For Kolkata deathcore/death metal outfit Obscure Defilement, nothing comes closer to the heart than honest music and belief in what they do. Vocalist Arka points out: “We like to be ourselves and original and encourage other bands to do the same. People won’t even connect with us if we are not honest.”
The four-member band performed a collection of original head-banging music to a packed crowd at Sonido Musicals’ Garage Jam recently. Comprising Abhinav on guitars, Subhranil on bass, Arka on vocals and Tamaghna on drums, Obscure Defilement formed in early 2013, took a year’s break and got back together late last year.
Tamaghna says though this is the first time they are playing in Bengaluru, they’ve been here before. “We are really excited to be part of Bangalore’s music scene. It’s always a happening place. We performed yesterday at the Indigo Live Music Bar. The audience here is unlike any other crowd we’ve seen. We’ve come here before for gigs by international acts like Lamb of God and Metallica so we are familiar with the scene here.”
Commenting on the national music circuit, he says bands used to previously do more covers in India. “The trend is changing. It is revolutionary to see so many Indian bands coming up with their own songs and albums. That encourages us.”
On the name, they affirm that there is no story or background to it. “We wanted a name that is strong and justifies our music. When you hear that name, people know it’s a metal band,” Tamaghna says. Arka elaborates that their theme is mainly against corruption and terrorism. “So the name seemed apt. Everyone has their own way of fighting these evils and this is our way of expressing our angst towards things we don’t like in society through our music.”
Why death metal? The foursome choruses that from the very beginning they liked this kind of music. “With no disrespect to any other genre, this music chose us. We love what we do and we express ourselves best in death metal.”
Expressing a unique onstage aggression in their music backed by creative originality, Obscure Defilement preaches the anthem of eradicating false beliefs and challenges adversity. “We like to keep our song-writing organic,” Tamaghna says. “There are no preconceptions when we sit to write songs. It is unrestrained.”
Putting on serious faces during the photoshoot, akin to death metal band, when asked if they are really so serious? The band loosens up and says they love to party. “We also love to eat. When we are not jamming we like to listen to music that is not death metal too,” beams Arka.
Looking ahead, Obscure Defilement would like to have at least two albums out in the next five years. “We hope to play at more national gigs and want metal heads to be familiar with us.” The band is currently working on an EP they plan to release soon. With all of them being part-time musicians. Tamaghna agrees that it may not be time yet for them to go fulltime into music. “We all want to make a living out of metal. Maybe five years down the line, this dream will come true.”
