Interview with musician/ activist, Shenpenn Khymsar

I had a chance recently to talk with Shenpenn Khymsar, Tibetan activist, producer of the documentary “Journey Of A Dream” and guitarist in metal act Avatara. We talked a bit about his background in music and his intentions with the documentary. For those that don’t know about the film, here’s a brief snippet from the website, there is also a trailer for the film at the bottom of the interview…

“This revolutionary politically driven Rock-U-mentary is the first of its kind to put a spotlight on the hidden musical talents of his birth place Darjeeling that struggles to survive much less get noticed. Journey of a Dream takes a candid look into the lives of generations of Tibetan refugees in Darjeeling, Dharmsala, New York and Canada. Tibetans all over the world are politically, philosophically, and spiritually loyal to their history, culture which is what keeps the dream of a free Tibet alive for future generations. For Khymsar expressing his dedication and love for his occupied homeland Tibet through Heavy Metal, a musical form as complex and undeniably passionate as his own struggle, was a natural evolution.”

Rest In Disgrace, Buddhist inspired Metal

I was turned onto these guys by an old reader, Wolfbane (aka D. Ingham, thanks again man). Rest In Disgrace play some doomy, darker metal, not typical of today’s metal at all. Very reminiscent of At The Gates, early Amorphis with some decent progressive sound as well.

I e-mailed the band hoping they’ll agree to be featured here, and to see what their story is… till then… here’s two videos I found on YouTube, songs are titled “Ascendance” and “Descension”… enjoy… I did!

Deadly Light “Six Walls” review/ interview

I recently had the opportunity to hear a great new band. Max from Deadly Light sent me a message via Facebook filling me in on who they are and what they do.

From their website:

Deadly Light writes loud, metal-infused, cinematic songs dealing with the nature of consciousness and the search for meaning.

Being a huge fan of metal I was really looking forward to checking them out. Max sent me a digital copy of their EP “Six Walls” and I’ve been listening to it ever since. Yes, it’s not death metal, don’t be shocked here… I like ALL forms of metal.

There are elements of many different bands here, from the layered sound of bands like Paradise Lost, dirge like riffs of Sunno))), the quirkiness of Voivod and more. There’s a bit here for every metal fan.

Brother Metal? The Rockin’ Monk?

Ed. Note – There is a video at the end of the BBC article with this guy. Very cool article and interview.

From BBC – At first glance, Cesare Bonizzi looks like the archetypal Capuchin monk – round-faced, stout, with twinkling eyes and a long flowing white beard. But beneath his robes beats a heart of metal.

Brother Cesare is the lead singer in a heavy metal band which has just released its second album.

A former missionary in the Ivory Coast, he lives in a small friary in the Milan hinterland.

Music: Black Tide

Just heard the most amazing new, yet old sounding, metal band around. It’s not my typical death metal fix, but it brings me back to my teen years when I used to really enjoy Metallica’s music (anything past the And Justice For All album is junk in my mind). The truly amazing thing is, these kid are all under 20 years old, including the 15 year old singer/ guitarist. I know there’s a couple metal heads that persuse this blog and thought you’d enjoy this…