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| Sunday, 17 August 2003 |
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by Umangi de Mel Stigmatised rock...says who?? Come hell or high water the next in line to be crowned as kings of rock mature by the day, their immense talent, the rush and the whole works catching on..and let the whoops and hollers begin.. Finally getting the big break to launch their 1st album "Hollow Dreams" `Stigmata' says that the album is lyrically, musically and conceptually well rounded. Having focused on all aspects to create the album, the outfit guarantees the quality and production of "Hollow Dreams". "We've perfected the performance and recording aspect too. In short, we've emphasised on the production and we are satisfied with the product," says Suresh, leader of the band explaining why they took so long to come up with the album. The album contains 11 tracks including an instrumental. "It's the first metal album that has come out in Sri Lanka. It's versatile, complex, diverse and innovative," the guys say. "Hollow Dreams" speaks of different things yet conceptually threads under one unified plot. Bringing up various topics such as child abuse, rape, decadence, war, apathy, isolation and social oppression through their album, `Stigmata' says that each song is like a chapter ...."It's also about personal beliefs and questioning the necessity of divine intervention," Suresh says. Scheduled to perform at the launch on August 23 at `My kind of place', Taj Samudra, the Stigs will be playing all 11 tracks after `Paranoid Earthling' who will be performing their originals. Still talking about the album that probably means the world to them, Suresh says that they released an EP, two months ago as a precursor to the actual launch. "It has three tracks which are original compositions called, `Thicker than blood', `Andura (Darkness)', and `The dying winter sleeps'," he says. The guys reveal that the response was positive and that 650 copies were sold. According to them, `Hollow Dreams' will be sold for Rs. 500 at all prominent CD outlets but if you make it to the launch concert you will get both the ticket and CD for just Rs. 350. `Stigmata' has been around for five years and has been recording for a long time. Trying not to define their sounds, the guys say they don't try to be different but always have tried to be original. "We have incorporated thrash. We've got speed, black, death, progressive, power, dark waves, classical music, blues, fusion and surprisingly `baila'," explains Suresh who says that `Metal' has always been a mode of escapism to them. "It caters to the thinking mind or you can simply enjoy it," he continues, "It's powerful, emphatic, aggressive and serene when required. Metal is what made us click." Speaking about their influences, `Stigs' say that they have individual influences nevertheless as a band, the guys collectively enjoy the sounds of the classic rock Gods, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, The Doors as well as modern metal bands like Iron Maiden, Pantera, Korn, early Metallica, Mega Death and early Slayer and a few underground bands such as Iced Earth, Never More, Cradle of Filth, Blind Guardian and Tool. What keeps `em going? "Drugs, sex and Rock `n Roll..and Milo -just kiddin'," they crack. "Actually it's the crowd. From the time we started, we've always had over 700 listeners each time we performed. Ajith and the Rock Company, our fans and peers have done a lot for us," they say. Before wrapping things up, the guys talk about the present music scene in Sri Lanka. Our conventional, narrow minded music industry has been ripped open from the head to the core by the rising revolution of original Sri Lankan rock music," they remark. And now for the low down on the guys: Tenny Napoleon How important is music in your life? It's my daily bread. Music is my way of expressing my inner abilities and disabilities. Any bizarre hobbies? Tripping, watching horror movies, serial killer movies and getting lost in another world. Most likely to hang out.. Any place. I hang around wherever I go. About girls.. It's hard to understand them but I try to understand `em..They are electrifying. Some could talk through their eyes (found only one so far) When they smile, you kind get lost in it! (However according to the others, it is the only thing taking precedence over intoxication) Fashion, clothes and trends? I wish I could wear designer collection but I prefer not wearing anything! What kind of a guy are you? Hyperactive (And he's the only guy who thinks that he's the most happening guy around, say the others) I'm still trying to figure out what I am..I like trying out new stuff that nobody else does. I'm very experimental and I like doing `out-of-this-world' stuff! ***** Andrew Obeysekera What's the day job? I practise and I'm hoping to get into IT. How important is music in your life? Very important cause I enjoy it. Any bizarre hobbies? I don't know if it's bizarre but I like playing Golf..got into it recently. Most likely to hang out.. I don't hang out. Whenever I'm free I prefer practicing. About girls.. Not the most important thing, especially not as important as my guitar. Fashion, clothes and trends? No. They are time consuming. It doesn't mean much to me. I do it with a limit. What kind of a guy are you? I really don't know but I don't give up easily on things. If I want to do something, somehow I do it and if I want to have something, somehow I have it. ***** Suresh de Silva What's your day job? I'm a copy writer and a first year student at the Uni. How important is music in your life? It's the way, the truth, the life. Any bizarre hobbies? Nothing out of the norm..I'm a writer, a poet, a lyricist and the most enjoyable thing in my life is probably playing in the band. Most likely to hang out.. I don't like hanging out. I'm not sociable and I don't like public places. I won't be spotted anywhere you think it's cool and trendy. The only thing I enjoy doing at times is hanging out with these fellows, just getting together for an occasional drink. About girls.. Some of them are stubborn, obstinate, elegant and charming..and unpredictable, intelligent..Actually those are the qualities I look for in a girl I suppose. However I don't like every girl I meet. Fashion, clothes, and trends.. I don't give about trends, people should make their own trends. I like leather jackets though..My fav. perfume is Ralph Lauren `Safari' and I'm generally more comfy with jeans and Ts and I like wearing black. What kind of a guy are you? Ask my ex. girl friend. ***** Shehan Grey What's the day job? I work at Forbes & Walkers as a tea taster/broker and I take CIM classes at Synergy How important is music in your life? Music makes me happy when I'm sad Any bizarre hobbies? Tasting tea Most likely to hang out? Video shop..Rock shows, see new bands performing and stage plays..(`to engage in spiritual activities,' says the rest) About girls.. What girls?? Sometimes they're pathetic, they make you sick and make us wonder why we ever go after them. But there are some who are very sweet and make you happy. (hint, hint) Fashion, clothes and trends.. Mostly black and skinnies What kind of a guy are you? Jovial..I suffer from gastritis. (`and I like seducing fans,' adds Suresh) ***** Nisho Fernando What's the day job? Just finished my A/Ls. How important is music in your life? It's my life Any bizarre hobbies? If you call swimming, Water polo and playing drums bizarre.. Most likely to hang out.. Inside cars (???!!!@@**?) and the beach (the rest prompts) About girls.. I really don't know, I agree with Suresh though. Fashion, clothes and trends.. I don't give it much thought. I like to dress in full black. What kind of a guy are you? I really don't know what I am.. |
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