Gig Seeker Pro

Vajra

New York City, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF

New York City, New York, United States | SELF

Established on Jan, 2012

Band Alternative Rock

Social Activity

43,992

Total Followers

376,717

Total Actions

Calendar

Music

Press

"Summer 2015's 50 Must-See Music Festivals"

"Must-See Act...Vajra" - Rolling Stone Magazine

"Vajra, ‘Inside the Flame’ (Rapid Oxidation Mix) – Exclusive Video Premiere Read More: Vajra, 'Inside the Flame' - Video Premiere | http://loudwire.com/vajra-inside-the-flame-rapid-oxidation-mix-exclusive-video-premiere/?trackback=tsmclip"

It's time to get to know Vajra. - Loudwire

"Most underrated bands on the Loudwire Music Festival"

The Loudwire Music Festival is set for June 26- 28 at Grand Junction, Colorado and the current lineup is filled with an array of artists, from heavy-hitters to up-and-comers. While bigger names on the line like Rob Zombie, Linkin Park and Weezer will likely draw in large crowds, some of the bands on the rise can use this opportunity to expand their reach. With the three day music festival coming up at the end of the month, AXS.com is taking a look at some of the rising stars on the bill this year...
Vajra
This hypnotic Eastern Indian-infused outfit brings melodic rock with haunting vocals and spiraling instrumentals. Started by composer and vocalist Annamaria Pinna, Vajra combines elements of traditional Eastern Indian instrumentation with ethereal, and at times, disturbingly haunting vocal effects. Their live performances have been hailed as “must-see” and the band has already been blazing a path in the scene, playing several festivals and larger scale shows leading up to the Loudwire festival. With their enticing and alluring sound in songs like “Inside the Flame,” and “Erode The Will,” Vajra will definitely be ones to watch, and hear, at the Loudwire Music Festival. - Axs.com

"Vajra"

"Vajra marries the sound of eastern India with the abrasive, melodic infrastructure of progressive rock. Since playing their first show in 2011, Vajra has been captivating the NYC music scene with their eyebrow raising theatrical antics and uncanny sound. [Their] live show is like a cathartic punch in the face." - Creem Magazine

"Vajra - Pleroma - Album Review"

I instantly fell in love with this release. There are just some albums that send a chill up your spine and Vajra’s debut Pleroma has achieved this effect. The band is the mind project of composer/vocalist Annamaria Pina, who formed the concept following her return to New York after a self-imposed exile in India. Clearly the experience had a profound effect as Pleroma stands to be an audio gospel of spiritual harmony.

Everything about this album took me by surprise, as I never expected such a profound sound. At first I thought my adulation was due to my weakness for trance-inducing bass riffs like the one that is introduced to the listener at the beginning of “Inside the Flame”, the opening track. As the album progressed, I found myself thinking: A) this band is clearly influenced by Tool, and B) the overall production and presentation is incredible. For a debut it almost sounds a little too good. Further exploration would show the credited producer/engineer is Sylvia Massey, whose prior credits include Tool’s debut album, Undertow. You just can’t get a better sounding presentation.

Pina’s voice is stunning, beautiful, and haunting. It’s similar to Christina Scabbia (lead singer of Lacuna Coil) but with a much better range and she stays true to the style of music rather than giving in to pop influences. Pina’s vocals seduce the listener to explore the deeper and darker aspects of perceived reality. Her vocal performance transports one to a mythical place where sounds and colors blur. The whole album is hypnotic in that sense as I found myself completely immersed in the music, with Pina’s voice being the only guide.

Vajra’s instrumentals do an incredible job of delivering a soundscape that projects Pina’s fascination with Eastern music. One of the smartest things they did with this production was steering clear of sounding like a progressive metal band, which is a limited presence of electric guitar. Instead, Vajra’s instrumentals focus on the bass guitar and drums. This is the masterstroke of the album. As the instruments provide the steady rhythm of the music, Pina’s voice navigates the emotional high and lows of this album. Essentially, the bands instruments paint the picture as Pina tells the story.

Everything about this album is fresh and exciting. I live to experience music of this calibre. Vajra’s musical career is just the beginning, and I have a feeling that their future work will be awe-inspiring.

http://www.thevajratemple.com/

- Lithium Magazine

"Vajra - Pleroma"

Giving rock or metal music an ethnic twist isn’t a new idea. Myriad female-fronted metal bands from Epica to Lacuna Coil have added Middle Eastern or oriental elements to their songs, while Sebnem Ferah of Turkey and Dendura of the United States embraced the full-fledged union of both musical worlds. Now we can now add Vajra to the latter category. This band from New York City was founded by singer/ songwriter / multi-instrumentalist Annamaria Pinna during (in Pinna’s exact words) a "self-imposed exile" in India. That trip inspired Pleroma, a fusion of Indian music and progressive rock that has garnered critical acclaim, extensive college radio airplay, and licensing deals with major U.S. cable television channels. Clearly this record has built a storm of excitement since its release in June. I understand why – because Pleroma has left me spellbound, too.

Pleroma is an exploration of contrasts: the darkness of progressive rock with the allure of Indian music. You’ll hear Pinna’s warm, sultry voice accompanied by percussion, chimes, and sitars above keyboard undercurrents and the roar of guitars, drums, and bass. What sets Vajra apart from similar acts, though, is their emphasis on the ethnic elements. It’s as though Pinna focused on the Indian-inspired rhythms and melodies first and then wove in the rock influences. As a result, the rock band takes on unexpected roles in Pleroma. Will Dahl’s guitars, for example, deliver more atmosphere than riffs. They act as everything from a bed to dream upon, to desert winds kicking up a sandstorm, to that index finger beckoning you to come closer. Pinna’s lyrics are also a key aspect of Vajra. The diction and subject matter (mostly spirituality and introspection) fits the music’s zen like a sword in its sheath. It’s breathtaking and understood only when you listen to Vajra yourself.

Despite Vajra’s style constraints, the moods expressed and the instruments highlighted on each song on Pleroma range widely. Imposing with the gong-like ring of synths ("Intuition"), delicate and somber with bell and cymbal nuances ("3.14"), or searing and urgent with swarming arrangements ("Blind") – the amount of variety on Pleroma will take you by surprise. Pinna also understands the impact of melody and the chorus, and employs that understanding throughout the album. Her refrain on "Blind" adds a flare of anger to her message of living with spiritual awareness, maybe because few of us do that. And on "3.14," Pinna’s repeated cry of "It’s never gonna end / I’ve got to let this go" uplifts and haunts the listener all at once. "Almost One," "Erode The Will," and "See Through You" are also great examples of Vajra’s mix of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

The two most progressive numbers on Pleroma have the strongest Indian influences. "The Apple" slithers through snappy percussion and the hovering incense of guitars, and makes you lose track of time until the song ends 8 minutes later. Its crisp, mellow cadence has a danceable beat that reminds me of traditional Indian dancers in brightly colored saris. And then if you rewind back to the opening track, there’s the evocative "Inside The Flame." This incantation epitomizes Vajra’s sound with smoldering arrangements, chanted refrains, and layered rhythms. The lyrics hint at the seduction and danger of the enigmatic: "Pray for your existence / Keep your distance / Meet you inside that flame." It’s as though Pinna’s inviting you to fully experience Pleroma while warning you of its enchantment.

Personally, I’ve enjoyed Pleroma so much because it’s not a conventional rock record. However, considering our readers’ range of tastes, Pleroma may not appeal to everyone. Fans of ethnic, vocal-oriented, and gothic music will appreciate its maturity and its range of atmospheres. Rockers or metalheads who prefer loads of riffing and chugging, on the other hand, may be bored by the composure of Pleroma. As for critiques, the only one I have is on the instrumentals. "India" and "Akkord Pleromy" are both short and ambient, and match Vajra’s overall concept. However, they seem to float between the tracks they bridge without adding much to the final product. Some listeners may like the relaxing nature of both tracks – but in my opinion, they’re like unnecessary pauses that wouldn’t be missed had they been omitted from the album.

I have to admit that writing this review of Pleroma has been a challenge. I feel inept at describing the album because I have little knowledge of traditional Indian music. Then again, I don’t need that knowledge to realize that Pleroma is a snakecharmer. Vajra have executed their mission of blending rock and Indian music with passion and incredible attentiveness. Pinna deserves most of the credit, especially for her engaging vocals, but you can’t ignore the talent of her fellow band members. And although Vajra’s music won’t interest everyone, the band’s mindfulness of the essentials of songwriting gives them the potentia - Sonic Cathedral

"Vajra: Pleroma"

New York four-piece Vajra’s debut album Pleroma is the most pleasant of surprises. The first track kicks in with its treble-y, melodious bass and ominous drums and you think “oh, I get it – this is Tool.” But if you wait just a few seconds, the stately vocals of lead singer Annamaria Pinna enter the fray and you realize you’re in for something different. That exciting revelation lends an energy to the album that doesn’t really let up throughout its 10 tracks and 50 minutes of listening time. Front to back, this is a solid album from a band that should have no problem carving out a path to rock-and-roll excellence.

Annamaria Pinna’s impressive talent shines through clearly on this disc; in addition to her voice, she plays keys on the album and also writes all the songs. There’s a very Eastern bend to this music, which is where some Tool comparisons will no doubt come in; Pinna actually formed Vajra in India, so this should come as no surprise. Still, there’s a great mixture of rock elements with the Eastern influences. A track like “See Through You” demonstrates this nicely – it opens with a twin sitar/electric guitar riff, and soon a steady drumbeat kicks in to propel the song forward in true rock fashion.

For all her writing skill, though, Pinna’s voice cannot be underplayed. At its harsher moments, it recalls Shirley Manson with more attitude; in quieter, more contemplative passages, there’s an air of Patti Smith. This voice is truly the weapon that sets Vajra apart from other similar bands.

That said, the other instrumentalists on this album shouldn’t be sold short either. In particular, the rhythm section here – bass player Doug Wright and drummer Blake Fleming, formerly of the Mars Volta – do a great job creating a rich atmosphere to support Pinna. Fleming rocks some rhythms with toms and bongos that are totally impressive and frankly just sound really cool, while Wright fits into that too-small category of musicians who essentially play “lead bass.” More than Will Dahl’s guitar, which is used mostly for punctuation, Wright powers the rhythm that allows these songs to excel.

