Aghora - Aghora

The concept of Aghora was first devised in 1995 by Santiago Dobles while attending the Berklee School of Music. Originally the lineup consisted of Santiago (lead guitar), Max Dible (guitar), and Andy Deluca (bass). All were students at Berklee at the time. In 1997, Santiago and Andy Deluca moved to Miami and met up with the other members: vocalist Danishta Rivero (Santiago’s sister); local death metal guitarist, Charlie Ekendahl; and drummer, Sean Reinert (of Cynic, Death and Gordian Knot). In 1999, the band began work on their debut album.

Numerous Metal fans have referred to Aghora as Technical Metal, which is what many are commonly calling Metal that is played technically and precisely, but is otherwise hard to define. The term is meaningless and does the Metal genre harm by implying that Metal in general is not played well technically, but that there is a sub-genre of Metal whose musicians really can play well. I don't recall ever hearing the term Technical Jazz.

Aghora does play quite well, but so do a lot of bands. Two things set Aghora apart. The first is their lead vocalist, Danishta Rivero, who is a classically trained mezzo-soprano who has also studied Jazz vocals. The second is their alternate light jazzy sound comingled with infrequent heavy grooves orchestrated by lead guitarist Santiago - a native of Caracas, Venezuela. It is Aghora's heavy grooves that are supposed to make Aghora a Metal band. And, indeed, if you only heard a few seconds of some of the songs, you would be convinced that you were listening to a high-quality, creative Metal act of which we have been so graciously blessed with in this new century. Likewise, if you only heard a few different seconds of some of the songs, you would be convinced that you were listening to a Jazz act. Or at other times, Light Progressive Rock. All of which goes to show what an eclectic act Aghora is.

But of course songs must be heard in their entirety to form an opinion. And this opinion is likely to be as clear as the band's enigmatic lyrics. From the first song, you get the idea that Aghora has entered into an implicit non-aggression pact with their listeners. Whenever tension mounts, it is quickly disposed of. Aggressive tendencies are frowned upon. Mellowness and praise for God are smiled upon:

- 'Feeling His grace / I am blessed by His flame.' - Immortal Bliss
- 'Realization brings us peace / God's gift frees your mind' - Mind's Reality
- 'My child, view your existence with joy / It is forever!' - Existence

After listening to Aghora's Self-Titled release a few times, I can't say with certainty what it is, but I can say that it isn't Technical Metal.

It isn't even Metal.