Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

Let the chaos rip through!
Stigmata is set to release their new album ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ and take you on a mind-blowing heavy metal experience. Are you ready? Vidushi Seneviratne and Tharangani Perera talk to the guys

Powerful, harmonious, raucous and wild… is the sound of Stigmata in its new creation ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’. Drawing melody from affliction, misery and darkness, they transform concerns into song. They are Suresh, Tenny, Andrew, Vije and Ranil – the five elements of Stigmata.

“Chaos is omnipresent today. It’s in abundance all around us… you just have to switch on the television to realise this. The highlighting of this disorder, both from an objective and subjective point of view,” is how Stigmata describes the title of this “killer” album.

The eight songs of ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ speak of a variety of contemporary social issues, the depth of which is highlighted through music that lies upon a brutal, intense and diverse foundation.

One of their songs, “Swine Maker” talks about religious extremists. Through so many denominations and religious groups that have grown over the years, the same message is conveyed to the public. The song speaks of how, despite this fact, extremists always try to divide and conquer.

“Book Of Skin” looks at people in the spotlight in the entertainment industry. While a song or movie is popular, the artiste becomes successful and the centre of everyone’s attention. This song talks about the cyclic process, which causes any trend to lose its hold when something new comes along, and how everyone in the entertainment industry is just food for the big machine.
Their song “Lucid”, which has became very popular among the group’s fans for its uniqueness and expression has an underlying story, and is best explained by a metaphor. It speaks of an individual lost in a dark tunnel, following a speck of light at the end of it, seeing it as his only hope. But approaching it, he realises that it isn’t so.

The talent and creativity of these remarkable musicians have never failed to captivate, arouse and inspire their audience. For Stigmata the journey of evolution would not have been possible without the people who’ve supported them along the way. “We need to thank Shafi for an impressive job done, producing this fantastic album, and Shobi Perera for his ingenious sound engineering. Also, the support given by Rock Company and all the bands has been imperative,” said Suresh. He added that everyone interested in getting a closer look at Stigmata’s intense happenings, could log onto the band’s website – www.stigmata.us

Preserving the coarseness, which is essential for heavy metal, Stigmata brings the Sri Lankan rock fans melodious diversity in ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’. The ‘killer’ launch of the album is scheduled for February 25, at My Kind of Place. There will be a guest appearence by Paranoid Earthling.

Tickets are priced at Rs. 600, and includes a free CD and entrance for an incredible concert. While the CD has all the vital dynamics, and is on par with any international production, the audience will be treated to a concert complete with an electric ambience and atmosphere that’ll make you ‘feel’ the real thing. To ensure easy entrance for this toxic musical rock splendour, you are advised to head down to the venue by 8 p.m. the latest.

The principal sponsor for the event is Rockers Potato Chips and the co-sponsors are Carlsburg, Red Bull, Ohzone and Light House. TNL Radio is the official radio sponsor for the event, while the official television sponsor is Etv. The official print media sponsor is The Sunday Times.

The vocalist
Stigmata comes alive in the hands of their lyricist, poet, advertiser and serial writer Suresh, who screams of individuality with every atom of his being.
Drawing his inspiration from the other four members of the band, Suresh enjoys the challenge, which is an essential part of being in the company of such gifted artistes. “On stage, we are not who we are in real life; all of our passion for what we do is transformed into song. It’s like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” he said, adding, “I love how the band lets me express everything I’m unable to express otherwise, in sheer ferocity and energy that transpire when we’re on stage.”

“We compose our music very fast,” revealed Suresh, adding, “Normally, our song creation is a spark of inspiration, but basically, it’s the chemistry that we share. I believe that each song on ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ is strong enough to stand on its own. The new album is top notch and will certainly open many windows of opportunities for us,” he said.

The drummer
“We have improved a lot as musicians and song writers,” said Ranil, adding, ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ appeals to my soul. It’s the instrumentation that strikes me as inspiring.”

From when he was small, Ranil loved performance, which he explored through Kandyan Dancing and his violin. “I feel ready and enthusiastic in front of an audience, and I just want to play my heart out. It’s the best feeling in the world and it’s so special,” he shared.

Drawing his inspiration from Lamb of God, Igor Cavalera, Death, John Tempesta and Joey Jordison, Ranil has taught himself to play over the years. Within the band, he enjoys maddening the rest of the members, especially Andrew, as in his own words, “bugging Andrew is deeply gratifying!”

The lead guitarist
“‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ is definitely the best thing that could happen,” said Andrew, adding, “We have to live it, breathe it and deliver it!” Banker by day and guitarist by night, Andrew has to surmount the complexity of tying his hair each morning, before he goes to work!

“The album doesn’t sound like anything that was made in this country,” he said, explaining that the sound and the music arrangement are completely novel in concept. The composition of Stigmata’s songs is a product of their wondering minds and imagination. “I might hear Tenny playing something, and I might hear a melody in my head, and we put it together to see what develops,” Andrew said, adding that music to him is similar to colours that change like chords from major to minor. “We arrange the music according to the lyrics. After Suresh explains the idea of the song and the lyrics, we take it from there,” he added. The songs of Stigmata, having been born in such a way are always natural and have an even flow.

Andrew learned the basics of playing the guitar from Tony Ferdinandez. He experiments with elements that add a lot of diversity to their music, which has a classical tough sound. “I definitely want to be a part of the whole Stigmata experience,” said Andrew.

The bass guitarist
“I think ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine’ is a great album, because each song is compelling and powerful, and there’s something in it for people who are into different types of metal,” said Vije. Drawing his inspiration from popular metal bands, such as Death, Archenemy and Testament, Vije is enthusiastic about the incorporation of many elements of music to Stigmata’s musical creations.
“It’s the most amazing feeling – playing your creation out there on stage,” Vije said. Not inspired by mainstream music, Vije sought his artistic capacity in heavy metal. Through many ways, bass inspired him and he taught himself to play.

“The concert in Kandy was the most memorable moment of my Stigmata experience, because we actually managed to pull off a “Wall of Death” in Kandy, Vije said, explaining that a Wall of Death is when an audience is separated into two groups, which will run and crash into each other in rhythm with the music. “The fact that I’m playing in Stigmata means a lot to me, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world,” he concluded.

The rhythm guitarist
Personification of originality, Tennyson Napoleon (Tenny), adds a touch of novelty mixed with trend to everything in his life, from his clothes, to his hair, to his career in visual advertising. “The music is about letting others feel what you feel,” said Tenny. “The new album is awesome, and until you hear it, you won’t believe it!” he exclaimed. Ever since he was in school, Tenny has been playing guitar. “Suresh taught me how to play guitar. After school, we would head to his house to practice and play basketball,” he said.

“For ‘Silent Chaos Serpentine,’ everyone has contributed to their maximum potential,” said Tenny, adding that their music is a relief mechanism for all of them, as they put everything in music. “All of us are specialists in what we do. When we jam melodies, it’s natural and flowing,” he added.

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