Senyawa - Vajranala (2024)

Indonesian experimental duo Senyawa follow their breakout 2021 album 'Alkisah' with 'Vajranala', an attempt to tug at the roots of power itself that explores three different forms of knowledge to understand the ancient Pawon Temple.

Rully Shabara Herman and Wukir Suryadi took the time to visit the Vajranala (also known as the Pawon Temple) before they began recording their latest album. They were motivated by its ancient rituals, and the knowledge that's hidden in the temple's walls - there's a rumor, for example, that the building was erected in line with astronomical patterns. After a few weeks of rumination, they concocted a suite of recordings that try to grapple with both tradition and modernity; multi-instrumentalist Suryadi plays a variety of instruments, including a modified plough that he bowed, while vocalist Shabara took his inspiration from the rituals that might have occurred at the site.

For the duo, the power they want to deconstruct is in the hands of shamans, who can communicate with the spirit realm. And the album's opening track is powerful, that's for sure - 'Alnilam' is a vocal masterclass, with Shabara contorting his voice from a monastic chant into a hoarse croak. Suryadi responds with cavernous string wails, adding blown-out drums and batty, stringy plucks. It's music that stands far out on its own, taking the hypnotic intensity of ritual music or even church music, and combining it with the distorted rigor of metal. On 'Kaca Benggala' meanwhile the duo play echoing string drones into the darkness, building in noise and terrifying, black metal-style crows, and on 'Vajranala II', they cycle a rousing plucked bass pattern, letting Shabara's vocals swirl in support.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Senyawa - Alnilam (11:38)
1.02 - Senyawa - Vajranala (8:42)
1.03 - Senyawa - Kaca Benggala (9:44)
1.04 - Senyawa - Kaca Benggala II (5:19)
1.05 - Senyawa - Vajranala II (5:38)
1.06 - Senyawa - Hikmah (6:21)