There’s really nothing bad to say about Pleroma. It’s a refreshing listen from a young, talented, and unique band. Early buzz for the group is good, and hopefully that will continue; it sure seems like there are a lot of great compositions left in Pinna’s head that ought to see public release.

For more information on Vajra, check out their website.

- Nerdy Nothings

"Vajra - Pleroma Review"

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking ‘how on earth do I pronounce that?’ and the answer is this: shut up and listen to the damn thing! It’s in your best interests to listen to it as this 4-piece from New York certainly know their stuff.

From the opening note of the opening track Inside the Flame, the eastern influences are abundant and it honestly took me by such a surprise that I was instantly hooked. They know how to create a sense of atmosphere as that opening note is underneath the music for the entire song. Vajra’s Vocalist Annamaria Pinna immediately stands out as something that should be heard. Her voice goes through all the ranges on this album: soft and delicate, to sharp and powerful. The first hint of this is as the song hits a crescendo in the final minute, her voice goes up and up until it’s just impossible to ignore.

Now, I don’t know much about eastern rock/metal, so I’m taking this as my first venture. Honestly, they give the genre a good name. The second track Almost One is haunting. Haunting to the very marrow of my bones. It’s like if Silent Hill met Jim Steinman. Again, Pinna is the focal point of the music, but for this song, all the members are in such a perfect unison.Speaking with all my English charm, Almost One is bloomin’ marvellous.

Resisting the urge to put the album back one and listen to Almost One on repeat all day, the third track, entitled India again teases the senses with the sense of mysticism and dread brought on by some keyboards, also by Pinna, is a sort of interlude. It’s foreboding sound parallels the feeling of the other two tracks and not only mixes up the formula, but begs the question: just what’s going on to this band that they produce music like this?

A sitar! Finally a sitar! I suppose they had to get one in there somewhere, being a blend of eastern and western music and all. I do love a good sitar, but that’s beside the point. Blind is far angrier than anything so far, more so in the music than the lyrics. Blind has a long interlude and it’s about this point where I started thinking a guitar solo wouldn’t go amiss, but instead, the song busts out some frantic drum patterns (played by Blake Fleming of the Mars Volta) to make the chorus seem all the more convoluted. It’s strange and I can’t decide whether it works or not. It muddies up the music, but for a prog band something like this is normal…

Intuition sparks what I have come to know as the mid-album pool. Albums start and end that strongly that the tracks in the middle come off as a bit flat and this track is this album’s. While it’s all OK, it’s only OK. Nothing stands out as being exceptional. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing at fault, but… It’s just a little flat when put next to say Almost One or Blind.

At first I thought Erode the Will was going to be the same, but the chorus is such a saving grace. It’s heavy, and it’s the first song on the album that I was able to get a nice headbang to. This is rock and roll after all. During Erode…’s interlude Pinna’s vocal style outright jumps from soft and almost bedside to sharp and venomous. It took me by surprise and I had to rewind it to listen to it again and again. It was cool!3.14 opens with some bells (on keyboard) both high and low and brings back that dark atmosphere from the opening tracks. As the verse leads into the chorus and the guitar (by Will Dahl) changes from clean to distorted, I thought ‘that’s more like it!’ and as quick as it comes it’s gone. Teasing, leading you on back into the soft verses and the bells that give it that extra push over the cliff.

See Through You. Honestly, this is one of the best intros that I’ve ever heard. Everything is right where it should be. The guitar is soft and almost mournful, the vocals come in just at the right spot, each instrument is light enough to not overpower another and then it gets heavy and that is- for this song- a bad thing. The distorted guitar just destroys all the emotion that the first verse had built up. It does recover though, so don’t worry. Something cool happens in the interlude: there’s a pretty metal riff going on, on the guitar while Turtle Jon plays some table. It’s hard to describe, but it starts at 3:39, so give it a listen. You’ll like it.

I’m not going to lie. I have no idea what an Akkord Pleromy is, so I google’d it. It means Mystic Chord. And this long instrumental piece certainly hit the nail on the head there. Definitely ones for atmosphere, Akkord Pleromy definitely adheres to the eastern side of the bands influences. I can’t say much for it as a rock tune, but it makes excellent background music. I went and made a cup of tea while listening to it and it was the eeriest brew I’ve ever made. It’s like a musical odyssey, akin to the phantasmagorical works of MC Escher, Lewis Carroll, or at the lesser extent, if you really must, Tim (ugh) Burton.

The final track on Pleroma, entitled The Apple - Denim and Leather Metal 'Zine

"Music Review: Vajra - Peroma"

Music Review: Vajra – Pleroma
November 29th, 2012

“Vajra” is a Sanskrit word that means “thunderbolt” and “diamond.” Perhaps this is an attempt to place the New York-based quartet with the same name into the position of “diamond in the rough.” They have certainly etched out a unique place in the melodic metal rankings, offering a sound similar to other female-fronted groups like Lacuna Coil vocalist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Annamaria Pinna even offers some of the same tonal qualities as Cristina Scabbia or perhaps to a lesser extent, The Birthday Massacre.

- Gothic News

"Vajra feat. The Mars Volta Streaming Lead Single 'Inside The Flame'"

Introducing Vajra, featuring Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums. Sylvia Massy (Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, System of A Down) co-produced the vocals and mixed, and Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry) mastered.

Vajra is quickly generating a buzz after releasing their first single “Inside The Flame”.
Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series
Vajra performed two shows at SXSW 2012 and recently played to sold-out audiences in NYC.
Vajra is releasing their debut album ‘Pleroma‘ on the Summer Solstice (6.21.12) – in the meantime, you can listen to the ‘Inside the Flame‘ below: - SMN News

"Vajra"

Genre: Dark, melodic, progressive rock with eastern Indian themes
Location: NY

Members:
Annamaria Pinna (Production, Writing, Vocals, Keys/Midi)
Blake Fleming (Drums)
Doug Wright (Bass)
Will Dahl (Guitar)
Turtle Jon (Tabla)

Debut album ‘Pleroma’ to be released on Summer Solstice 6.21.12

Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk, and a school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. Fueled by her insatiable curiosity of life, death and experience, Annamaria believes that there is divinity in creativity. She began playing violin at age 6 and flute at age 9. She wrote her first lyrics at age 10, and went on to study music theory at Juilliard.

Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound. The debut album,‘Pleroma’ will be released in 6/21/12. Pleroma explores paradoxes (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male), and includes appearances by Blake Fleming from The Mars Volta on drums, Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls on bass and Will Dahl from Harley’s War on guitar and Tabla Jon on tabla.

Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Grammy-award winner, Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIM, Foo Fighters, Ministry Prince) mastered.

The band is quickly generating a buzz after releasing their first single “Inside The Flame”. Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series, and Vajra’s music is currently being played at over 160 radio stations nationwide. The band has played to sold-out audiences at: The Bowery Ballroom (NYC), The Mercury Lounge (NYC), The Bowery Electric (NYC) and also performed 2 shows at SXSW 2012.

Vajra’s music will leave you spellbound!

You can be one of the first to preorder “Pleroma” here: http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/

www.thevajratemple.com
www.facebook.com/vajratemple
www.twitter.com/vajratemple - Coolgrrrls :: Cool Girls Rock

"Vajra – Pleroma (2012/autoproduit)"

Il est toujours tentant de se méfier dès lors que la personnalité de l’un des membres du groupe est mise en avant de manière très prononcée. Aussi le discours porté autour d’Annamaria Pinna, multi-instrumentiste et chanteuse de la formation Vajra peut susciter des interrogations, notamment la mention de la synesthésie, soit l’association neuronale et involontaire d’un ou plusieurs sens. Le séjour de la dame en Inde est également souligné. A l’écoute, les différents éléments ne s’avèrent pas être de simples anecdotes mais plutôt des composantes de la genèse de l’œuvre.

En effet, la dimension orientale est immédiatement perceptible au travers des arabesques musicales et volutes de notes qui tournent au gré des compositions. Cette dimension brumeuse permet de tracer un parallèle avec des formations britanniques telles que The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees ou encore Joy Division. Sur ce dernier point, il est possible de noter des similitudes évidentes entre l’intro de “Inside the flame ” et celle de “She’s lost control”.

La dimension progressive de l’ensemble des titres rock alimente l’aspect oriental et réciproquement. La biographie du projet met en avant la notion de paradoxe, mais au niveau musical, c’est avant tout la conjonction des deux notions qui créent une réelle dynamique.

Le chant de la dite Annamaria constitue à n’en point douter un autre trait distinctif de la musique de Vajra. S’il est peut être malaisé d’y distinguer à coup sûr des nuances chromatiques, il est certain qu’elle s’inscrit dans une dimension hypnotique et marquée à l’encens développée au gré des morceaux. Il y a de quoi avoir la tête qui tourne, l’oreille interne comme externe déstabilisée par ce qui est proposé.

Néanmoins, cette sensation de trouble n’est nullement désagréable, et force et de reconnaître la maîtrise déployée par la dame figure de proue de son groupe, si bien mise en lumière par ses troupes. Ce premier album, menée de main de maîtresse, mérite donc amplement une écoute.

Inside the flame
Almost one
India
Blind
Intuition
Erode the will
3.14
See through you
Akkord Pleromy
The Apple
Site : http://www.thevajratemple.com/
- Les Immortals (France)

"Vajra-Pleroma"

7/10
Vamos con el debut de un proyecto liderado por la cantante, compositora y multi-instrumentalista Annamaria Pinna, la cual está fuertemente influenciada por la cultura procedente de la India, de hecho se auto exilió en ese país durante una temporada. De todos modos ahora su base está en Nueva York y tiene ya este “Pleroma”, que es su primer álbum con su proyecto llamado VAJRA, en el que intervienen personajes como Blake Fleming (ex-THE MARS VOLTA) a la batería, Sylvia Massy (JOHNNY CASH, TOOL, RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, SYSTEM OF A DOWN) que ha coproducido las voces y mezclado, y Tom Baker (NIN, FOO FIGHTERS, MINISTRY, PRINCE) que se ha hecho cargo de la masterización.

“Pleroma” se convierte en una obra de influencias exóticas combinadas con aires de la escena oscura, a modo de banda de Dark Rock Alternativo y Progresivo en el que ante todo predominan las atmósferas envolventes que evocan esas experiencias de la India que han cautivado a su autora. Es como si los diez cortes que componen el álbum te sumergiesen en esa aureola de misticismo y paisajes exóticos, de tal manera que el oyente se deja seducir por las voces de sirena y esos ambientes cálidos a la par que misteriosos entrando en un mundo interior que depende mucho de quién escucha, pero que se apoya sin duda en las cualidades de la música. Una descripción que me ha gustado bastante en su hoja de prensa es la que compara a VAJRA como una versión de Rock Alternativo de DEAD CAN DANCE.

