Fragarak (Death Metal / Progressive from New Delhi)

Band fb page: www.facebook.com/fragarak.india
Bandcamp profile: fragarak.bandcamp.com
Band Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/fragarakTV
 

Biography :- Having explored the atmosphere of the metal scene in Delhi and various parts of India through countless gigs in years 2010 – 2011, band members and close friends Kartikeya Sinha (Bass), Ruben Franklin (Guitars), and Sagar Siddhanti (Drums) mutually aspired to create metal music with its proper incult essence. The foundation was still incomplete. Upon meeting Arpit Pradhan (Guitars), and Supratim Sen (Vocals) did the wholeness finally settle in. Fragarak, a New Delhi based death metal outfit themed upon the society and the lies it portrays as undeniable truth, came into being.

The band draws revelation from “Fragarach”, an aboriginal sword of the Celtic mythology, accorded with the potential to dismantle the most resistive of all shielded protections.The unquestioned system that we are a part of, forges a deceptive shield. To question the authority that steps on us, to retaliate against the lies we are forced to live with, to cultivate a much needed shamble – is what Fragarak’s music represents.

Fragarak is a lethal blend of melodic tunes accompanied by intense technical rhythms, supported by fiercely independent bass lines, bolstered with decimating drumming, and channelled by lyrical themes delivered through bestial vocals.

Vishal - Can I get the story of Fragarak till date in short words? And what does Fragarak actually mean?
Fragarak - Greetings Vishal on behalf of Fragarak! Well yes, initially the idea germinated from the minds of close friends and ex-band mates: Ruben(guitars), Kartikeya(bass) and Sagar(drums) to form an outfit culminating the old school aggression with contemporary death sounds. Later on, the spot for the second axe was fulfilled when they came across the likes of Arpit’s(guitars) deft skills. Kartikeya happened to be one of those few guys in my college who shared similar musical tastes. While few of the song structures were almost complete, I was asked by Kartik to attend the initial jams, as they were still in search for that voice to channel the energy in their sound. A few jams and adjustment in vocal techniques for over a couple of months, fortunately enough, I fit in to fortify this 5-piece foundation.And though we jammed as an anonymous ensemble for almost a month before entering the studio, we finally decided on Fragarak, after countless names were tossed around. The name should rightfully depict our musical theme. Derived from the Celtic sword “Fragarach” which is empowered to shatter the toughest of all shields, Fragarak aims to attack the unrevealed deceptions shielded by the system and hence the name!
Vishal - What are the lyrical themes you guys use in your song? gore, horror, politics, anti religion etc..
Fragarak - Against orthodoxy, would be more precise. The lyrics are dominantly themed upon the society and the lies it portrays as undeniable truth. To question the authority that steps on us, to retaliate against the lies we are forced to live with and to cultivate a much needed shamble is what the lyrics invoke...
Yes, the phrasing language is in-the-face & strong, so that it hits you to realise that: what you are listening to is not unnecessarily catchy to chant - it’s as harsh as the reality out there..

Vishal - How it feels to be in an Underground Scene?
Fragarak - That is exactly where this music should stay! We don’t require our music to reach the masses; the purpose is served once it reaches the listeners who would understand the technicalities of the sound. Then the message it encircles is automatically conveyed.
We wouldn’t want any random mainstream feeding “music-lover” to lend open ears to “try” us out. What we make, we believe by it. If it has to stay underground, it deserves to do so, as long as it is appreciated by those few who can actually relate to our stuff.

Vishal - Which are the bands that have influenced your sound most?
Fragarak - We are chiefly inspired by the sound characterising the early ’90’s death metal scene, which comprised certain inherent black metal elements. To name a few bands would be Dissection, Unanimated; Besides Death as a direct influence, Cynic & Edge of Sanity also remain our main influences, considering the progressive elements they used in the realms of death metal sounds. Along with technical aspects from many modern death metal bands, it is worth to mention that classical music influences by J.S Bach and Richard Wagner are also important.

Vishal - What are the future plans of Fragarak? Any tours, releases, recordings etc.
Fragarak - Oh yes, definitely! First up, we have our debut E.P. coming up early in 2013. Named “Crypts of Dissimulation”, this will be a 4 track-long pure treat for progressive death metal ears, with blend of modern technical riffing and melodies accompanying the inevitable old school death elements as well.
Secondly, along with our brother bands, we had already started the league of a first-of-its-kind extreme event tour “Pandemonium”, aimed to save the Underground scene from the blemish of core-laden trends. The first leg “Pandemonium – the Uprising” in Delhi was impressive, and the aim is to move on and spread the tumult to other cities soon, with more proper metal bands joining the league.

Vishal - How was the overall atmosphere of “Pandemonium”?
Fragarak - Considering the inaugural session of “Pandemonium”, it was a decent success! It was a pleasure to watch the metalheads of the Capital crowd the venue in Death, Master, Possessed, Immolation tees, a sight which was unfortunately long lost. The response during and after our debut appearance was overwhelming, and to be honest, a touch beyond our expectations. With powerful fists and exalting chants pumping the air, Delhi once again proclaimed that Metal is still alive!
Vishal - What is your opinion on sites posting Underground Materials?
Fragarak - All respect and heartiest regards to such portals! More such sites should be initiated, and we dedicate our full support to sites like you guys, hails for keeping the torch of Underground burning!
Vishal - How do you feel about the classifications in metal? Like deathcore, metalcore and other subgenres..
Fragarak - Well, let’s not pollute this space by discussing menial issues. Just put it this way: classifications have always been there, it’s there to distinguish what is actually substantial from those that are not!
Vishal - In general term extreme metal isn't appreciated by Society. What do you have to say on this?
Fragarak - Excuse me! Society? No hard feelings against any genres, but we would have been rather playing other mainstream stuffs if we wished society could “appreciate” us and do a jolly “dance” to our tunes! Hahaah! You think we would bother ourselves with societal appreciation? Don’t like extreme metal? Well, as simple as that- Stay off! Thanks..

