Stigmata's The Ascetic Paradox Album Launch : Reviewed
October 17 was a special Saturday for the metalheads of Sri Lanka. Donned in black t- shirts, band names like ‘Guns and Roses’ and ‘Lamb of God’ proudly displayed on it, a crowd was gathering at the British School Auditorium.
The much awaited album launch by Stigmata ‘The Ascetic Paradox’ (T.A.P) was happening and everyone was curious to hear what they had to bring after 5 years since their last album.
The concert started off with the band launching straight into their new album, starting off with ‘Our Beautiful Decay’ which set the tone for the beginning of something exhilarating. The song got the crowd excited and moving and as the album progressed – the audience got more animated and enthusiastic. Whilst there was no mosh pit taking place – there was a whole lot of headbanging going on.
The response for the new album was great – plenty of cheering and shouted comments from the audience attested to that fact.
When we spoke to Suresh in our previous interview, he said he wants the album to be something people can listen to over and over again and find something new. Having heard the album before at the listening party – I was ready to hear the same songs again but was actually mildly surprised to find new beats and new lyrics that I didn’t quite hear the first time. Not just that – the album is very likely to get stuck in your head after a few listens!
After 15 years of being in the industry, nearly being a synonym for Sri Lankan metal, it was no surprise that after the album reveal, the crowd chanted for ‘Old School’. Always willing to accommodate their fans, Stigmata broke out some favourites – ‘Hollow Dreams’, ‘Swine Maker’ and ‘Voices’ were a few among the set list.
One of the greatest things about a metal concert is the atmosphere. It’s not a place where the musician comes on stage, sing a few songs and leave – it’s a place where the musicians and the audience interact. So this was not about sitting back and enjoying some tunes - it’s all about being up on your feet, screaming along with band and letting go. The Stigmata T.A.P Launch concert was all that and a lot more. The atmosphere was intense, the music was exceptional and the concert couldn’t have been any better.
We spoke to some of the audience members and asked their thoughts on T.A.P and the concert:
Nilmini
It was really good. Enjoyed the music. Loved it.
Shaindri
It was good. Their music has a good sound to it.
Anjana
Pretty good. It’s very interesting and different.
Mari
I think it’s great! It’s so energetic.
Haren
It’s going good. Actually, it's great.
Amandha
I was never really into metal but I came here and I think they converted me.
Suresh
Awesome.
Tharani
It’s my first Stigmata concert! So far amazing.
Vije Dhas
Quite good. The band has some new material. Love the way they fit in the local music.
Asitha
I’ve been listening to them since 2003, and this is a great show.
Christina
Best show yet. Only going to get better.
Sharintha
Awesome. It was different and unique.
Harin
It was great. I’m a batch mate of Suresh and it was my first time.
Ruanka
It was superb.
Reviewed by Panchali Illankoon
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi
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