We’re not always about moshing and heaviness on The Circle Pit. We got an interesting submission the other day hyping a progressive rock group, Vajra. I listened to the full length “Pleroma” and I was pretty damn impressed. It’s essentially like a mix of Tool, Lacuna Coil, and something entirely new. I would say this band has real potential. Tasteful, creative, worldly writing mixed with great atmosphere and Annamaria Pinna’s strong vocals make Vajra’s sound a winning combination. You can listen to “Pleroma” in its entirety below and buy it on Bandcamp if you dig it. Also be sure to read the in depth description of Vajra that was sent to us. This isn’t your typical band.
“Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.
The debut album “Pleroma” was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar.”
“Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
The band is quickly generating a buzz after selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight
Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and Vajra’s music is currently being played at over 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. The band just performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licending deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo.”
