GUTSLIT

It’s no longer a surprise that India is the home of many great metal bands (and fans). But it is fair to say that very, very few are as intense and brutal as GUTSLIT! These madmen from Mumbai put out a product just as relentlessly slamming as anything from DYING FETUS, SUFFOCATION or DEFEATED SANITY. If you doubt the Doctor’s word, then check out their latest album “Carnal” but you better be wearing asbestos underwear while listening, because your ass is gonna burn!

With “Carnal” being fresh on the streets, I wanted to find out more about the band and the rapidly growing scene they come from. Enter drummer Aaron Pinto (aka “kidsquiddy”), who helps propel this death machine with his maniacal beats. He wound up being more articulate than 90% of Yanks that I speak to, as you will learn now...

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: Greetings and hails to GUTSLIT! I know the band has been around for 15 years, but would you consider your new album “Carnal” your “break-out” that introduces you to the world?

AARON PINTO: From its very inception, GUTSLIT has forged a path marked by significant milestones, propelling the band towards greater heights. As a band originating from India, we encountered unique challenges and hurdles that initially impeded our progress. However, the past decade has seen a remarkable transformation. “Amputheatre:, our second album, proved to be the catalyst that opened doors for us in the global metal scene, and I believe 'Carnal' has further amplified our presence, firmly announcing our presence on the world stage.

WC: Do you recall the band and the moment that got you into extreme death metal? Did you know instantly that this would be the path for you? Or did you have to grow into it?

AP: The pivotal moment for me was the day I first encountered “Seasons in the Abyss”. It was a game-changer. While SLAYER may not fit the strict definition of extreme death metal, they undeniably stand as the pinnacle of extremity in my eyes, and that album is an absolute beast. It sparked an insatiable hunger to unearth more and more extreme metal, with DYING FETUS, SUFFOCATION, CANNIBAL CORPSE, and CRYPTOPSY becoming constant companions. Influenced heavily by the likes of DEFEATED SANITY, THE BERZERKER, ROTTEN SOUND and PYREXIA, we embarked on this sonic journey. Presently, our sound has evolved, aligning more closely with the intensity of MISERY INDEX, ABORTED, and THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER.

WC: Would you say you are the “godfathers” of the Indian death metal scene that kicked it off? Or were there others who paved the way for you there?

AP: While I wouldn't claim the title of 'Godfathers of Indian Death Metal,' we certainly stand as one of the pioneering acts that have stood the test of time, maintaining a consistent presence. Demonstealer from DEMONIC RESURRECTION deserves credit—not for introducing the genre, but for his unwavering dedication to Death Metal at a time when many other bands were exploring different metal subgenres. His focus paved the way for many of us in the scene.

WC: I spoke to Girish from GIRISH & THE CHRONICLES, who are a much different kind of heavy band, and asked him about the Indian scene. He said that in the large towns, the metal scene is exploding but once outside of that, there is little support for it. Do you agree or do you see it differently?

AP: I echo Girish's sentiment, but it's important to acknowledge that accessibility to bands differs significantly between smaller towns and larger cities. Logistically, it's more straightforward to organize shows in metropolitan areas. Despite this, we're fortunate to have a dedicated following from smaller towns, who make the effort to attend our shows when we perform nearby. Given India's vast geographical expanse, reaching all our eager fans hungry for a live experience can be a challenge. While platforms like Youtube and the internet have made our music accessible, there's an unparalleled magic in witnessing a live performance—it's an almost divine encounter.

WC:. Concerning the new album “Carnal”, I see it is released independently and not through a label. What led you to take this path? Were there labels that tried to sign you up?

AP: We strongly believed in taking charge of the narrative for “Carnal”  While we did explore potential label partnerships and received a few offers, none truly captivated or ignited our excitement to sign. While major labels undoubtedly bring valuable resources to the table, it didn't align with our current vision, considering there's a larger strategic move and a desire for ownership involved. That being said, we remain open to considering label deals for our forthcoming albums.

WC: The lyrics on “Carnal” have the gore and violence you would expect on a death metal album, but is there more meaning to it than that? Something deeper than the usual chopping people up?