Un álbum que no decepciona, tampoco destaca de una manera especial, pero que si te gustan este tipo de bandas que consiguen recrear atmósferas que te transportan a lugares misteriosos, te gustará. La portada ya es de hecho bastante simbólica, mostrando parte de ese misticismo que se desprende de “Pleroma”.

http://www.thevajratemple.com - NOIZZ Webzine (Spain)

"Vajra-Pleroma:: CD Review"

Band: VAJRA
Albumtitel: Pleroma
Label/Vertrieb: Eigenproduktion
Website: www.thevajratemple.com
Veröffentlichung: 21.06.2012
Laufzeit: 50:57 Minuten
Autor: Stephan Mertens
Bewertung: 11 von 15 Punkten
>> Als E-Mail versenden
>> Bei Amazon.de bestellen!

Annamaria Pinna hat sich bereits in jungen Jahren mit religiösen Themen auseinandersetzen müssen. Als Tochter eines ehemaligen Mönches und einer Lehrerin, bleibt dies wahrscheinlich auch nicht aus. Im Alter von sechs Jahren, erlernte die Multiinstrumentalistin erste Fähigkeiten an der Violine. Zudem hat sie eine neurologische Erkrankung, die sie Musik in Farben und Formen erkennen lässt. Mit diesen Talenten und Begebenheiten, gründete Annamaria während eines Aufenthaltes in Indien das Projekt VAJRA. Gemeinsam mit den Musikern Blake Fleming (Ex-THE MARS VOLTA) am Schlagzeug, sowie Dough Wright und Will Dahl an Bass und Gitarre, vereint die Kapelle westlichen Alternative-Rock der Marke SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES oder NINE INCH NAILS und spirituell angehauchte Folklore. Hier treten besonders indische Saiteninstrumente und Percussions auf den Plan, die ich in solcher Konsequenz noch nie bei einer amerikanischen Band gehört habe. Die zehn Stücke zeichnen sich durch wunderschöne, exotische Klangkollagen aus, ohne dabei ein gewisses Hitpotential vermissen zu lassen. Die Singles "Inside The Flame" und "Erode The Will", aber auch andere Lieder, wie die rhythmisch interessanten "See Through You", sowie "The Apple", bleiben nach wenigen Durchläufen im Ohr hängen. Man hört jederzeit, dass die verantwortlichen Musiker, Könner an ihren Werkzeugen sind. Herausstellen möchte ich zudem die tolle Gesangsleistung von Annamaria Pinna, welche an die großen Sängerinnen der 90er-Jahre-Alternative-Szene anknüpft und so manche Kollegin, heutiger Erfolgsbands, alt aussehen lässt. "Pleroma" ist ein zeitloser Geheimtipp, welcher den Hörer auf einen mystischen, hypnotischen Trip mitnimmt und dabei sehr viel Laune macht. Einzig das zu lang geratene Instrumental "Akkord Pleromy" und die, für meinen Geschmack, etwas zu glatte Produktion, sorgen für leichte Punktabzüge. Bei Interesse könnt Ihr das Album (als Download) über die oben genannte Homepage oder bei iTunes erwerben. Es lohnt sich! - My Revelations (Germany)

"Vajra - "Inside The Flame" [Free Download]"

The Skinny: Headed up by the lovely and super-talented Annamaria Pinna (she handles duties including, but not limited to production, writing, vocals, keys and midi), this powerful progressive rock band has a sound splattered with Eastern Indian elements and a wonderful dark/melodic balance. Their debut effort is titled Pleroma and features the added talents of Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, The Dirty Pearls' Doug Wright on bass, Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar and Tabla Jon on tabla. Released on the Summer solstice (June 21st) with a total of ten solid tracks, Pleroma is an intelligent album that will have listeners deep in thought and awe.

If their already beefy line-up wasn't enough, then let us tell you more. Pleroma was actually mixed by Grammy award winner Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) and mastered by Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince). Sylvia actually co-produced the vocals as well! Their lead single, "Inside The Flame", is being played on over 160 radio stations across the US, let alone the rest of the globe. Constantly in demand, now you can grab their hit single for FREE and have it handy any time you get the craving to listen!
- Pure Grain Audio

"VAJRA Announce Mid-Summer Tour Dates"

In support of the release of their debut album 'Pleroma', NYC based band Vajra has just announced their mid-Summer tour dates. The band will kick off the tour in Weed, California at Sylvia Massy’s 4&20 Festival on Sunday, August 5th, and move to the Bottom Of The Hill in San Francisco on Wednesday, August 8th. From there, Vajra will perform at The Roxy in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 9 and will conclude their tour back in Brooklyn on Saturday, September 1st (Labor Day Weekend) at The Knitting Factory.

Vajra weaves Eastern Indian themes together with melodic, progressive rock, creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies and a stunning new sound. Their debut album 'Pleroma' was released on the Summer Solstice (June 21, 2012).

Tour Dates:

08/05 @ 4:30pm - 4&20 Blackbird Music Festival (Mongo Stage) – Weed, CA
08/08 @ 10pm - The Bottom Of The Hill – San Francisco, CA
08/09 @ 8pm - The Roxy – Los Angeles, CA
09/01 @ 10pm – The Knitting Factory Brooklyn, NY

For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/vajratemple.
- Pure Grain Audio

"Vajra"

There is a mix of goth with Eastern Indian themes on Pieroma from VAJRA, the brainchild of Annamaria Pinna. This record is polished and complex and you will get lost in her haunting vocals. Watch out Amy Lee!

www.thevajratemple.com - New York Waste

"Vajra - Pleroma (Review)"

Dass Sängerin und Multiinstrumentalistin Annamaria Pinna ihre Band VAJRA im selbsauferlegten Exil in Südostindien gegründet hat, leuchtet nach den ersten Tönen des Debütalbums "Pleroma" ein, vielmehr springen den Zuhörer die orientalischen EInflüsse förmlich an. Der Eröffnungssong 'Inside The Flame' bildet ein hypnotisches Stück Musik, das weniger wie ein Song als vielmehr ein 6-minütiges Intro zur Platte wirkt. Tribal-Drumming kreist um eine eindringliche Bassfigur in dieser sich stetig steigenden Nummer, in der Annamaria ihren Text einer Beschwörungsformel gleich darbietet. Imposanter Einstieg in ein starkes Album.

Nach diesem Einstieg heißt es Durchschnaufen, demzufolge etwas entspannter geht es weiter zur Sache, wenn auch die zuvor genannten Trademarks im weiteren Verlauf der Platte erhalten bleiben. Zwar sind die Gitarren durchaus präsent, dennoch bleibt es vor allem Bass und die Percussion, die "Pleroma" ihren Stempel aufdrücken; vor allem bei der Percussion gibt es viele kleine Details zu entdecken. Sängerin Annamaria erinnert immer wieder an Christina Scabbia von LACUNA COIL und überzeugt mit ihrer etwas verträumten und doch kraftvollen Stimme. Bei 'Blind' wiederum sorgen exotische Gitarrenklänge für fernöstliches Flair. 'Intuition' startet mit einem düsteren Intro, das von MOONSPELL entlehnt scheint, doch auch hier nimmt der Song mit dezenten Flötenklängen und Tribal-Drumming die Fahrt in Richtung Ethno auf und entpuppt sich als Zwilling zum Eröffnungssong; wiederum eine richtig starke Nummer und ein Ohrwurm. Dagegen wirkt 'Erode The Will' beinahe konventionell; da passt die Ballade '3.14' oder auch 'See Through You' schon wesentlich besser ins Stimmungsbild. Der Schlusssong 'The Apple' stellt die achtminütige Klimax des Albums dar; eine sich stetig steigernde - wenn man es so nennen darf - Ethno-Metal-Nummer.

Sicherlich ist es kein Nachteil, dass namhafte Personen an den Instrumenten mitgewirkt haben, wie zum Beispiel Blake Fleming (ex-THE MARS VOLTA) an den Drums, oder dass auch die Produzentenriege bereits mit so namhaften Bands wie NIN, TOOL und SYSTEM OF A DOWN gearbeitet haben. Doch im Endeffekt zählt die großartige exotische Stimmung, die "Plerome" transportiert, und die starke Stimme von Annamaria Pinna. Eine unerwartete Platte, definitiv ein Highlight.

des

Gesamtwertung: 9.0 Punkte

Trackliste Album-Info
01. Inside The Flame
02. Almost One
03. India
04. Blind
05. Intuition
06. Erode The Will
07. 3.14
08. See Through You
09. Akkord Pleromy
10. The Apple Band Website: www.thevajratemple.com
Medium: CD
Spieldauer:
VÖ: 22.06.2012
- Bleeding 4 Metal (Germany)

"Interview mit Annamaria Pinna von Vajra"

Ein ungewöhnliches Album brachte Annamaria Pinna mit ihren Mitstreitern auf die Welt: düster, opulent, orientalisch und mystisch. Wir hatten die Gelegenheit, Annamaria Pinna zu ihrem selbstgewählten Exil und zum Album zu befragen - und nicht minder mystisch gab sich die charismatische Sängerin im Interview.

Freut mich, dass wir ein Interview machen können. Mit "Pleroma" habt Ihr eine starke Platte rausgebracht - wie ist das Feedback so im Allgemeinen?

Annamaria: Danke! Ja, wir hatten unglaubliche Rückmeldungen bisher. Virgin America hat sogar eine der Singles in ihr In-Flight Entertainment aufgenommen. Wir haben Lizenzverträge mit dem Discovery Network, Showtime, Bravo und MTV abgeschlossen. Über 200 Radiostationen haben uns in ihr reguläres Programm aufgenommen. Wir bekamen einige sehr positive Reviews von Magazinen und Webzines auf der ganzen Welt und unsere Shows waren gut besucht. Wir sind sehr erfreut.

VARJA ist eine recht junge Band. Kannst Du Euch ein wenig vorstellen?

