Cannaballistic Cannabis

By Nilma Dole

Definitely a band worth taking note of when talking about the brimming metal scene, Cannabis might be the only sludge metal band there ever was in this part of the world.

The Cannabisically cannabalistic members comprise of Dinuk on vocals and bass, Dasa on lead guitar and the drummer dude Sankha who also acts as a rhythm guitarist when they go acoustic.

“Dasa and I first hooked up in school and back then, we played for a band called Black Mass Ritual”, reminisces Dinuk. Their second gig was at ‘Rock X’mas’ in Kandy and that was when they discovered Sankha.

Cannabis highlights their music as a type that revolves around sludge metal with a fusion of doom. Coupling elements of stoner metal with blends of Sri Lankan metal of their own style is incorporated too. Their influences range from ‘Pantera’, ‘Down’, ‘Black Sabbath’ to old school music from the 80s like ‘Jimi Hendrix’ and ‘Deep Purple’.

They currently have worked on two acoustic songs namely ‘Ballad for the Deuce’ and ‘Menace the Faith’ and will record them at Empire studios. They hope to launch their EP and album together with their brother band Funeral in Heaven (FIH) and Fallen Grace and hope to do consecutive launches in Colombo and Kandy.

“We are straight to the point and explore conspicious sides especially due to our country’s situation”, says Dinuk. “Even though we are in the Sri Lankan underground metal scene, we hope to break it gig internationally but remain faithful to the underground,” they say. They focus their music on everything from real-life issues to society.

“We want people to really understand the situation of the country by listening to our music,” said Dinuk. When asking about carving the Cannabis name Dinuk notes: “We are generally influenced by freedom and the right of expression which is more than the herb called ‘Cannabis’ which is peace of mind.”

Right now, Clive Jones the vocalist of an international band called Black Widow said that they will help Cannabis out which offers them hope for the future.

As for full-time careers, Sankha works in a leading bank, Dinuk is studying Business and Dasa is into Telecommunications. They are planning to go abroad soon to complete their higher studies but will focus on their music while they are still here. They say “Studies are a priority.” Dinuk confesses to being a ‘retired tatoo artist’ and employs his artistic style for the band to write enlightening songs.

As for advice, Cannabis highlights “Money is the downfall of all bands and don’t play music for what other people want.” Further they advise, “Do what’s in your heart, do what you love and what makes you happy.” They play tribute music and pay their respects to our war heroes and those who have sacrificed their lives for us.

They acknowledge Dasa’s mother and grandmother for their gracious support and also Dinuk’s and Sankha’s parents who have been backing them and funding them to fulfill their musical aspirations.

They thank Chathuranga, Roger and all of FIH, their tour manager, Dinuk’s sister Ceylo Smits, graphic artist Dr.666, Fallen Grace, KRM, Black Widow and their loyal stoner crew!