New York-based dark rock mavens Vajra originate and radiate outward from the sensual and multi-range vocals of composer and visionary Annamaria Pinna. Pinna and core bandmates, guitarist Dave Sussman (formerly of industrial metal pioneers Bile and the early New York incarnation of Criss Angel's Angeldust) and drummer Jimmy DeMarco (Soultone Cymbals Artist) conjure music from a diverse panoply of threads.
At its core, Vajra can be called dark rock, but the spectrum isn't always pinned to the tinges of the abyss. Hauntingly dark and hypnotic, Vajra’s music weaves Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock, creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. "The influences are varied," affirms Pinna. "Living in different places like Mumbai, Tuscany, NOLA, San Francisco and New York color my experience, andI have this condition called Synesthesia, which affects how I process music. ”
The long silence between debut self-produced cult album Pleroma (2012) and the group’s inspiring and mind-bending EP, Irkalla - both featuring powerhouse session drummer and long-time friend, Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) - was the product of a rigorous touring schedule and a complex confluence of unexpected life events that paused Pinna’s songwriting. Indeed, the creation process for 'Irkalla' pushed forward in the darkest shadows and the most brilliant of lights.
"Things shift and move throughout the album depending on the song and each moment within the song," Pinna reveals. “Perhaps the music and lyrics of Irkalla reflect an esoteric space to explore the dark night of our souls. What is important is that the music may provide a portal to go on a journey. The journey will be different for each individual. My musical heroes have done this for me."
“Must-See Act” - Rolling Stone
“It’s time to get to know Vajra” - Loudwire
“Powerful, catchy and sentimental all at once.” - Revolver
