your music to anyone who is not aware of your music?
Its the cross between the musicality derived from Black Metal and our own influences. The EP is the result of it.

I listened to your pretty impressive debut EP ‘The Bestial Ritualism of Harlotry’. In what aspects 2nd ep is better than the first?
We have live drums this time and mix is definitely much better than the first album. We infused a few new influences, enhancing the current release.

Which are your favorite Black Metal bands?
Marduk, Mayhem, Burzum, Immortal, Behemoth and many more.

Do you guys play gigs with corpse paint, spikes and black leather on?
We do have a similar attire when onstage.

I like to ask this question from Black Metal bands – What are your opinions in relation with the religion, do you guys just don’t a give a fuck about it and walk down the infidel path of darkness.
We write what we feel about our existence. Religion is just a point of reference ; a flawed system that have consumed more than given. The music is written herein after our philosophical approach to our existence.

Thanks a lot for your time, man. Before we wrap up, speak out to your fans and supporters.
We like to thank all who have been supporting us and hope that you enjoy the new release!