Annamaria: Gerne. Die Saat, aus der VARJA entsprungen ist, wurde bereits 2002 gesät, als ich beschloss, meine eigenen kreativen Kräfte freizusetzen, anstelle ständig Projekte und Träume anderer Leute (ich arbeitete damals als Bevollmächtigte für NYC) zu unterstützen. Aber um dies effektiv durchziehen zu können, musste ich eine Reise unternehmen. Diese Reise brachte mich nach Indien, wo ich begann, das Album zu schreiben. Ich lebt edort für ein paar Jahre und kam dann nach NYC zurück, um es auszuarbeiten und die Band zu starten

Was war der Grund für Dein selbstgewähltes Exil?

Annamaria: Yeah, ich habe gefühlt, dass es notwendig war, mehr über mich und die Welt um mich herum zu lernen. Deshalb musste ich mich aus meinem gewohnten Umfeld herusziehen und mich an einen Platz begeben, an dem ich meine Gedanken, Motivationen und Aktionen hinterfragen konnte. Ich musste aus meiner Komfort-Zone heraustreten, mich selbst herausfordern und andere Möglichkeiten des Seins erforschen.

Wo warst Du genau?

Annamaria: Mumbai, Indien, 5 Jahre. Ich habe viel über mich und meine Welt gelernt. Ich denke, ich bin enorm als Person gewachsen. Wenn jemand die Gelegenheit hat, denke ich, Reisen und im Ausland zu leben ist sehr hilfreich für eigenes Wachsen und Selbstaktualisierung.

Es ist offensichtlich, dass es viele exotische Einflüsse in "Pleroma" gibt. Aber abgesehen davon haben Dich welche "konventionellen" Bands und Musiker beeinflusst?

Annamaria: DEAD CAN DANCE, NIN, TOOL, A PERFECT CIRCLE, PJ HARVEY, LED ZEPPELIN, DEPECHE MODE, ALICE IN CHAINS, FEVER RAY, KING CRIMSON, THE SISTERS OF MERCY, TORI AMOS, THE CURE, SABBATH, etc. Aber Mozart und Klassische Musik, klassisches Hindustani, klassisches Persisch und Jazz sind auch starke Einflüsse.

Du hast VAJRA während Deines Exils gegründet. Hast Du auch lokale Musiker als Bandmitglieder gefunden?

Annamaria: Nein. Ich habe "Pleroma" begonnen in Indien zu schreiben - in meinem Schlafzimmer, weil es der einzige Raum war, der eine Klimaanlage hatte. Aber meine Bandmates fand ich hier in NYC.

Deine Homepage ist ein wenig mystisch mit wenigen Infos zur Band. Besteht VARJA nur aus Dir?

Annamaria: Nein. Wir haben eine Band. Ich habe eine erstaunliche Gruppe an super talentierten Musikern gefunden, die mir geholfen haben, das auszuarbeiten, was ich geschrieben hatte, und es zu Leben brachten. Blake (Fleming, früher THE MARS VOLTA) ist ein guter Freund, den ich als Drummer zur Umsetzung dieses Projekts im Hinterkopf hatte. Mir wurden Doug Wright (THE DRY PEARLS) und auch Will Dahl (früher bei HARLEY'S WAR) durch gemeinsame Freunde vorgestellt. Diese Gruppe war das originale Line-Up für das Album und die ersten Shows. Blake entschied dann, sein eigenes Soloprojekt voranzutreiben, das Ende des Jahres erscheint. Er empfahl sein Protege, Luke Markham, um seinen Platz bei den Live Performaces einzunehmen. Ich bin wirklich gesegnet, mit solch talentierten und guten Leuten zusammen zu arbeiten.

Deine Homepage heißt www.thevajratemple.com. Welche Art von Tempel und Philosophie steckt da dahinter?

Annamaria: Es gibt keine formelle Philosophie. Das Konzept ist es, Seelen zu sammeln, die in ihrer Wertschätzung zur Musik als Sprache aneinandergeschweißt sind oder als ein Weg mit etwas zu kommunizieren, das größer ist als das Selbst und mit einer Energie, die alle Dinge verbindet.

Das Vajra ist ein buddhistisches Symbol oder auch ein Ritualsobjekt mit unterschiedlichen Bedeutungen. Was bedeutet es für Dich?

Annamaria: Es ist Tibetanisch-Buddhistisch und Hindu. Es ist der Donnerblitz oder der Diamant - der nicht zerbrochen werden kann - das Ding, das durch alles schneidet. Es ist die ultimative Wahrheit des Universums, das in einem Symbol manifestiert ist, weil wir wahrscheinlich die ultimative Wahrheit des Universums nicht verstehen können. Wir können nur versuchen, so viel Erfahrung zu sammeln wie möglich, um näher an dieses Wissen zu kommen.

Auch die Lyrics auf "Pleroma" sin - Bleeding 4 Metal (Germany)

"Vajra – Dark Progressive Rock With East Indian Themes To Wrap Your Mind Around"

Our parents, like it or not, will always have a huge influence on our musical taste. Whether it is having to listen to Pink Floyd albums as a child that you learned to love, or rebelling against your parents music to discover punk rock. The journey of musical discovery starts there. When I was introduced to Annamaria Pinna of the band Vajra and discovered she was the child of a school teacher and former monk I was intrigued to see where her musical upbringing would lie.

First thing that called my attention as I went to the Vajra Temple website was the snake eating its tail, Ouroboros, on the cover of the album. I knew right then and there she was more than just doing music, for her there was a whole thought process behind all of it. Ouroboros stands for a cycle of life that has a birth and death for everything, of course I would suggest looking deeper into it for this is only a generic concept. I also read some information on Annamaria that helped to understand her concept behind these tracks and what she wanted to portray. For me such a powerful image could not be ignored and throughout the tracks I kept my ears open to this.

The band recently released the album Pleroma which seems like the perfect entry to Vajra’s world. As I hear the first song ‘Inside The Flame”, I am captivated by her tranquil voice and it just builds from there with some sort of anger as it guides you through the track. What I love most is the influences from India, where Annamaria spent some time, and her combination of rock music all blended but yet letting each speak for itself throughout the song. Another track that caught my attention was ‘Akkord Plemory’ which I also researched and was intrigued to know that she is referring to what people call “mystic chord.” This is a combination of chords that some believe to be able to make a person go beyond what its mind would allow it to. I found this track to be very soothing and the one that followed, ‘The Apple’ really displays her voice from the beautiful soft part to the louder more aggressive ones. The music Vajra does is beyond what you hear. I did have to do some research beyond the tracks and I loved to find that there is a concept behind the tracks I’ve heard and more to learn. The music was great but her history is just as intriguing which shapes the songs on this album.

Be prepared when you enter the world of Vajra because it may change you forever.

www.thevajratemple.com
- Indie Band Guru

"Vajra"

Annamaria Pinna, vocalist and keyboardist for Vajra, has a condition called synesthesia, which means that to her, certain sounds correlate to certain shapes and colors. While it might be too easy to say that her condition translates directly to her music, Vajra's debut LP, Pleroma, seems to draw correlation between underlying feeling, sound and time period, regardless of the cultural genesis of either.

Most interesting is how the album itself can have different sonic interpretations. Were it to be released in the mid-'80s, one might say that it has new age tendencies. But, in 2012, its hallmarks are nearly drone metal. Based around a soaring, but heavy low end, the album draws from the introspective mass of thick stoner rock like Sleep and OM, but doesn't have the nasty edge of most metal bands. Rather, despite its massive, hypnotic grooves, the album isn't aggressive, but soothing, suggesting more introspection and less outward projection.

Pinna says that she wrote the album after returning from India. Indian tablas and rhythms merge with what is undeniable British-doom riffs. The combination does resemble OM's Good is Good merging of the Eastern and Western. But, where Cisneros' voice drops to an almost robotic unfeeling trance, Pinna embraces emotion, and calls out in equal parts opera and pop vocals.

Blake Fleming, an original member of Mars Volta, handles drums, and like Mars Volta, there are certain space rock explorations. "India," unlike other more standard tacks, is a drum-less, ambient drone that starts with a blowing wind and has a sinister rumble that grows in color and size. While the sound isn't necessarily anchored to ay culture, it would seem that in any region, a certain mass and transience is attached to the sound, despite its absence of vocals.

Often, when merging the East with the West, musicians make the mistake of being too direct and make it seem that they are using Eastern sounds to be more "deep." That's not the case here. Rather, instead of bringing in Eastern elements to Western drone in order to add a certain ethereal quality to the sound, it seems as though Pinna is showing that like colors, certain tones evoke images, despite their geographic origin. The trick is difficult to pull off but the band mostly succeeds. Yet, as trippy as this album gets, it makes one wonder that now they've mastered sounds from across the globe, their real leap might be when they start creating sounds that no area has heard before.
- Punk News

"VAJRA - Pleroma - CD - thevajratemple.com - 2012"

8/10 Avi

VAJRA - Pleroma - CD - thevajratemple.com - 2012
review by: Avi Shaked

Vajra, led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Annamaria Pinna, offers dark, heavy rock infused with a mild dose of eastern music influence (mostly in the percussion department) that separates it from the rest of the pack.

Whereas the comparable The Tea Party sweeps you off your feet with its sense of melody and dynamics incorporated within the songs, Vajra's immediate, infectious songs are steadier, offering something sedating in their constant beat, and hinting at the repetitiveness ascribed to Indian music, which Pinna might have absorbed during her stay in India.

Vajra's songs benefit from smoky yet robust timbres, and the band's level of sophistication should not be ignored. The lush textures, which include awesome, melodic bass work (by Will Dahl) and delicate shades of keyboards, as well as an undercurrent of experimentalism, add up to the pensive atmosphere (check out the two instrumental interludes; the decision to include these alone says a lot about Vajra's maturity, as they are crucial in refreshing the listening experience!), intoxicating rhythms and the warm, trustful and seductive voice (coproduced by Sylvia Massy, who worked with the likes of Tool and System of a Down), often resembling a latter day Rush. (8/10)

- Maelstrom Zine

"Album Review - Pleroma by Vajra - Rating 9/10"

Vajra is the product of the composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Vinna, during her self-imposed exile in India. At a young age, Annamaria was taught to question the world and assumptions around her, where she then decided on her belief in divinity in creativity. Vajra also plays the role of a musical canvas. This is because of Annamaria's neurological condition known as synethesia, which for her attaches color and shapes to sound. This condition can be further explained HERE for those interested. Vajra's latest work is titled Pleroma, and contains elements of Eastern Indian themes combined with progressive rock. Pleroma contains appearances from Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley's War) on guitar. How does this album stack up? Here is our review.

