Vajra, a New York-based dark rock band pronounced “vaag-rah,” has made their return. The gap between their debut album, Pleroma (2012), and the highly anticipated new release, Irkalla, was marked by extensive touring and a series of unexpected life events that temporarily halted the prolific songwriting of vocalist and visionary Annamaria Pinna. The creative process for Irkalla unfolded amidst both profound darkness and brilliant light, showcasing the determination and resilience of a self-sufficient band not bound by a record label.
Pinna reflects on this freedom, stating, “We have the ability to explore musically, lyrically, and visually what inspires us, releasing our work when we deem it appropriate.” The band often chooses to release music on auspicious days, with each release for Irkalla corresponding to a numerological derivative of three. For Pleroma, they selected the summer solstice. Pinna views the band as travelers who venture beyond conventional perception to capture musical or lyrical ideas, translating them into tangible forms. “When we step aside, we become conduits for energies that flow through us. Honoring these inspirations is vital.”
The intricate blend of lyrics, music, and themes in Vajra's work is dynamic and ever-evolving. While some elements come together smoothly, others require time and patience to align. This artistic process transcends linear time, as songwriting and aesthetics coalesce through cosmic influences and artistic will. An example of this is the recently released video for “Maya,” produced internally by bassist Dave Sussman, which serves as one of several striking singles from Irkalla.
Pinna elaborates, “The album shifts and evolves with each song and moment.” The band endeavors to create a tapestry that combines melodic rock with dark ambient experimental interludes. Irkalla invites listeners to explore the depths of their own consciousness, providing a unique journey for each individual. Pinna acknowledges the impact of her musical heroes in shaping this experience.
Throughout Irkalla, Pinna and her bandmates—Sussman (bass), Al Javier (guitar), Mark Collom (guitar), and Jimmy DeMarco (drums/percussion)—weave together diverse musical threads. While Vajra is rooted in dark rock, the album showcases a broad spectrum of influences. Tracks like “Maya” feature vibrant reds, while “Irkalla” presents blues and greens, “Wind” evokes arboreal greens, and “Crown or Crucify” introduces autumnal oranges. This colorful palette may be influenced by Pinna's synesthesia, alongside the varied inspirations that shape Vajra's sound.
Pinna states, “My influences are diverse. I spent five years in India, a summer in Italy, three years in New Orleans, and a couple of months in San Francisco. My father was a monk before meeting my mother. As a yogi and someone with synesthesia, my perception of music is unique. I draw from nature, life experiences, art, filmmakers like Tarkovsky and Kubrick, philosophers such as Terence McKenna and Alan Watts, mysticism, history, dance, and politics. Musically, I’m inspired by Tool, A Perfect Circle, Om, classical Hindustani music, Alice In Chains, Duran Duran, Black Sabbath, Deftones, and The Mars Volta.”
Conceptually, Irkalla serves as the first installment of a trilogy that delves into various levels of consciousness—not in the medical sense, but through philosophical and esoteric lenses. The title Irkalla, a Sumerian term referencing a mythological underworld from which there is no return, serves as both a metaphor and a literal exploration of the trials Pinna faced during the album's creation. The lyrical themes traverse the depths of consciousness, reflecting personal struggles as well as broader existential questions. The bonus tracks further explore these themes, presenting a three-part musical ritual dedicated to the Shadow Queen, Ereshkigal in Sumerian mythology and Hekate in Greek tradition.
Pinna explains, “Irkalla examines the lowest levels of consciousness—selfish, ego-driven aspects of our nature. It’s essential to acknowledge these before progressing to higher levels of awareness. Currently, I’m fascinated by Sumerian history and the balance of masculine and feminine energies, questioning traditional concepts of divinity and the nature of heaven and hell.”
The album was produced by Daniel ‘Sahaj’ Ticotin, a New York native known for his work with Ra and Mötley Crüe. Pinna met Ticotin in 2018 during spiritual journeys in India, where they bonded over their shared musical interests. Most of the recording took place in Los Angeles, with additional keyboard and harmony vocals captured at Pinna’s home studio in New York. Drums were tracked by session drummer Blake Fleming in upstate New York. The band also enlisted two-time Grammy-winning engineer Camilo Silva for mastering, enhancing Irkalla's intricate sound.
Vajra is poised for the future with the release of the captivating “Maya” video and the unveiling of their striking album artwork designed by Tas Limur (Volto, Tool). The band is set to continue their exploration of light and dark as they prepare to release Irkalla under independent label Thunder Cult Records on January 15, 2021.
