Hello
Hope everyone is having a good day or evening{whenever you get time to read this interview} This time around we have Strangulate from the death metal scene in India.Feel free to read the interview and be sure to buy the debut cd today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Denzil guitarist of Strangulate done by Patrick
1.Hello Denzil when did you first discover metal music? Who were some of the first bands you listened to?
Well i was lucky enough to be born in a family with great music taste. My mom used to listen to the Beatles,Bob Dylan,etc. and my uncle used to listen to Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Pink floyd, so i grew up listen to classics. When I was like 13 I remember my cousin was listening to Metallica- For whom the bell tolls..i was blown away listening to the heavy guitar riffs by Hetfield..and then i was introduced to Megadeth, Iron Maiden..i remember saving up and buying The Number of the Beast album which was confiscated by my mom as my aunty complained that i was listen to Satanic music.
2.When did you meet Subhasish{vocalist} ? Was it long before you two decided to form Strangulate ?
Well i met Subhasish when i was in School...We had musical differences back then..Strangulate was as a side project..We were a grindcore band..me and Subhajit..vocalist of Purgation(the band i used to play in) Subhasish had his own death metal band in a different city..After his band broke up and i was kicked out of purgation(due to personal reasons) we decided to continue with Strangulate but as a Death Metal band..We both were big fan of bands like Cannibal Corpse,Morbid Angel.Autopsy,etc..Though we've had member changes and all which slowed us down..but here we are..going strong
3.Denzil I believe you formed Strangulate in 2012 did you plan to keep Strangulate as a two man band or would you like to add more members soon?
Well Strangulate started off as a two piece band..surprisingly it still is one..we did try few others..but there were there to play a 2-3 gigs..member changes did slow us down..But hopefully we find a permanent drummer and a bassist in the near future.
4.Strangulate has just recently released their debut cd "Catacombs Of Death" through Transcending Obscurity Rec. how did you come in contact with this great label?
Well i contacted Kunal Choksi of TO when i was recording our album..we was interested in what we do..after we were done recording i did send Kunal a rough mix and he was happy to sign us up.
5.I believe you are the main song writer for the band so how long does it take you to write one song?
Well it depends..i just sit there jamming and when i come up with something i record it on my laptop..other time i have this idea in my head and i like to replicate it. so it depends..like Blood and Bones was written when we were already in the studio doing drum takes..i was just warming up ready to give my guitar take..so a certain warm up session turned out to be a song in our album.
6.Besides the debut cd "Catacombs Of Death" does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers? If yes where can the readers buy it?
We have t-shirts out..we can order then at www.tometal.com
7. Denzil you handle the guitars for Strangulate at what age did you become interested in playing the guitars? Are you self taught or did you have some lessons when first starting out?
Well i started playing guitar at the age of 16..at first i had someone teaching me but i was not really interested in learning indian Bollywood music..so he left after 3 months and as they say Youtube is you best teahcher..and surely is. I had John Petrucci's Rock discipline Instructional dvd..which helped me from the get go.
8.Who are some of your influences/favorite guitarists?Besides the guitars do you currently play any other instruments?
Well that's easy Yngwie Malmsteen, Marty Friendman and John Petrucci. Well i want to learn the piano but at this moment i'm mixing songs
9.In your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground metal today? And what does underground metal mean to you?
Well it's like a brotherly thing..people who listen to metal music understand each other..metal music helps you get away from day to day bullshit in your life..to me underground metal is a life line..something good that keeps me going. The good thing about underground metal today is alot of people are appreciating what we do and people are interested in knowing more..people do turn up and support the bands and have a great time..but there're issues related to venues and organizers..
10.Strangulate comes out of India's death metal scene. What is your opinion of India's metal scene?
Well indian metal scene is spread out.. like there's something happening in this city and locals bands and playing there and that's just it.. There are great bands in india but shows are limited..Number of metalheads are increasing which is a good thing..International bands does tour in indian..the turnout is decent..but as per local shows..there are few..mainly due to lack of organizer and venues.
11.Who are your all-time favorite bands from India? And are their any new up and coming bands you feel the readers should watch out for?
Well Kryptos, Dying Embrace are two of my favorites..there are new bands like Armament from our city..Great thrash metal band..Infernal Diatribe(black metal) Against Evil,Primitive,Evil Conscience
12.Besides underground bands are their any labels or web/fanzines you feel the readers should check out soon?
Well as of now i've nothing in mind..but Do check out transcending obscurity..
13.Besides playing in Strangulate are you or Subhasish currently working with any other bands? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Well yes..i'll be tracking guitars for Divide Torture,death metal band from our city..i guess they will be releasing a new single in August..so yes stayed tuned. But mostly i'm working on Strangulate's new album..plan to release it next year or so.
14.When not working on new music or band releated business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Well i like spend time with my Girlfriend..go out on a date..watch a movie.
15.Thank you Denzil for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any last comments for the readers?
Well you're Welcome.. Keep Supporting underground music..if you like a band..buy their merch or cd..support that band and support your local scene.
Band Contacts
https://www.facebook.com/strangulate.death/
denzil.davidson@gmail.com
strangulateinc@gmail.com
