EMQ’s with AGAINST EVIL
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Visakhapatnam, India based Heavy Metal band, Against Evil. Huge thanks to rhythm/lead guitarist, Shasank, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Shasank and I’m the rhythm/lead guitar player in Against Evil. We started in 2010 as a rock/metal cover band called “Echo”. In 2014, we decided to start writing original music and that’s when we formed “Against Evil”.
How did you come up with your band name?
We were just looking for catchy band names that weren’t already taken and our vocalist/bass player Siri came up with “Against Evil”. A couple of months later when we started writing music, a lot of the songs turned out to be about war, injustice, corruption, etc and the name “Against Evil” became a perfect fit for us.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from the southern part of India. A small city by the beach called “Visakhapatnam”. There is no Rock/Metal scene here. Maybe just a handful of people who listen to Rock/Metal but no bands or opportunities at all.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
We have just announced our third studio album “End Of The Line” which will be out worldwide on May 14th and released a music video for the first single ‘The Sound Of Violence’.
‘The Sound Of Violence’ (Official video)
Who have been your greatest influences?
I’ve always been a huge fan of classic heavy metal bands such as Judas Priest, Accept, Dio, Iron Maiden, Megadeth and many others.
What first got you into music?
I found my brothers Guns N’ Roses “Use Your Illusion I” CD and when I heard it for the first time, the sound blew me away. I immediately went on a hunting spree for more rock/metal CD’s and tapes in my city.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
Probably Zakk Wylde. The dude’s my guitar hero!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
We have played at a couple of European open-air festivals back in 2019 and it was amazing! So definitely more of those.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I have received a lot of amazing gifts from fans but nothing weird so far.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thank you so much for all your love and support. It’s what keeps us going, especially in these difficult times. I can’t wait to meet all of you again and play the new songs live.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Ronnie James Dio.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love writing songs and playing those songs live. The feeling of being on stage and performing in front of an audience singing along and headbanging to the music I wrote is something extraordinary. I don’t hate anything about it. If possible, I would want to do this all day and everyday till I die!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I don’t think I’m experienced and qualified enough to complain about the music industry! Honestly, the music scene has become more of a DIY (do-it-yourself) thing. So, I’d rather make something happen and do things my way than try and change something.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Only one? This is hard! I think ill pick “Rust In Peace” by Megadeth.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
All of the above! The format doesn’t matter as long as there is good music to.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Probably “Turock Open Air 2019” in Essen, Germany. It was our first open-air gig with thousands of people, and it was a life changing experience for us.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I have a master’s degree in business management which kinda helps me take care of the business side of things in the band. I’m also not a full-time musician. I do have a day job!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
My three band members, Zakk Wylde and Rob Halford.
What’s next for the band?
We just announced a new album that will be out on May 14th. Until then, the plan is to release more singles and promote the album. We are also planning to go back to Europe for another tour in October/November. But that totally depends on the corona virus situation. So, hoping for the best!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Our social media pages for all the updates, YouTube for all the music, videos and Bandcamp to buy the music/merch.
www.facebook.com/againstevil.india
www.instagram.com/againstevil.india
www.againstevil.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/againstevil
www.open.spotify.com/artist/7KidUKr9UKzJ7SA5RZYCy9
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I have no idea what that is! In our local language, “Jaffa” is a slang for “Idiot”!!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks to you for taking the time to do this interview. Please check out our new album “End Of The Line” which will be out on May 14th. The first single is out now and more will follow. If you are a fan of traditional heavy metal, power metal, speed or even thrash metal, I guarantee that you will love this album. Give it a listen and find out for yourselves. Cheers!
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