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In Words: Kalodin



- Kalodin - Sep. 2012 - Lars Bjørn -


www.facebook.com/kalodin








Kalodin
© Kalodin


Kalodin - September, 29th 2012 (by email)




When a band from Nepal releases new music, it is very interesting to follow more closely, because it figures under different circumstances than metal music from other parts of the world. We were extra pleased to get a chance to hear some points of view from Kalodin in their own words.

 

Since the band is not so experienced yet, please tell us about how you started things up. And why did you choose the name Kalodin?

It was merely a phase back then, with that sudden urge to learn an instrument, being surrounded by musicians. Eventually, it became something else. A spiritual movement. Members came and left, struggled through and things are just starting to get stable right now. The name Kalodin came about when we decided it should be Nepali. Kalodin, translating 'black day' or 'dark age'. Well, it suits what we write about.

Is there any reason behind your decision to make a small album of only 4 songs when you have already made one full-length CD in 2010?

Yes. The second release is an experimental approach to what we might end up doing for the next album.

   And about your new album title Sarv: it's taken from the ancient language Sanskrit, a language which is nowadays mostly used when you make religious prayers. And the title Sarv is a short form of the phrase 'to kill'. Can you tell us a few words of how you choose this title for your album?

The title is used as an euphemism to express the violent tendencies to break loose from within. Sarv, is used in the song Trishula and as the general theme of the EP.

When did you start to make new songs for the Sarv album?

We did the EP last year , completed it and totally discard it to re-write everything. We started writing Sarv around October 2011.

There has been some changes in the band, so how do you write the music? As a band or is there a main songwriter?

I mostly compose the songs alongside OmEO who has great musical instincts. Then, we share it with the rest of the members and they come up with their parts. If needed, we do make amendments.

What inspires you write music and lyrics?

Life and the happenings.

By the way: what bands/artists made you start playing? And which bands/artists are you listening to these days?

I started listening to bands from Roadrunner Records and got heavily influenced by them, namely Slipknot, Mudvayne, COF etc. It was a phase back then but I do relate to their music still. Gradually, black metal bands like, Immortal, Burzum, Nagaroth etc appealed to me greatly. The flow of their music!

How long did the recordings take? Where did you record the album Sarv? And who produced it?

The production for Sarv took almost 4 months as we were doing it slowly. We did the drum tracks at Phoenix Studio, guitars and bass at the band's home studio and vocals / mixing / mastering at The Falls Studio. Our studio engineer, Coleton Paskert did a terrific job with the production.

Who did the artwork? And how it is tied to the idea of the album?

Bikash Rai, ex-bassist of Kalodin did the artwork. It was a pretty difficult concept at first, not being used to this theme but upon realizing the direction we're taking, musically. Rai designed the artwork that suited the album perfectly. 'SARV' - To injure/to kill, in Sanskrit - which resides in the track, Trishula being the main theme of the EP. There is a little Vedic vibe to the design as well as the song. Not all though. It's an EP so it's basically an experimentation of what we could be doing next.

It is not so often we get a chance to hear music from your area... Can you tell us a little about how the metal scene is in Nepal? Neighboring countries?

The metal scene in Nepal is growing gradually. People are starting to discover new bands and the organizers try their best to bring them over for a gig. Local bands sharing the stage with such acts which is an absolute honor, despite the genre. We did not use to have this vast option in the past. It still is a little limited currently but far better than before. The sound, stage, lightings, management has improved tremendously and artists are getting more aware of their sound. Give it a few more years and it'd be fucking unstoppable!

I could speak about the metal scene in India. There are ongoing events in different states and it is great that bands from over there, come to Nepal and share the stage with the local bands and vice-versa. We speak different languages but metal in all, unites us.


Are there any problems for you in Nepal being a black metal band?

In what context? Surviving as a band itself is a fucking drag. But, we gotta do what we gotta do. And we love doing it so whatever obstacle there may be, we always get pass it.

It was nice to hear that you include some sounds on the album that is inspired by Hinduism... How big part is religion in your daily life?

We've been brought up religiously - Hinduism, Buddhism. Now, it is not a big issue. It is very insignificant to us. Teachings of Hinduism though, has intrigued us. The philosophy behind it.

Where have you been playing concerts so far?

The last concert that we played was with Decapitated from Poland who recently headlined Nepfest (Metal Festival) here in Kathmandu.

Now back to the new album... Which song(s) do you think represent Sarv best? And why?

Only one song so far has such vibe in it, Trishula - a violent manifestation of the supreme, Shiva.

I guess you already got some feedback. Are you satisfied so far?

Definitely!

And live performances, are there any plans for new concerts?

Yes. We are planning on a domestic leg tour and Asia Tour next year if all goes well.

Do you plan to record some live footage - not talking about Pro Shots - for YouTube or similar platforms?

Yes, there is always someone in the crew who does that.

Talking about the internet ... Social network is both a blessing and a curse. What's your opinion about it?

What you said is true. Internet has made it so much easier to interact with people, discover new artists and to share one's own music with others. With high speed bandwidth, one could upload/download music at any time without worrying about not getting it in the market. The downside - piracy of course.

What's next on your schedule? Anything you want to add to the interview?

We're already working on the next album and planning tours. We'd like to thank our fans who have shown tremendous support and to those who haven't heard of Kalodin. I hope you enjoy the music when you do.



Ice Vajal thanks the band Kalodin for their great answers and ability to turn the spotlight on what is happening in the metal music business in Nepal, and their info of their own situation. Good luck with the next album.



Lars Bjørn

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