(written by Islander)
It’s easy to imagine that the Kolkata black metal band Infernal Diatribe subsist on a diet of rage and the tears of their enemies, washed down with the blood of a dissolving world. They manifest terrors and tribulations, infiltrated by tendrils of the exotic and overlaid by clouds of the occult.
Their forthcoming debut album, to be released by a trio of labels on November 29th, is inspired by and deeply rooted in an ancient Hindu concept known as Mahabhuta Pralaya (which is also the album’s name), a process of complete cosmic destruction that paves the way for a new cycle of creation and the rebirth of the universe. Their description of the concept is lengthy, but worth absorbing before listening to the music:
Mahabhuta Pralaya, also known as the Great Elemental Annihilation, is a concept derived from ancient Indian cosmology and Hindu scriptures, particularly from the Puranas. In Hinduism, the universe is believed to go through cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction. Mahabhuta Pralaya refers to the phase of cosmic destruction that involves the dissolution of the five fundamental elements (Mahabhutas) that make up the material world.
According to Hindu cosmology, the universe is composed of five elements, which are: Prithvi (Earth) – Represents the solid state of matter. Ap (Water) – Represents the liquid state of matter. Tejas (Fire) – Represents the energy and radiance in the universe. Vayu (Air) – Represents the gaseous state of matter. Akasha (Ether) – Represents the subtlest form of matter, often described as the space element.
During the Mahabhuta Pralaya, these five elements dissolve, leading to the destruction of the physical universe. This cosmic dissolution occurs at the end of a cosmic cycle, and it marks the end of one creation (Kalpa) and the beginning of the next. According to the Puranic scriptures, the process of Mahabhuta Pralaya is triggered by the divine will of Lord Brahma, the creator deity. Lord Shiva, the destroyer deity, then performs the dance of destruction known as the Tandava, causing the elements to collapse and merge back into their source.
After the Mahabhuta Pralaya, a period of cosmic rest follows, where the universe remains in a state of non-manifestation or dissolution (Pralaya). Eventually, a new cycle of creation begins with the emergence of Lord Brahma, who recreates the universe and all living beings.
It is essential to understand that these concepts are symbolic and carry deep philosophical meaning within Hindu theology. They illustrate the impermanence and cyclical nature of existence and offer insights into the continuous process of creation and destruction in the cosmic order…
The song we’re premiering today from the new album, “Raktakshi Sadhana“, is the sixth of the album’s eight songs. In short, it is in part a violent red-eyed delirium and in part a vision of desolation.
The fleet-fingered, grit-caked riffing maniacally roils and writhes. Equally fast and exultantly crazed, the lead guitar screams. The bass makes its presence known by generating a rolling low-end rumble, like an earthquake in progress. The drumming is in constant flux, sometimes ancient and primitive, sometimes eye-popping in its speed and athleticism. The vocals conjure images of malignant gnashing demons, viciously snarling and screaming as if possessed by terrifying spirits.
Through a piercing guitar solo that eerily wails, quivers, and slithers, the song also brings the band’s occult inspirations further to the forefront, enhanced by the feverish convulsions of a second guitar. The writhing riffage also shifts, dismally rising and falling, like blasts of a death-horn, creating moods of dread and bleakness, pierced by shrieking strings.
It’s a thoroughly attention-seizing and reflexively gripping song, and a memorable one too.
INFERNAL DIATRIBE Lineup:
Kalkin – vocals
Asmodeus – guitars
Kala Vikrama – bass
Naz Taz – drums
Mahabhuta Pralaya was recorded at BlooperHouse Studios and Studio X. It was mixed and mastered by Aakash Sherpa at Anomaly Audio. The album artwork was created by BD Dahlia.
The album will be jointly released by Satanath Records (Georgia), More Hate Productions (Russia), and The End Of Time Records (Ireland), digitally and in a jewel-box CD edition with a 16-page booklet (500 copies). They recommend it for fans of the raw, unfiltered darkness of Watain, Mayhem, and Gorgoroth.
Find pre-order info via the links below, and also check out the album’s title song, which closes the record.
PRE-ORDER:
https://satanath.bandcamp.com/album/sat412-infernal-diatribe-mahabhuta-pralaya-2025
http://www.morehate.com/
theendoftimerecords@gmail.com
INFERNAL DIATRIBE:
https://www.facebook.com/TheInfernalDiatribe
https://www.instagram.com/infernal_diatribe_india/