Tantrum

by Rikaza Hassan

The Destruction Begins...

Comprised of four songs, the first track, an instrumental, 'Metal Moju' is a remake of an old Sinhala song. Says Javeen of The Destruction Begins, "The songs are very different from each other. It's very power metal, dark, very thrash."

In 'The Destroyer' the heavy influence of Iron Maiden is immediately obvious to even the first time listener. Apart from the Iron Maidenesque riffs, the music also shows influences of Stigmata. Paced not too fast, the composition actually contains quite catchy sections: "We always try and include catchy parts so that even those uninitiated to the music can understand what we're saying."

Javeen who penned the lyrics for the songs says he is influenced by "personal stuff." 'The Destroyer', one of the first songs he wrote, "is a demonstration of the on-going war in the country, the chaos that the war causes. I've taken this concept to the future, placed it in a world of machines."

'Purgatory Of Sinners', my personal favourite, showcases the heavier, harder side of Tantrum. Kudos to Heshan for his unbelievable way with the drums throughout.

Presently Tantrum have completed their newest single, 'Bleeding Compassion' - "a step ahead from what we've done before" and are putting the finishing touches on their newest offering 'Darkness through your Eyes'.

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They celebrated the previous year with the TNL Onstage win, went on to release their EP: The Destruction Begins in February, but all was not well in the Tantrum camp. After several line-up changes Tantrum finally got their act back together, making their debut at the Rock Company 3rd Party.

With Javeen the sole remaining member of the former line-up, the overhauled foursome are "more focused on the music, more tight and more complex," according to Javeen. "We're determined to make it, to ultimately make this our career."

Their music has developed towards the "heavier, more progressive."

"I think we've all grown as individual musicians. At present we play thrash metal with elements of melodic death." As for their debut as the all new Tantrum: "the fans were awesome, there was great response. It was one of the best shows that Tantrum has ever played."

"Our music is aggressive, out there, in your face. It's how we get our ideas across, make the audience feel what we're saying, let them identify with at least a portion of what we're saying, connect with them."

They attribute their new sound and stage presence to "bonding so well now. We've become more organised, more disciplined." They add further, "We always look to do crazy stuff. Y'know jumping around, getting down on our knees, getting in to the crowd. We have these customised t-shirts with the Tantrum logo that we wear for our shows. Jeans and leather jackets complete our look."

Tantrum find themselves inspired by bands such as Lamb of God, Nevermore, Death, Iron Maiden, Arch Enemy and Metallica. As for the local rock/metal industry, "it's growing," is their opinion. "People now see that hip-hop is not real anymore. They see that the local bands have talent, and they respect that."

As for their future, "They say, aim for the skies and you might hit the top of the trees. The day we open for Iron Maiden is the day we'll consider ourselves to have made it. Obviously first we've got to build a fan base here, move to other Asian countries and only then can we have any hope of making it big internationally."

The boys of Tantrum are currently working on material for an album which they hope to have ready for release next year. "Please buy our EPs and contribute towards the process of making our album."

Arjun Dhas (17)

Rhythm guitar/backing vocals

Arjun is one of those lucky guys whose parents actually listened to the music that he himself liked: "my dad was in to classical rock." The sibling of Stigmata's bassist, Arjun is a "talented guitarist" and committed musician who wants to make it big. He is also focusing on developing his vocal skills as he gets "in to the heavier stuff more."

Akila Peiris (21)

Lead guitar

The oldest in the band, the pint size guitarist is said to be "very promising," and is a huge fan of Satriani and Steve Wai. The most intellectually member of the band, he studies electronic engineering at university level. Akila is said to be the "clean guy" in the band, very cheery and not known to take things too seriously.

Javeen Soysa (20)

Base guitar/vocals

A committed and demanding leader of the band, Javeen knows exactly where he wants to go with his music - "make this our career" - and how to get there - "push yourself to become better." Javeen first became hooked to metal when he heard Metallica's 'Ride the Lightning' even though he had been experimenting with music by Drowning Pool and Disturbed. "I listened to stuff like 'Fade to Black' and 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' and that was it."

Tharaka Seneviratne (20)

Drums

The newest member of Tantrum, Tharaka finds he fits in with his band mates quite easily. He is currently session playing for Nemesis and finds it hard being tied up to both bands.