Pleroma starts off with a majestic introduction of guitar and soft vocals. Right off the bat I'm immediately reminded of Lacuna Coil's female vocalist, Cristina Scabbia, which isn't a bad thing. I find these vocals somewhat more soulful, and fitting more so with the music. "Inside the Flame" gives off the perfect overall vibe of the album, introducing the spiritual rock sound, almost comparable to Sully Erna's solo album Avalon, but a few key differences of influences and arrangement. "Almost One" calms things down in the intro, with a slower tempo and gentle ambient sounds in the background. The drumming is superb so far in the album, adding another spiritual element so to speak. The guitar work isn't over the top and stands out when it needs to. "India" acts as a bridge to the next song, "Blind", containing a somewhat ominous wondering of what is going to happen next. This works out perfectly, as "Blind" picks up on the vibe with a strong introduction that contains that Eastern Indian influence mentioned above. The vocal performance is amazing in this track, in which Annamaria shows off that amazing talent that you just don't hear in many vocalists nowadays. The synergy of the instrumentals compliments the vocals highly, creating a new kind of intensity that is refreshing to the ear. This track is definitely recommended to listen to if you have a limited amount of tracks to play. To end the first half of the album, "Intuition" mixes things up with a deeper, more driving drumming rhythm in the background and the vocals receiving a bit of an effect treatment. The effect is overbearing and provides a shrouded mystery sort of vibe compared to the other tracks.

"Erode the Will" sounds a lot more Tool-esque to me in the guitar tone.. The last half of the album starts off well with this track, showing a new direction of sorts to keep the listener enthralled and interested (at least it did for me anyway). "3.14" is the vulnerable track of the record, representing the ballad of the album if you had to compare it to something. This sign of vulnerability is interesting and compliments the idea of what the album is about, self awareness as well as the awareness of the outside world. The shift of mood is accepted with open arms. "See Through You" reinforces the theme of the Eastern India influence through the instrumentals yet again. This always seems to add a whole different element to the music when you add that touch of cultural sound. "See Through You" plays off of some of the energy from the previous track, keeping the momentum going and it works well. "Akkord Pleromy" contains more of the ambient sounds like that found in "India", with what sounds like a somewhat organized composition of striking pots and pans (or something similar, I could be hearing something totally different). The final tune of this album, "The Apple", provides a great ending energy. Calm and collecting in the beginning, the pace doesn't change too much until the first third is completed, where the chorus enters. The chorus stands to be more emotional and powerful than the verse sections. Before you know it, the album ends and you realize a lot of time has passed by. At least that is how I felt.

This album is another one of those that sneaks up on you and becomes a favorite. I'd have to say that I'll be putting this album in the running for one of the top albums of the year. The use of Indian influences as well as the progressive rock sounds really give this album a different flavor among others. I am hoping to see more work from Vajra and also see some more variety and influences in a future release. Check out the links below to listen to the album as well as links to the social pages. Definitely an album worth listening to.

Rating: 9/10
Release Date: June 21st, 2012
Production: Engineered at Vacation Island Recording by Matt Boynton and at Radiostar Studios by Sylvia Massy Shivy & Ian Rickard. Mixed at Radiostar Studios by Sylvia Massy Shivy & Rich Veltrop. Mastered at Precision Audio by Tom Baker.
Site: http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/, http://www.thevajratemple.com
- Ultima Music Blog

"Vajra - Pleroma (2012)"

Vajra is Annamaria Pinna's project and is heavy influenced by her stay in India. Vajra was sold to me as the next big thing in west meets east fusion.

Vajra is really female vocals fronted art rock & neo prog with some eastern/India influences. Think Touchstones and Panic Room with some Indian influences. You have the typical keyboards, guitars, bass and drums setup backing uo Annamaria's very good vocals and some Indian instruments infrequent scattered around. That is all to this exciting east meets west project. It is like a Glasgow invented curry on a late Friday night. Most of the Indian curries which is eaten in the Western world was invented in Glasgow. That's Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom. That's where I am now, btw. I am not in India and Pleroma is not an Indian album. Pleroma is fifty minutes with commercial and easy accessible music which is not taxing on anyone's heads in Europe and America.

When that is said, the music on Pleroma is really good. It is a bit on the heavy side as in prog metal though. I am not a big fan of female fronted neo prog. But this album is going down well in my place. Which reminds me that I should really get myself a curry tomorrow night. Long time since the last time I have had this Glasgow culinary speciality.

3 points

Vajra - The Sound of Fighting Cats

"Vajra"

"vajra - pleroma (2012)"

"Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.

The debut album “Pleroma” was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar.

Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

The band is quickly generating a buzz after selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and Vajra’s music is currently being played at over 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. The band just performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licending deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo.

Vajra’s music will leave you spellbound."

vajra.
- Archiv Hate

"Vajra "Pleroma""

You know that your band is off to great start when your first performance is in front of a sold-out crowd. Add a few more standing room only shows to the mix, as well as radio play on over 200 radio stations in less than a year; chances are that you’re sitting on something truly special.

Vajra is such a band. Epic in scope and atmosphere, with an ambitious array of instruments and a variety of musical styles, much praise should be doled upon this band. Vajra released their debut album “Pleroma” on June 21/2012; which is also the summer solstice.

Fronted by ethereal artist AnnaMaria Pinna, the vocal subject matter hints at a constant pursuit of inner growth. She beseeches the listener to find their answers from within; to not deviate from the path unless it’s of their choosing; to listen and learn and only take what is needed, which shouldn’t be much.

Reminiscent of singers like Melissa Auf Der Mar; AnnaMaria’s haunting vocals can almost paint vivid pictures before your mind’s eye, which is welcomed. Not so ironically, AnnaMaria deals with a condition called “synethsesia”: a neurological state that causes the brain to attach colours and shapes to sound. From her lyrics, I found myself mulling over my own past choices and future decisions as I immersed myself into this album. That, to me, is art.

The music itself also deserves a heaping mound of praise. You can tell the band put a lot of time and energy into the melodies and transitions. The atmospheric guitars were subtly placed; loud and heavy when it mattered; quieter when something else was at the forefront. This was very clever mixing and mastering by Sylvia Massey (Tool, SOAD, Johnny Cash) and Tom Baker(NIN, Foo Fighters) respectively. The drums are elaborate and also integrated tastefully into the mix. Blake Flemming (Ex-drummer of Mars Volta.) is very adept at using cymbals for texture. The subtle nature of his tom/kick work-as well as bongos- was absolutely perfect. The bass reminded me of Justin Chancellor’s style, plucky and lush in tone.

The dissonance and tasteful use of MIDI, keyboards, as well as sitar and other seldom-explored instruments added a very refreshing European/Tribal feel, which I believe complemented AnnaMaria’s harmonies and melodies flawlessly. However, if I had one qualm, it would be aimed at the singer’s progressions. With a voice as grand as hers, I’d love to see some more keys and scales, especially eastern ones, as I believe her vocal range could handle this just fine.

I am looking forward to see where this band will go with their career. There is a heap of talent and passion in this unit, thanks to some great mixing, astounding song writing and musicianship.
Standout tracks: “The Apple”, “Inside the Flame”, “Erode the Will,” “Intuition”.

Listen to a sample below or visit their website at http://www.thevajratemple.com/

PRODUCTION: 89

MUSICIANSHIP: 93

VARIANCE: 81

LYRICS: 94

LASTING VALUE: 87

OVERALL SCORE: 89
- Follow The Signal

"Vajra - Pleroma (2012)"

If you were thinking how a melange of Dead Can Dance with Tool would sound like, don’t dig further, Vajra is the most perfect possible match for it. Singer, composer, producer, writer, and keyboard player Annamaria Pinna formed Vajra during her self-imposed exile in India and “Pleroma” is kind of a collection of 10 “sonic postcards” which painting up by sounds this mystic journey to self-conscience filled with hypnotic mysticism and some explosive sonic hurricanes.
The opening “Inside The Flame” have that ancient driven power which made magic the debut Tool album and it’s a perfect attention grabber. “Almost One” have the touch of Godsmack, it’s a mixture of gloom and groove with Rock strength, hypnotic, but simultaneously kicking. “India” is a meditation/reflection, a subtle cinematic prayer which lead us directly into “Blind”, another Post-Grunge and Dark Rock filled anthem with pulsing guitar riffs and pounding drums, evoking Godsmack’s “Voodoo”, but adding a further Oriental and mystic tone, color to it. “Intuition” it’s like shattered from a dream, a slippery trip down to labyrinth of subconscious where shadows and lights are dancing together and melting into one.

“Erode The Will” reminds me of Joy Division, but also have the touch and spirit of the 1984's Dead Can Dance debut album, pretty gloomy, still magnetic, lead us into temptation.
“3.14? – it’s an obvious reference to Pi, also known as p and having the value of 3.14(159). This is a crack of light in a dark room filled with unknown shadows and the fear of the unknown. “See Through You” is build upon bitterness and disappointment and it’s heave a dark, heavy groove.
“Akkord Pleromy” – in music, the mystic chord or Prometheus chord is a six-note synthetic chord and its associated scale, or pitch collection; which loosely serves as the harmonic and melodic basis for some of the later pieces by Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. It consists of the pitch classes: C, F?, B?, E, A, D. This is often interpreted as a quartal hexachord consisting of an augmented fourth, diminished fourth, augmented fourth, and two perfect fourths. The term “mystic chord”, appears to derive from Scriabin’s intense interest in Theosophy, and the chord is imagined to reflect this mysticism. So, we’ve got a ticket to a 3:58 minutes experimental ride.
“The Apple”, an over 8 minute epic journey close the album in the same dark, but groovy, mystic, but rocking manner which seems to be the trademark of Vajra from now on.
“Pleroma” was written, arranged and produced by Annamaria Pinna. Music and Lyrics by Annamaria Pinna.
Vocal Production by Annamaria Pinna & Sylvia Massy Shivy.
Engineered at Vacation Island Recording by Matt Boynton and at Radiostar Studios by Sylvia Massy Shivy & Ian Rickard.
Mixed at Radiostar Studios by Sylvia Massy Shivy & Rich Veltrop.
Mastered at Precision Audio by Tom Baker.
Art Direction/Design:/Layout Annamaria Pinna
Vocals, Midi, Keys: Annamaria Pinna, Drums, Percussion: Blake Fleming, Bass: Doug Wright, Guitar: Will Dahl, Tabla: Tabla Jon

Annamaria Pinna is the child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.
The debut album “Pleroma” was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar.
Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
The band is quickly generating a buzz after selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and Vajra’s music is currently being played at over 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. The band just performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licending deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo.
Vajra – Official Site
Vajra – Official YouTube Channel
Vajra @ Bandcamp
Vajra @ Facebook
Vajra @ Twitter
Buy Vajra “Pleroma” on iTunes
Independent Music Promotions – Music Marketing For Serious Independent Musicians
Also read: Vajra Is Building the Temple and You Are Witness To Its Foundation - Brushvox

"Found Sound Vol.7: Zebra Tracks, Time And Energy, Generator Ohm, Vajra, Minor Sounds"

Found Sound, our series of posts showcasing the best new tunes we discover based on your suggestions, is back in less than a month since the previous edition, thanks to the quality of submissions we’ve received lately. Volume 7 features some of our favorite tracks from new releases by Zebra Tracks, Time And Energy, Generator Ohm, Vajra and Minor Sounds plus, as a bonus, a new cut from the latest free mixtape by Found Sound alumnus (see also this) LAw.

