Hauntingly dark and hypnotic, Vajra’s music weaves Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive metal creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. NYC-based dark-metal conjurers, Vajra, originate and radiate outward from the sensual and multi-range vocals of composer and visionary Annamaria Pinna and core bandmates, guitarist Dave Sussman (ex-Bile) and drummer Jimmy DeMarco. "The influences are varied," affirms Pinna. "Living in my self-imposed exile in Mumbai, India as well as in Tuscany, NOLA, San Francisco and New York color my experience, and I have this condition called Synesthesia, which affects how I process music. Dead Can Dance, Tool, Zakir Hussein, Fever Ray, The Mars Volta are all influences."
Vajra's self-produced cult album 'Pleroma' (2012) and the group’s new EP, 'Irkalla' (2021) both feature powerhouse session drummer and long-time friend, Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta). Touring in the US and Europe, and releasing self-produced art house videos (winning nine Official Selection awards at international film festivals), the band has enveloped "super-fans" into their "Vajra Temple" while 'Irkalla' pushed forward in the darkest shadows and the most brilliant of lights. Pinna reveals, “perhaps the music and lyrics of Irkalla reflect an esoteric space to explore the dark night of our souls."
“Must-See Act” - Rolling Stone
“It’s time to get to know Vajra” - Loudwire
“Powerful, catchy and sentimental all at once.” - Revolver
