Interview with Shades of Retribution- The Leaders of the Tribe

(Interviewed by Himangshu Sekhar and Nilotpal Kalita on behalf of D. Mus. (DigiMusic))

Formed in January,2010, Shades Of Retribution has an old school base , deriving influences from the Assamese culture and the other regions of North-East. This being said the lyrics are in Assamese and are in context to the never ending quest for survival in this region. “Ideologies forms the concept of One Tribe and One Sound”,which the band firmly believes. If you are an old school Thrash and Death metal fan, you gotta check them out!



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Here's our interview with Shades of Retribution:

Q: My greetings! So how have you guys been?

SOR : Greetings DigiMusic. Thank you for this interview. We are quite fine.

Q: How did 2011 go for you? What are your plans for this year?

SOR :  2011 was a rough year with ups and down. A few shows in Guwahati, Deccan Rock in Hyderabad and a new year gig at our hometown Duliajan. But the year equipped us with proper experiences which is always good. We plan to release the next album late this year. At the same time we will concentrate on getting live gigs and spreading our music across the nation and hopefully abroad as well.

Q: What's the progress of the upcoming album? Tell us more about it.

SOR : We are tracking guitars. The lyric writing is almost done. Working on drum patterns. Currently working on a track titled “Xotru” (meaning enemy). We are being more patient with composing sessions. More of folk will be included in the upcoming songs maintaining the proper punch and raw sound with more complexity. We’ll try and make sure the fans break their necks headbanging.

Q: How has the journey been till now?

SOR: It has been sensational. We are just getting started.

Q: The sudden death of your bassist was indeed shocking to your fans. How difficult it is to adopt to a new line up? 

SOR: Very shocking indeed. Jam in peace Naba…Difficult? It was the exact opposite of difficult. Gumto Bagra blended with us exceptionally well over a few jam sessions. We got back to work right away. He’s a member of the tribe now.

Q: What are your influences? How have they helped in evolution of your sound over the time?

SOR : Our influences are too many. Cannibal Corpse, Testament, Kreator, Vader, Slayer to name a few. They have helped us aptly with the basic ideas in composing while trying to blend in the vernacular lyrics…

Q: What are your writings based on? Why did you choose such a theme?

SOR : Our writing are based on the current problems in the existing society such as terrorism, extortion, mass killings, illegal immigration, false, hopeless and fraudulent propagandas, territorial disputes and at the  same time condemns hypocrisy and degradation of moral values of mankind. We see all this happening all around us. We are trying to make people mindful of this and make the situation better through music.

Q: What inspired you to choose Assamese over English for your lyrics? Did you guys find it difficult to get vernacular language and Death Metal get along well?

SOR : It was an idea that turned into inspiration. The language and the sound were not difficult to get along. It was spontaneous.

Q: Who writes the lyrics? Tell us about the near-perfect vocabulary and pronunciation.

SOR : Vedant Kaushik is the main writer. He, being assamese himself, didn’t have much trouble with the pronunciations. All it took was a lot of practice. 

Q: Andolan, Bibhatsa, Tez Loga Mati etc have won the hearts of almost all the metalheads who listened to them. How does it feel to have such an impact?

SOR : We are honored that people appreciate our songs. It feels good and is inspiring to know that our work is being accepted well….




Q: How does it feel to be one of the most prominent bands from the North East region?

SOR: Feels good to be among the bands representing the North East region. Just another inspiration to keep working.

Q: Comment on the present metal scene of the North Eastern region. What are your favourite acts from this place?

SOR : A good amount of development. There is still a lot to work to do on the promoting of and providing opportunities to upcoming bands at every nook and corner. The scene is developing in a viscous manner. No favourite act as such. We appreciate any and all bands that are dedicated and making good music…

Q: Any gig you are looking forward to?

SOR : Yes! We are looking forward to a gig at NIT Silchar on the 25^th of February 2012. Hope you are ready to tear the place down tribesmen.

Q: One tribe One Sound- It was launched right at the midnight after a countdown! How's the response from your fans?

SOR : The website www.shadesofretribution.com-“One Tribe One Sound” to be exact. We think the fans like it. We will soon work on updating the site more frequently.

Q: Last words for our readers.

SOR : Thank you for all  your support. Keep it real and be the tribe \m/.