Please tell us a few words about the new release, about the music on it as a whole or a few words on each track in part. How are you happy with the final release?
I am very happy with the final release. Considering what little resources and studio experience went into this album, the results speak for itself.
Chris achieved an excellent mix and captured some really slick drum takes. Anthony never performed death metal vocals before this album - he really stepped up to the task and delivered a gut wrenching performance which added the needed grit and aggression to the album.
And being the professional that he is, Colin Marston added the extra polish with mastering which was tastefully done without crushing the dynamics.

How would you describe/label the music on it? Does it sounds like anything we might have heard before?
If I were forced to classify the music by today’s standards, it would be progressive (death) metal. The genesis of this album stemmed from a feeling of obligation to arrange into songs the various riffs and musical ideas that I had written over the years. I felt compelled to write music that I wanted to hear and that’s how I started Vihaan as my solo project.
The music has a metal core, but from there I explore different textures, acoustic guitars, electronic drums and synth, 70s prog rock elements (mellotron, organs), etc. Therefore, it is difficult to pigeonhole the music into a certain genre, as it meanders from death metal, to rock, to acoustic and back again. The actual songs are not complicated to play on guitar, but I focused on creating interesting rhythmic grooves into every moment possible. It really doesn’t sound too close to an existing band and that’s the way I intended.
Artists that I listened to over the course of writing and recording the album were Opeth, Katatonia, Tool on the metal side, and Camel, Anathema, and Cynic on the acoustic/prog rock side. Also Orka Veer influenced the electronic/ambient sounds. However, there are many more I could mention; I don’t discriminate based on genre.

Where was it recorded and how much time did it take you to record it? Any interesting stories from the recording/producing the material?
It was recorded in my various apartments in college and at home. Drums were recorded in Chris’ basement. In 2012 I started tracking guitars and bass, in 2013 we recorded drums, and in 2014 vocals were recorded and it was finally released on 10/7/14.

What can you tell us about the cover artwork? Is there a link between the artwork and the lyrics? What are the topics of your lyrics?
The artwork is photography that I have been capturing over past 6 years. The lyrics were inspired by the photography and deal with varied topics. Some themes deal with current events and some are personal. I prefer to let the listener interpret it the way they like to, but the art and the music are definitely tied together.

What do you expect to gain through this release? What are the band's aims at the moment?
I expect nothing. This music wasn’t written for commercial success. However, now that the album is out, I aim to deliver it to any interested parties. Of course, I wouldn’t be opposed to selling many records, affording better guitars, and recording in Sweden. In any case, Vihaan is about the music - that’s it.

Is there a special format the material is released in? Or is it released in multiple formats? How many copies were pressed?
Just CD and hi-quality FLAC/MP3 digital download. Only 100 copies were pressed.

Where and how will you promote this new release?
The internet/facebook/social media. Some limited live shows might be in the cards.

Where can we order it from?
From these venues:
www.vihaanmusic.com
http://vihaan.bandcamp.com
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Vihaan
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/invicta/id924687328
www.amazon.com/Invicta-Vihaan/dp/B00O4L6MFS

November 2014