AP: On a conceptual level, the album delves into the minds of infamous serial killers. Each track provides a unique window into the world of a different killer, often narrated from their perspective. Unlike our previous works that were overtly macabre, this time we took a more cerebral approach. We aimed to explore what drives these individuals, delving into the inner turmoil they grapple with while committing these heinous acts. It's largely a journey of internal conflict, a struggle to retain one's humanity while succumbing to the darkness that transforms them into monsters.

WC: The song “Matriarch” seems to deal with rape in a very “in your face” way. I know this subject is an important one in India. What’s the meaning of the song? Is it in support of women?

AP: The track is actually inspired by the chilling tale of the notorious serial killer Ed Kemper. While his story is undeniably horrifying, it holds a certain morbid fascination for those inclined towards crime and gore. In the bridge section, you'll hear distorted audio that's an excerpt from one of Kemper's recordings.Individually, we are staunch advocates for women's rights and vehemently opposed to the heinous crimes committed against women, both in India and globally. However, we view GUTSLIT as an artistic expression, a distinct entity separate from political and social causes. When there's a cause that requires a voice, and if we can contribute through our social media platforms, we're more than willing to do so.

WC: I take it “The Killing Joke” is inspired by the Batman graphic novel about the Joker. Are you all comic fans and will you be writing any more songs inspired by comics?

AP: The genesis of 'The Killing Joke' draws from the chilling story of John Wayne Gacy, a killer who wrought havoc while donning a sinister clown persona. The title of the song is an homage to my favorite Batman comic, which paints the Joker in a truly malevolent light. Given the thematic resonance, it felt like a fitting choice for our track.

WC: Do you encounter any censorship over your works? Any religious extremists who consider your work “blasphemous”?

AP: So far, we haven't encountered any major issues. We navigate a delicate balance between being provocative and playful, often treading the line between the blasphemous and the cheeky.

WC:  How did you hook up with Julian from BENIGHTED on the track “Bind, Torture Kill”?

AP: Julien has been a longtime friend of the band, and it's always been a shared aspiration to collaborate on a song with him, considering he's undeniably one of the most outstanding death metal vocalists of all time. His contribution to the track was nothing short of phenomenal. The lyrics, inspired by David Berkowitz, the BTK killer, were brought to life brilliantly by him.

WC:  I see you guys played Obscene Extreme Fest this year! What was that experience like for you?

AP: Our third performance at OEF was truly momentous, particularly because we unveiled 'Carnal' on the same day. In my opinion, Obscene Extreme stands as the pinnacle of festivals worldwide. There's simply no other event that compares. The camaraderie amongst the people, the caliber of the bands, and the dedication of the organizers are all beyond commendable. OEF holds a truly special place in our hearts.

WC: Do you have any plans to play in the US? I would think Maryland Deathfest would be a perfect event for you!

AP: We're currently in the process of organizing a tour in the US. It's proving to be a bit of a logistical challenge, especially with the introduction of new laws, but we're determined to make it happen. Playing at MDF is one of our ultimate dreams, and we're eager to see that become a reality.

WC: Do any of you play in other bands or is GUTSLIT pretty much the only focus for you?

AP: GUTSLIT is our main focus as band members. Aditya Swaminathan also lends his guitar skills to his thrash metal project, KILL THE KING while I take on the drums for another death metal band called ATMOSFEAR.

WC:Any Indian metal bands you’d like to hype for us?

AP:There's an incredible array of mind-blowing bands in India that you should absolutely give a listen to. Keep an ear out for names like GODLESS, AMORPHIA, MORAL COLLAPSE, KONFLICTS, MANEATING ORCHID, DIRGE, KILL THE KING, DEVOID, and INFERNAL WRATH. They're all worth checking out.

WC:If you could have dinner with any 3 people from history, who would they be?

AP: I’d like to keep it in the metal realm and it would be Chuck Schuldiner, Trevor Strnad and Dimebag Darrell.

WC:Any last words?

AP: A big thank you to all our supporters and the reception towards “Carnal”! We've got a ton of new music in the pipeline that we can't wait to unleash, and we're confident it's going to leave you all in awe. Your continued support means the world to us, so keep sharing our music and stay brutal! \m/

GUTSLIT