ayahuasca

Amazonian drug-inspired death metal? sounds nuts…count us in

named after the

psychoactive brew used in spiritual rituals by Amazonian tribes, Ayahuasca play cerebral death metal with its third eye wide open. The Cologne crew’s new album, Beneath The Mind, is an incredible journey through alien landscapes and parallel dimensions: explosive brutality at its most flagrantly psychedelic.

“We wanted to write long songs that feel like out-of-body experiences,” says guitarist Kirill Gromada. “We want it to be unpredictable, rich in contrast and wacky. We chose our name because of the ritual and the trip that Ayahuasca triggers. People who have participated in the ritual speak of great spiritual experiences; of fear, of sadness, but also of peace, fearlessness, beauty and enlightenment. But we don’t belong to these people… at least, not yet.”

With a formidable eight-man line-up, including two percussionists, Ayahuasca are equipped to deliver their often bewilderingly complex and densely layered songs in a live setting.

“Our live concerts are incredibly intense,” says Kirill. “We stand on stage just before the show starts and scream ‘Mukka Junakka!’, get a loud ‘Ahu!’ back and then we’re in a trance. Different feelings flow through your body and you’re somewhere else. Playing live is what we all love the most.”

Proving that DM can be fully threedimensional and cheerfully unhinged, Ayahuasca are the perfect antidote to lazy conformity in our world. Prepare to have your mind blown to bits.

BENEATH THE MIND IS OUT NOW VIA KERNKRAFTRITTER