If you have a tune or album you'd like to share with us, you can reach C.M.C. through the email address on this page or you can contact us through facebook, twitter or soundcloud. Volume 8 needs your input!

Zebra Tracks - A Moment Of Life

One of the highlights off "Collective Guilt", Zebra Tracks’ second long-player. The Athens, Greece, indie rockers have recently released their album digitally in North America via Miami, FL-based Limited Fanfare Record and are organizing a North American tour, which will end up in SXSW festival in March 2013. Listen to all 9 tracks here and check out the rest of Limited Fanfare’s releases here (personal favorite: The Ettes' single "Teeth")

Time And Energy - Tree Salad

Time And Energy is a California-based experimental rock duo with a wide range of influences (from Battles to Badly Drawn Boy), comprising of Jorge Rios and Brennan Roach. "Tree Salad", a melodic guitar track with meandering rhythms that brings to mind a more laid back version of White Denim, is taken from their forthcoming second album "Strange Kind of Focus" which you can listen to in full here.

Generator Ohm - Platius

An interesting scene seems to be forming around the King Killer Studios in Brooklyn, NYC. We've already met EndAnd in the previous edition of Found Sound, time to make our acquaintance with the furious guitars of Generator Ohm. "Platius" is taken from the trio's debut album "Upon the Me Om I" which is released this December - listen to it in full by clicking here.

Vajra - Inside The Flame

The title ("Pleroma") and cover art of Vajra’s debut album is of Greek origin but its core influences reach further east to India where composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna was located when she decided to start a band. The imposing "Inside The Flame" is "Pleroma"'s opening track, which reminds me of the eastern-influenced sounds of Religious To Damn, one of our favorite new bands of 2011. To listen to the full album which includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar, click here.

Minor Sounds - Gravity

Minor Sounds is the dark folk - electronic project created by Brighton, UK, based Croatian singer-songwriter Mirna Stanich and Warsaw based producer Martin Zietek. "Gravity" is one of the more upbeat, electronic-leaning tracks of their atmospheric, lo-fi debut album "The Humming" (listen in full here) which was recorded in a few living rooms around Brighton and Martin's home studio in a village near Warsaw between 2009 and 2012.

Bonus track: LAw - Freak Show

Celebrating one year since his debut mixtape and while putting the finishing touches to his new LP "Idiom" (out December 14th), LAw has just released a new, free mixtape titled "Silence is Still Golden, So Shut the F_ck Up". Click above to listen to "Freak Show", our choice for the outro of Found Sound Volume 7, and then go for the full thing here.

Posted by ody at 10:53 PM
Labels: CMC Radio, Found Sound, Generator Ohm, LAw, Minor Sound, mp3, Time And Energy, Varja, Zebra Tracks - Cool Music Central

"Vajra-Pleroma (Album Stream)"

Vajra (NYC, Dark, Eastern Rock) was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.

The debut album "Pleroma" was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley's War) on guitar.

Band: Vajra
Location: New York, NY
Styles: Dark, Melodic, Progressive Rock with Eastern Indian themes
Similar to: Tool, Dead Can Dance, Fever Ray, Lacuna Coil, Melissa Auf Der Maur, Azam Ali
CD: Pleroma
Release date: 6.21.12

Accolades: Engineered by Sylvia Massey (Tool), Ex-Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming appearance, Played Texas Rockfest at SXSW, 4&20 Blackbird Music Festival, Red Gorilla Music Fest at SXSW, The Roxy Theatre (LA), The Bowery Ballroom (LA), The Bowery Ballroom (NYC), featured in Virgin American in-flight entertainment, Supercuts Music Ambassador Program, Red Gorilla SXSW Compilation

Members/Instruments
Annamaria Pinna - Composer, Producer, Writer, MIDI, Keyboards, Vocals,
Luke Markham - Live drums (Blake Fleming, Formerly of the Mars Volta plays drums on 'Pleroma')
Doug Wright - bass
Will Dahl - guitar
Tabla Jon - Tabla

Pleroma was written, arranged and produced by Annamaria Pinna.
Music and Lyrics by Annamaria Pinna.
Vocal Production by Annamaria Pinna & Sylvia Massy Shivy.
Engineered at Vacation Island Recording by Matt Boynton and at Radiostar Studios by Sylvia Massy Shivy & Ian Rickard.
Mixed at Radiostar Studios by Sylvia Massy Shivy & Rich Veltrop.
Mastered at Precision Audio by Tom Baker.
Art Direction/Design:/Layout Annamaria Pinna

Biography

Vajra's music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

The band is quickly generating a buzz after selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Virgin America selected Vajra's single "Erode The Will" for their In-Flight Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and Vajra's music is currently being played at over 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. The band just performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licending deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo.

Vajra's music will leave you spellbound.

Links
http://www.thevajratemple.com/
http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/vajratemple
https://twitter.com/vajratemple
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pleroma/id538349472
http://www.youtube.com/vajratemple
http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com - Totally Fuzzy

"Vajra 'Pleroma' Review"

Care to listen to something original and interesting? Allow me to introduce you to Vajra.
Formed by Annamaria Pinna, the lead singer is a child of a former monk – encouraged to learn about the world around her and question her assumptions. This lead her to believe there is divinity in creativity and through a condition called synesthesia she attaches colour and shapes to sound.

“Pleroma is a spiritual awakening in rock”

“Pleroma” was released on the Summer Solstice in June 2012 and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar.
The first note on the album creates a sense of dread, followed by near angelic vocals to ease the mood, so instantly you have no idea what to expect. Throughout the first song I pictured myself in bar reminiscent to the one in From Dusk Till Dawn’ – vampires, nudity, alcohol, fighting – you get the picture.
So the tone is set with the first track, but the album has a lot of complex layers to it. By the time ‘Inside The Flame’ comes around a real theme has been set.
Listen to ‘Inside The Flame’:

This track is reminiscent of Lacuna Coil in the feisty female vocals, mixed with heavy drumming and riffs. But there’s something different about Vajra – perhaps a spirituality coming through in her music, creating an ambient vibe alongside the rocky tone
Some of the synthetic drones can be a tiny bit similar, but once the singing and instruments are involved the tracks really come in to their own.
Vajra really have something unique. ‘Pleroma’ is a spiritual awakening in rock, providing sensual and soothing lyrics, deep and moody atmospheres, and some fine music. Expect to hear them on soundtracks in the very near future.
If you want to find out more about Vajra, visit their Facebook Page
Bio
Latest Posts
- The Music Mag (UK)

"Vajra: "Pleroma" Symphonic Rock WIth An Eastern Twist"

Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.

The debut album “Pleroma” was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummeling, female vs male) and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar.

Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

The band is quickly generating a buzz after selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and Vajra’s music is currently being played at over 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. The band just performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licensing deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo.

Every song in this album is amazing. It’s clear that everyone involved put a lot of work and time on each and every song. The production values are over the top, and the song writing is phenomenal. Vajra makes most other rock bands sound bland, simple, and weak. The onslaught of instruments and melodies will overload your senses. The lyrics are poetic and passionate, while Annamaria Pinna is simply among the best singers of this genre, having the emotional power of Patty Smith and the delicate precision of Sharon den Adel.

If you listen to Dead Can Dance, Fever Ray, Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, Leaves Eyes and so on. Or own a collection of progressive metal, from Stratovarious, Dream Theater, Avantasia, Freedom Call and Angel Dust, to name a few, you’ll love the experience of Vajra’s compositions. Their music is a few tones lighter, where the hard metal riffs become mellower rock hooks, but the depths of emotion remain untouched.

The music has an excellent mix of orchestration, sound effects, tinkling pianos, strings, percussion and of course, grinding guitars. The sound is mature, complex, well-thought-out and very well executed. The music is not very heavy so it’s also easy to listen to and performed flawlessly. There’s also something about this music that will make you come back to it over and over again.

Pleroma has it all: drama, emotion, moving power ballads, captivating lyrics and catchy rocks songs with just enough dark edge and pop hooks to ensnare new fans.

Listen to standout tracks like; “Inside The Flame,” “Almost One,” “Blind,” or the absolute highlight, “Erode The Will,” to capture the gist of the deeply moving, dramatic and soul wrenching journey of Pleroma.

Emotionally draining yet beautifully arranged. Sharp yet delicate. Raw yet soothing. Symphonic rock with an eastern twist, at it’s most elegant level. Vajra’s Pleroma is simply superb!

Vajra’s Annamaria Pinna in action
OFFICIAL WEBSITES:

Homepage

Bandcamp

Facebook

Twitter

iTunes

Youtube

Rating: 5.0/5
- Jamshpere (The Indie Rock Magazine and Radio Network)

"Vajra: Uniquely Exotic"

"Vajra-Pleroma CD"

Seems like a lot of musicians are taking a step backwards to view their environment and world from a more spiritual point of view. You can’t be angry all the time right? Vajra have taken Western new wave with a slight metal edge and have blended it with Eastern touches and philosophy. Musically it reminded me of Dutch band The Gathering at times who, at the time Anneke van Giersbergen was fronting the band, had a similar impact, which is kind of interesting as this band are from New York City. It’s probably given this band both that interesting mixture of styles, but also their original outlook. It’s the big city, concrete and asphalt, versus the human spirit and creativity, which has helped to deliver the intense, beautiful and diverse music that makes up ‘Pleroma’ and above all it’s the musical talent and vocal ability of Anna Maria Pinna which form the backbone of Vajra. An exotic surprise to say the least… - Mass Movement Magazine

"Vajra-Inside The Flame"

Vajra is intelligent, East Indian inspired hard rock complete with tablas, hand drums, loud guitars, and ethereal, hypnotic vocals courtesy of project creator Annamaria Pinna. Any fans of Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Dead Can Dance and The Tea Party should love this new band.

