Ripping new chords

Sri Lanka has been producing a number of rock bands in the past few years and there is one more band making a distinct mark in the scene of rock culture in Sri Lanka. So we had a chat with members of Fallen Grace to see what they had in store for their fans… The band consists of five members on drums – Nisala Perera (19), Shivantha Baddewella (20) on Bass Guitar, Shamil Perera (18) on Rhythm/Lead Guitar, on Lead Guitar Rakitha Gamage (18) and on vocals Sohan Ratnaike (20).

Speaking to Sohan he said "Rakitha came up with the name," adding, "and I think it's quite pertinent to the message we try to convey through our music." He went on to explain that, "Grace can be defined as the 'loving gift of God's kindness.' But where is this Grace we speak about so reverently?" he said, adding, "Mankind is a hypocritical race. Wars are being fought for by narrow-minded leaders set on achieving personal goals, a countless number of people are slaughtered everyday around the world, most religious leaders' who preach the 'goodness of religion' are just plain hypocrites. Humanity is at an all time low. Therefore after taking these putrid factors into consideration we decided to name ourselves Fallen Grace to imply that Grace no more exists."

Talking about their music, Sohan said, "We believe in making our music as heavy and brutal as possible but also with that element of ripping melody." It seems Fallen Grace belongs to a sub sub-genre of heavy metal called Melodic Death. This was a form of music which evolved between the late 80's and early 90's in Sweden (Gothenburg).

They listen and draw inspiration from bands like Dark Tranquility, Arch Enemy, Scar Symmetry, as well as Iron Maiden. "We believe in making our own music. I think that's the point of being a musician in the first place." He went on to say that it is not a commercial endeavour for the band, and "therefore we've got nothing to lose!" Fallen Grace however, does do covers, especially of the bands they mentioned earlier, he went on to say that, "as much as we want to promote our music, we want to promote heavy/ Death metal in general."

The band has completed six new originals out of which the following can be expected at their up coming shows, "Putrid Remains," "Grace for the Fallen" and "Beneath Vengeance." As to when they started playing, Sohan said, "Rakitha, Shiva and I, along with our founding member and former drummer Althaf started jamming in late 2003." He went on to say that in 2004 they started to play at shows, and they "knew this was something we wanted to do till the day we die!" Sohan went on to say, "The reason we started this band was to play what ever we wanted to and have some fun, but it unexpectedly took a change of course and because we loved playing Metal and performing so much, we didn't care about who said what and just couldn't restrict the band to a recreational thing."

They play at all sorts of shows, including those organised by the band themselves as well as by other rock/metal bands and events organised by the Rock Company. As to what plans they have for the future, the launch their EP is on the cards, which will include a set of videos of the band performing live at different venues and this will be by the beginning of 2008. Sohan went on to say, "We also have plans to mark the event by performing alongside a very-well known Progressive/Symphonic Metal act from Delhi," adding, "We have already started working towards that show and I can tell you at this point things are looking pretty positive." The band follows a very rigid work ethic because they believe that the more practice you put in, the better you get! Sohan also went on to say "We also believe in being professional every step of the way when it comes to our music and band."

Their schedule includes practises on four week days as well as around five hours on the weekends. Being so young you may wonder how on earth they manage to practise and balance their other obligations like family, friends and studies. "All I can say is that where there is a will there is a way." He went on to say that they do not allow the band to get in the way of their studies and families because as much as the band is important to them, it is because of the support of their families that they have been able to come this far.

Apart from playing in the band, Rakitha and Shiva are pursuing their Diploma in Business Studies at ACBT and Shamil is studying to become a pilot. While Nisala is currently employed at Dialog and will be sitting for his Diploma in Human Resources next year while Sohan is currently pursuing his degree in Marketing and is employed at TNL Radio Network.

And when they are not making music, they are like any other 19 or 20-year-old, because they stay at home and read books, play chess or study the whole day. And, "If we are not doing our homework we spend our time helping our parents doing the chores and being the model children of today's day and age."

There are many people we would like to thank, "Fore mostly our brother-band Funeral In Heaven for being there with us throughout all the tough and good times and for their relentless support, as well, as, Suresh, Tenny, Andrew, Vijey and Jackson of Stigs along with all the bands at Rock Company, Dr.666 for the logo, Mr. C.J.Dassa and last but certainly not the least, all our loyal fans and friends who have been with us through out."

So what drives them? "I can give you a unanimous answer for that. The love for the music!" says Sohan. Fallen Grace will be performing together with the members of Soulskinner on December 16 (that's today) at H2O from 6.30pm. The gig will also feature Icarus, Hollow, Karmic Sulpher and Power-cut Circus.