Within The Light Of Aghora
Aghora is a name well known to prog fans, a band that combines metal and fusion music seamlessly while using female vocals to add yet another facet to their already complex mixture. With a new album almost done, we sat down with Santiago Dobles, the band's mastermind, to find out more.
Hey Santiago, let's start with current live shows, what shows did the band recently do?
We just played with the Absence last Saturday and on Tuesday we played with Necrophagist, Alarum, Arsis, NeuroAxis, Into the Moat. I think that was the best show so far all those bands went before us and they all laid down some serious jamming and energy, We just came in and put the icing on the cake.
What about a new album? How much of Formless is already done?
Most of it is. The only thing left is Sean Reinert's Drums & Giann's Drums. Guitars and bass and most of the vocals are done. Actually all guitars are done.
How would you describe the band's current material in comparison with the band's debut?
To me its much more mature, and heavier. Its simpler in a lot of ways but its also way more challenging to deliver compared to the last album. I think the new material really sounds they way Aghora has been meant to sound. I am starting to see it as they way it should have always been seen and delivered.
What is the band's current line up and do you see it as a steady one?
Giann Rubio (Drums), Alan Goldstein (Bass), Diana Serra (Vocals), and Myself on guitar. This is the strongest and best line up so far. I am thrilled cause the energy is just right with everyone and the music.
To what extent are the former Cynic people currently involved with the band?
Sean Reinert is playing drums on 6 tracks.
Some history now, how did the whole thing begin?
Its started in 1996 while I was at Berklee. I had always wanted a band that was musical and also somewhat connected to my spiritual/mystic quest. I looked for the best to be involved at that time it was Sean Reinert, Andy Deluca, My sister Danishta , Charlie Ekendahl. We made some demos and that evolved into the debut album which we recorded in 1999 and released it in 2000. Ever since then we have been trying to find the right people to make the band its own entity and TAKE OVER THE WORLD!
What is the meaning of the band's name – Aghora?
Its from India. Aghora is another name for a wrathful version of SHIVA. It means "Within Light" or "Non Terrifying". In other words the most wrathful aspect of the universe or creator is to be embraced and realized as beauty. there is more but It would be a 1000 page essay.. Go get Robert Svaboda's book "Aghora"
Why did choose to use female vocals instead of male, or growled ones?
Male metal vocals have been done and over done. I wanted change. Also the music called for something to balance all the Primal Yang male energy. I think besides the gathering we sort of pioneered the female Metal prog stuff. Although many bands seem to have claimed it as theirs.
You've been through some serious line up changes, can you explain some of them and why they were caused?
Its tough to be in this band and to do this style of music, there isn't much money involved, and its very demanding. It goes against all the "normal" and predictable bullshit out there that everyone and there mother is playing on the radios, and what is being funded and supported by most labels. I almost laughed when Century Media told me that we sound like we really like and are influenced by Lacuna Coil. I think we have been doing this stuff and the "female metal" way before their stuff came out.. No offense to them at all.
This band has had only the support of the people involved (The actual band mates, friends, and the Fans that have been the Key in keeping this alive!). The members that have left have been either cause they wanted to do stuff that would bring them the almighty dollar, or they needed a change in their life. Danishta left caused she never really saw herself as a performer. Also she wanted to be a teacher to kids. I respect that. Others have either left or quit, or have been fired because it was difficult for them to make the Commitments needed to be involved. To be a band you have to bust your ass, and sweat in your rehearsal space and play your asses of till the music is like blood in your veins. Most didn't want to work that hard or be in the same city to make that happen.
You can't have a "Long distance" Band. You can have a project that way but not a band. I have no bad blood with anyone that left. I know I am a pain in the ass and a total dictator but I mean well. Aghora is you either love it or leave it. It's very much like a marriage. It's about choices to be in a band. You choose to either make it happen or you choose to not be responsible. Unfortunately I have seen many come in and out who didn't want to make it happen. They wanted to make it happen for themselves and not the band.
I am happy though cause I have learned how to manage a band and deal with the drama to keep the ball rolling. I think I have finally ironed out all the kinks in the band and also my own ego so I can deal with having a band and making something successful.
Why did your sister, Danishta, quit as the band's vocalist, and why and how did you recruit Diana as her replacement?
She left because she wanted to teach kids music, and didn't want to perform and do what was needed to take aghora to next level.
What is the message inherited in the band's lyrics?
Self Realization, Self Liberation, awareness, Dissolving the illusions.
How did you start practicing Yoga and getting interested in the Tibetan and taoist philosophies?
I always wanted to be a Monk. I think the old masters of Qi Gong, Tantra, and Dzogchen tested the barriers and limits of human consciousness to evolve to the real realization of the simplicity of the universe. I think Life is working through you and your actions and your breath. Its all connected. And it's all needed. What you do is important and what you don't do is just as important. Every action has a reaction. Music is the same way.
In what ways do you your beliefs and philosophies are connected to the music you create?
Aghora has a lot of Duality becoming singularity. The music is both Hard and Soft. It is very primal and Shaman/earth like yet also very divine and majestic like.
Why such a long time making a second album since your debut came out?
Bullshit, Drama, relying on others to get things done. Also Weeding out band members that needed to stay and those that needed to go. I wish it could have been done sooner but thing take their own course. Also the band is now a "BAND".
That's it, thanks for doing this interview!
Thank you very much for the support and putting up with me!