Annamaria’s powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar. Vajra’s vocals were co-produced and mixed by Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

In support of Pleroma’s spring release, Vajra will perform the following tour dates:
March 14, 2012 – Red Gorilla/Tinderbox Showcase (Austin, TX)
March 15, 2012 – The Heart of Texas Rockfest Mainstage (Austin, TX)
March 24, 2012 – The Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY) - Detroit Beatz Music In Detroit

"Vajra – ‘Pleroma’ Album Review"

According to the press release that accompanies the album, “Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Ann Marie Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Ann Marie was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She began playing violin at age 6 and flute at age 9. She wrote her first lyrics at age 10, and went on to study music theory at Juilliard. Ann Marie believes there is divinity in creativity. Ann Marie has a neurological condition called synaesthesia, where she attaches colour and shapes to sound.” This information is key in understanding the multi-faceted textures and shapes that flow through this complex, deep and often beautiful album – an album that draws upon Annamaria’s time in India and cross-pollinates it with the complex progressive soundscapes of Tool and A Prefect Circle. Superficially the album is impossible to ignore, but, and more importantly, there is depth beneath the surface to keep you returning to the disc to months to come as you endeavour to unveil its many secrets.

The album that the early tracks of this release can most readily be compared to, and this is not a comparison one would ever wish to undertake lightly, is Tool’s unassailable opus ‘Lateralus’, a record so unutterably complex that musicians and fans alike are still attempting to unravel its alchemical mysteries. Varja operate in similar sonic territory: syncopated rhythms, juddering guitar riffs that move from the eerily ethereal to the crushing with consummate ease, and vocals that are delivered tunefully but with unerring force, although a number of diverse elements enter the mix as the album progresses, not least hints of Dead Can Dance whose mesmerising melodies have raised the band to cult status.

‘Inside the flame’ is the perfect scene setter. Utilising a complex rhythmic dynamic to underpin the fast-rising guitar attack and then combining the vocal styles of Maynard James Keenan with Marcela Bovio, the track builds to a stunning climax, the guitars swirling through the mix as Ann Marie demonstrates her vocal dexterity over a soundtrack that will inspire wonder and disbelief in equal measure. Put quite simply no-one makes music like this, the influences as diverse as they are complimentary and the net result being that Varja suck you straight into their world, threatening to keep you there, their sonic prisoner, for the duration of the mystical album they have created. ‘Almost one’ has a lighter touch – more Porcupine Tree than Tool perhaps, the guitars echoing and shimmering whilst Ann Marie explores a lower register than on the previous track. Once again it is the Indian influences, particularly audible in the percussion, that draw the music away from traditional western thinking and structures towards something rarely heard in contemporary rock music. It’s beautiful, melodious and addictive, and yet as you listen more, it is the subtle touches that draw themselves to your attention, the keyboard lines that lurk beneath the surface or the layers of guitar that become much more apparent and you have to simply sit back and admire the skill of a song-writer who can craft songs that work on so m any different levels.

Taking the listener on a sonic voyage the brief instrumental ‘India’ sits somewhere between David Bowie’s most ambient work and Nin’s ‘The fragile’ and then Varja dig deep into the deliciously dark ‘blind’ with its rumbling bass, Indian touches and grinding guitars all combining to make an oppressive, yet fascinating atmosphere, further embellished by the rhythmic hypnotism of the Tabla. It’s a highlight of the album, once again allowing plenty of room for Ann Marie’s vocals to shine out brightly, but while her stunning voice might be the initial focal point, there is so much happening musically that you’ll return time and again just to try to make sense of it all. ‘Intuition’ slows the pace and allows the music to spread in a gently ambient direction, the shimmering sounds and somnambulant percussion all serving to make you a willing slave to the music, dedicated to following wherever it might take you. ‘Erode the will’ is a more straightforward effort, very much in the vein of Stream of passion or the Gathering, but no less beautiful for that, the more conventional nature of the song allowing the listener much needed breathing space following the dense nature of much of what has gone before, and Ann Marie’s multi-tracked harmonies are a thing of wonder, her voice laden with feeling and emotion.

‘3.14’ sees Varja reference the much lauded Dead Can Dance with a song that sits somewhere between the moody trip-hop of latter-day Massive Attack, the Gathering and the aforementioned dead can dance. It’s a slow-burning and subtle effort that simmers and smoulders and then ‘see through you’ breezes into view, pulsating with barely restrained emotions that explode into l - Sonic Abuse

"Vajra Inside The Flame"

"Pleroma-Vajra"

Song Singers/Perfomers Rating
Inside the Flame Vajra Rating:
Almost One Vajra Rating:
India Vajra Rating:
Blind Vajra Rating:
Intuition Vajra Rating:
Erode the Will Vajra Rating:
3.14 Vajra Rating:
See Through You Vajra Rating:
Akkord Pleromy Vajra Rating:
The Apple Vajra Rating:
1. Inside the Flame
This is truly starting off with a bang. Annamaria Pinna’s voice is captivating, and while she sounds truly angry, she also has a strong sense of melody and rhythm, making for a seamless blend between vocals and music. The piece is hypnotic and very addictive.
2. Almost One
A very pretty song despite its heavy nature. While it doesn’t quite have the momentum of the album opener, it holds its own and stretches Pinna and the band’s strengths.
3. India
A Nine Inch Nails inspired interlude.
4. Blind
The verse throws the listener off a bit, with a lead riff sounding like “Ocean Pearl” by 54/40, but once the dissonant lead guitars come in the mix things take a turn. Pinna’s chorus vocals are fantastic.
5. Intuition
One of the more beautiful and mesmerizing tracks on the album. Vajra could do well by exploring this Dead Can Dance style direction in the future. It brings the listener in and connects them to the piece. There’s also some subtle Joy Division influence.
6. Erode the Will
A Perfect Circle meets the Cranberries in this track. Some great textures, and the vocals are typically passionate.
7. 3.14
This track blends in with “Erode the Will” in a lot of ways, although it’s strong on it’s own.
8. See Through You
A break up song. Possibly the weakest link on the album, although it’s not a miss.
9. Akkord Pleromy
Abstract and interesting, this ambient interlude displays yet another direction Vajra could go in the future.
10. The Apple
As far as what you’d expect from an album closer in the prog rock/metal genre, “The Apple” absolutely delivers. It’s epic, emotionally charged, and all around impressive.
Album Rating:
Annamaria Pinna strikes me as an intensely serious artist. For one, she worked with some big names on Vajra’s “Pleroma” (Sylvia Massey of Tool fame, Blake Fleming formerly of the Mars Volta) that she no doubt sought out herself. Her lyrics and general approach to the music also comes across as much more honest and convincing than her contemporaries (Evanescense, Lacuna Coil), making her seem more like a female Maynard James Keenan than a typical front woman. There is still room for expansion, and Vajra is somewhere near the point of growth that Tool were at on “Undertow”. “Pleroma” is without a doubt an impressive debut that should turn heads in metal, rock and progressive circles.
Check out Vajra’s websites at: www.thevajratemple.com and http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com. - Music Perk

"'Pleroma'-Vajra"

Vajra‘s latest release entitled, ‘Plemora’ was released about a month ago. We finally got the chance to listen to it and the general reaction seems to be oh so good. This is quite an interesting release and is one of my personal favorites of the year.

Imagine if Tool was fronted by a woman. That’s basically what you get with Vajra. However the dramatic difference of vocal timbre is a huge contribution to what sets Vajra apart from the rest. Musically, this album is incredibly solid. Homo phonic melodies are constantly present whilst dark, swirling rhythms suck you in to Vajras charm. The amount of Indian influence is fantastic as well. This record also has such a heavy, east meets west type of vibe.

Annamaria Pinna‘s vocals soar over the top of Vajras intricate and complex guitar work. Everything flows with meaning and purpose. The rhythmic foundation is incredibly solid whilst being complex and melodic (if you’re a bassist, listen and learn from this album). Each song is a powerful example of what Vajra is all about, nothing feels wasted.

‘Plemora’ is a record that can hold its ground to even the most high budget records out in the market today. The band sounds tight and has that desirable ‘Wall Of Sound’ vibe. Well mixed, well produced and well written, ‘Plemora‘ should be considered an engineering success for the band. This is an album that was done right.

If you’re a fan of Progressive Metal, Heavy Metal or even certain aspects of Gothica, you should check this album out, for sure. This is a great representative of Progressive Metal and I’m glad I had the chance to have a listen. Vajra’s, ‘Plemora’ is a fantastic record and should definitely be in your collection.

9/10 - The Raffo Review

"Vajra-Pleroma (Album Review)"

Pleroma is the debut album from singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Vajra. Pleroma was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Vajra describes her artwork as: “An exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummeling, female vs male)”. The album includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar.

This album breaks the convention of your typical progressive rock album by adding an Eastern world flavor to the instrumental department. I would have to agree with Vajra’s statment that this album is indeed a clash (or fusion) of two genres which have never met before.Take Dead Can Dance and then take Tool and put those two sounds together to make them work. If somebody told me to do that before I heard Pleroma, I would have said that’s somewhere on the border of extremely difficult to down right impossible. That being said, when I first heard the album my ears were left baffled.

Pleroma is intensely mesmerizing. “India” and “Akkord Pleromy” were particularly interesting in that they create this big mystic ambience of atmospheric sounds that by the end leave you in a trance like state. There is definitely an element of spirituality to these songs. There might even be something to be said about the placement of the songs on the album. Nevertheless I would have liked these songs to have been a bit longer and I would have liked to have heard more of a progression in them (either with or without non-traditional instruments). Besides that, I particularly liked the opening song of this album. “Inside The Flame” and “Blind” were for me some intense ear candy. Both had these thick bass lines, big distorted guitar riffs, killer drumming and powerfully smooth progressions that were mirrored by Vajra in the vocals.