Vishal - Ok, what do you want to tell those people who rip off the band’s hard work and illegally download their music?
Fragarak - Well they always have an excuse to say that their favourite band’s music isn’t available in their local market! In that case, it’s futile to argue. Often many good underground bands are unable to deliver shipments abroad. But as far as supporting the local scene is concerned, asking for download torrent links and free copies is a disgrace!
Vishal - Besides Fragarak do you have any other projects too?
Fragarak - As of now, no! But if there is a possibility then they will be side-projects, with Fragarak being the main priority project for all of us.
Vishal - Is it hard surviving in underground Scene? Esp. playing Death Metal…
Fragarak - It’s never hard surviving underground, as long as the band’s sound has the worth! Though playing death metal will obviously restrain the number of probable listeners, but yet again, rather than having trend-driven seasonal mass audience, it is far better to have few people who will actually relate to your music and willingly dedicate to support you as long as you play! If the band has that credit in its sound, it will survive!

Vishal - Metal has to be underground or metal has to go mainstream, what's your opinion?
Fragarak - There is not an option! Personally I believe that Metal retains its cult essence as long as it’s underground. Once it goes mainstream, it’s hard to stay as metal! As it has been the complaint with many of the bands who gained prominence, that they have lost their true sound… You don’t play Metal to attract and appease the crowd; you play metal to channel out your energy and inspire those few to feel and rise with its intensity!

Vishal - What is your opinion on the current state of underground metal? 
Fragarak - Sadly enough, it has been diseased by the new trends blemishing the true calibre of metal. There is a lot of “music” being played and commercialised in the name of Metal. There are pubs and places having metal nights in a week, for the sake of supporting metal but unfortunately inside you find bands in quarters and slippers, venting out catchy clown-dance inspiring breakdowns! If that is what metal is all about now, then the scene desperately needs to be saved… 

Vishal - Which is the album you want to take to your grave?
Fragarak - Personally, my pick would be Symbolic by, none other than, Death!
Vishal - Can you recommend us some good bands from your place for our readers? 
Fragarak - Speaking of the north Indian Underground Scene, I would suggest our readers to go check out our friends in Winter Gate: Pure old school progressive death! And those with ears for Black metal may try out our brothers in 1833 A.D. who have recently come up with their debut album!

Vishal - Support Local Metal, how much do you agree on this quote?

Fragarak - … As long as the local metal act is worth the support. Many local bands do have good potential in their music, it would be proper for each such upcoming band to be rightfully recognised. Support would come naturally if the listener finds the sound promising! That is what we keep in mind, focusing on the music, and only if it comes out good, then the support from proper listeners is inherent.

Vishal - Where can our readers buy Fragarak’s music and any other merchandise?
Fragarak - Pre-orders for the forthcoming EP “Crypts of Dissimulation” (early 2013) would be open soon! Also printed tees will be made available with the band logo and EP title. Those of our readers, who would wish to hear from us, may join us at www.facebook.com/fragarak.india and debut track “Insurgence” off the EP is streaming at: fragarak.bandcamp.com

Vishal - Ok, tell us about the debut track "Insurgence" off the upcoming EP "Crypts of Dissimulation"?
Fragarak - “Insurgence” follows after the intro 5 minute long instrumental track “Savor the Defiance” which makes the listener relish the conspicuous theme of the EP. What kicks off immediately is the declaration of a repealing rebellion, accompanied by blast-beat devoured intro riffing of “Insurgence”. The song conveys the notion of a falling domain, its failed purpose rebuked by the suppressed voices. The anarchic energy is maintained till half of the song through intense death riffing. Thereafter the progressive elements come in, followed by the morbid pre-outro tune fading out with the solo.

Vishal - What are the reviews and response you are getting for this new track from your fans and supporters?
Fragarak - Aah, stating our listener’s as fans would be an overstatement now.. However, the response has been impressive. There have been compliments claiming that our sound is unique and potent. In this short span we did receive much support. We’ve been acknowledged by our listeners, and it feels good.

Vishal - Tell us bit about Underground Metal Scene out there? And do you like to see any band from Nepal playing there?
Fragarak - As stated earlier, the overall ‘metal scene’ here is sadly downtrodden with core-plagued trends! However there are many bands still sticking to proper stuff, there is still hope from lesser-known but better underground legions. “Pandemonium” is an underground effort to save the essence, and we would be glad to witness offerings from our brothers in Nepal! Nepal is known to breed true sounds of underground abomination, we would like you guys to come down here and join us!
Vishal - Any tour plans for countries like Nepal in coming days?
Fragarak - Oh yes, definitely! If we get a chance to come down to Nepal, it would be great playing out to the people there! We’ve heard about the impressive underground following in Nepal. It would be a pleasure if Fragarak’s music reaches our brothers back there!

Vishal - Quick top 5 albums we must have in our collection.
Fragarak - If I had to choose only 5, then those would be: Cynic – Focus; Death – Symbolic; Obscura – Omnivium; Dissection - Storm of the Light's Bane; Monstrosity – Millennium! 

Vishal - In near days, if any band from Nepal approaches to you for a split album, how are you going to look at this?
Fragarak - That would really be a huge pleasure for Fragarak! Of course, we would welcome such collaborations with our neighbouring brotherhood from Nepal’s underground fraternity! 

Vishal - Lastly, a space for you. Anything EUMSN have forgotten to ask you can tell us here?
Fragarak - I would use this space to convey my Thanks, on behalf of Fragarak! You guys have been doing a commendable job... Hails! Till then, “Choke on it – death is all around”!