Check the album out here: http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/

Songs to Listen To On The Album: “Inside The Flame”; “Blind”; “India”; “Akkord Pleromy”
- Red House Reviews

"Vajra-Pleroma"

Vajra is an interesting band that combines elements of symphonic metal with more rock related elements. This is a band that is fun to listen to, but difficult to give a genre too. So I will describe as best I can. The guitar playing is an interesting mix of metal, rock, shoegaze, and more psychedelic sounds. The bass playing is very solid and there is a lot of heaviness to be found in the lower end of the sound. The drumming is often very psychedelic and laid back. There is a really interesting element in the rhythm section of this band. Finally, the vocals are at once in your face and powerful and laid back and calm. The combination is potent and adds a lot of flavor to the songs. Vajra is a band that will draw you in and interest you, leaving you pondering the bands true goal for days on end.

The guitar work on this album is interesting as the overall rock and metal feel is often put through a layer of psychedelia which makes everything seem a lot more abstract. The complicated and bizarre lines in songs like Blind show a truly bizarre sound to be the norm here. I really like the overall power though, every time it seems that a song might be losing its force the guitars show up and get things going again. It shows some truly excellent songwriting to say the least. The mix of flavors and of timbres really makes you start to get deeper into the music. The guitar work is bery absorbing, the way it pulls me into the soundscape reminds me very much of the playing of the legendary Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia. Overall the guitar playing on this album is stellar and will captivate you, showing off new sounds and ideas that are very interesting.

The bass playing on this album is cool for multiple reasons. When the guitar departs on a psychedelic trip with very little power the bass player takes over and drives the songs on. He often can be treated as a lead instrument and he gives the songs a lot more power. His playing is solid and sweet. On the melodic bits he proves himself to be a true virtuoso. On the more rhythmic bits his thudding rhythms just make me smile. They have a lot of power and bring everything forward. Meanwhile the drumming is extremely steady and rarely breaks off into aggressive attacks. Typically the playing is laid back and swirling. There are a lot of cool fills here that add flavor to some more standard rock drum parts. He shows off some very interesting lines, and when he gets to take the lead he truly shines. All in all the rhythm section of this band is very interesting, with a lot of bizarre breakdowns these guys will keep you interested for a long time.

The singing on this album could only be described as Tarja Turjunen singing for a psychedelic band. With a lot of passion and power the singer of this band will not disappoint. She quite clearly has quite a bit of classical training enabling her to create some beautiful vocal melodies. Meanwhile the lyrics are powerful and really thought provokin and get you to think a little bit more about the nature of life as we know it. Song titles like “Inside the Flame” and “See Through You” give you an idea of what the lyrics are about. This bands vocalist is quite the force and manages to keep things intact even at their dreamiest. Somehow her operatic voice can bring everything back to earth and keep it there. She provides the one solid element in a very hard to comprehend band.

In conclusion, Varja is an extremely interesting band. With an album that takes multiple listens to full comprehend and lyrics that are beautiful and epic. The guitar playing is at once heavy and psychedelic. There are entire arrangements based on loose and bizarre guitar solos. The bass playing often takes the lead here and really can dominate the sound. He adds a lot of flavor to the band. I also really like the drum work with its' relaxed and simple playing that adds a lot to the songs. Finally, the singer has an excellent voice that shows some major symphonic metal influences, yet she always manages to deliver. So go check out Vajras' album Pleroma, it is truly excellent. - Two Guys Metal Reviews

"Vajra - Pleroma"

New York progressive rock/metal artist Vajra have an ambitious release on their hands with "Pleroma", a 10-track outburst of spirituality and dark emotion from project creator Annamaria Pinna. Pinna enlisted the help of some industry heavyweights to bring the disc to completion, including producer/engineer Sylvia Massey (best known for her work on Tool's "Undertow), and ex-Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming, who appears on the title-track.

Although the production could use a bit more clarity and thickness to it (this seems to be common in Massey's production work), the music itself is surprisingly powerful and convincing, immediately differentiating itself from other female led heavy acts such as Lacuna Coil. In fact, the most unique aspect of the album is probably the genuine anger displayed in Pinna's vocal performance. There's a subtle line between the real and the unreal in music, and this is most definitely real.

"Inside the Flame" is the album opener and a definite album highlight. They made the right call by making people's first impression an undeniably strong one. The basslines are quite Tool influenced, and there is some excellent drum and percussion work to back up well-crafted vocal lines.

"Almost One" incorporates tabla and features more colourful progressions that border on alternative rock/pop at times. The vocals and droning guitars make sure the piece maintains it's darkness, however.

"Blind" also fools the listener with a catchy verse only to lead to a pummelling and rewarding chorus. "Intuition" is one of the most interesting tracks on the album, and one that expands the range of the 'prog rock' scope of the project. There's a lot going on here; bells, toms, and repetitive vocal mantras that get more powerful as the tension builds.

The next stunner for me was "The Apple", an impressive closer that reigns in both the epic and innovative aspects of Vajra, with beautiful vocals and the band at their best.

All in all, Vajra follow in the footsteps of artists like Tool, Nine Inch Nails, and Porcupine Tree (to a lesser extent), and add some of their own flavor to the recipe. There are some definite hits and a few misses on "Pleroma", but what makes it a quality listen is that they do what they do very well and they do it with passion. How many artists can you really say that about?

More information on Vajra is available at:

http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/
- The Real Musician (Canada)

"AeschTunes Extra: Album Review: Vajra – “Pleroma”"

Vajra is a band from New York that performs dark progressive rock music with Eastern Indian themes. The band is made up of: Annamaria Pinna (the vocalist, composer, writer, producer, MIDI, and keyboard player), Doug Wright on bass, Will Dahl on guitar, and Luke Markham for live drums. However, for the recording of the album, Pleroma, former Mars Volta drummer Blake Fleming played the drums.

Pleroma was released on June 21, 2012, and the songs on the album explore various paradoxes. “Erode the Will,” a single from the album, was selected by Virgin America for their In-Flight Entertainment series in December 2011. After listening to the album, I can hear why Virgin America selected this song; “Erode the Will” is definitely the most “mainstream” song that appears on Pleroma.

Pleroma has a total of ten songs on it. Two of them (“India” and “Akkord Pleromy”) are slow and melodic instrumentals. The remaining eight songs all have vocals. While most of these eight songs are either midtempo or slow in tempo, there is one song (“Blind”) that I would consider to be uptempo.

Pleroma is bookended by the two longest songs. The opening song, “Inside the Flame,” is about six minutes long, while the closing song, “The Apple,” is around eight minutes in length. The remaining songs run anywhere between two and five minutes in length.

Sonically, you can hear the Eastern Indian influence on quite a few of the songs on Pleroma, although there are a couple of songs that sound more like “traditional” rock songs. Besides the Eastern Indian influence, another thing that stands out is Annamaria Pinna’s vocal performance. I think she has a very powerful voice that complements the band’s sound.

When I finished listening to Pleroma, I thought the songs on the album flowed together really well and made it sound like a cohesive unit. The combination of the music and Annamaria Pinna’s vocal performance makes Pleroma sound like a strong debut album. I can definitely hear that the band has a lot of potential, and I hope to have the opportunity to hear more from Vajra in the future. If you enjoy bands like Tool or Dead Can Dance, I think you might also like Vajra’s Pleroma.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. You can check out Vajra for yourself at:

The band’s website
The band’s Bandcamp page
The band’s Facebook page
The band’s Twitter page
The band’s YouTube page - AeschTunes

"Vajra's "Pleroma" for fans of Tool, Dead Can Dance and Nine Inch Nails"

Within the first 30 seconds of listening to progressive alt rock artist Vajra’s new album “Pleroma”, it’s very clear that this is no typical, commercial Evanescence-type enterprise. Project creator Annamaria Pinna truly seems to see this as a meaningful vehicle for the expression of the human condition, and it pours out of the vocals and music. Drawing influence from artists like Tool, Porcupine Tree, Dead Can Dance and Melissa Auf Der Maur, Vajra’s music is less focused on the mainstream and moreso aimed at the progressive and spiritual rock music subcultures interested in the aforementioned artists. This is commendable, as there seem to be more mainstream copycats out there than serious artists.

“Inside the Flame” is undeniable as an opener, and is possibly the album’s best track. Picture Azam Ali singing over Tool’s lush instrumentation.

The aggressive and driven, yet decidedly melodic vocals separate Vajra from the alt metal crowd, making this a uniquely individual affair. “Almost One” has a heartbreaking tone, with emotionally charged vocals and a more radio friendly format, although it’s infused with beautiful tablas and heavy basslines. If this is as close as Vajra gets to the mainstream, that’s a good thing for rock and metal fans. “Blind” sounds catchy and engaging until it explodes into a frenzied climax, showing the true range and grit of Pinna’s vocals. I don’t know many rock singers who could match that intensity.

“Intuition” is another favourite, with it’s dark, early-Alice in Chains guitars mixed with Dead Can Dance sounding toms and atmospheres. This is a truly angry record, but a spiritual anger. Another highlight on the release is album closer “The Apple”, which deserves it’s epic 8 minute length.

Overall, Vajra’s “Pleroma” is a fascinating release mainly because of it’s earnest intensity not often heard in 2012. I would absolutely recommend this to any serious rock, metal, or world music fans.

vajratemple.bandcamp.com
- All Access Magazine

"Vajra-Pleroma"

We're not always about moshing and heaviness on The Circle Pit. We got an interesting submission the other day hyping a progressive rock group, Vajra. I listened to the full length "Pleroma" and I was pretty damn impressed. It's essentially like a mix of Tool, Lacuna Coil, and something entirely new. I would say this band has real potential. Tasteful, creative, worldly writing mixed with great atmosphere and Annamaria Pinna's strong vocals make Vajra's sound a winning combination. You can listen to "Pleroma" in its entirety below and buy it on Bandcamp if you dig it. Also be sure to read the in depth description of Vajra that was sent to us. This isn't your typical band.

"Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.

The debut album "Pleroma" was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes appearances by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass and Will Dahl (ex-Harley's War) on guitar."

"Vajra's music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

The band is quickly generating a buzz after selling-out their first show in November, 2011 (at The Bowery Electric in NYC). Virgin America selected Vajra's single "Erode The Will" for their In-Flight Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and Vajra's music is currently being played at over 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. The band just performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licending deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo."

Links: Facebook // Twitter // Bandcamp
Posted by The Circle Pit at 12:30 AM
Labels: Progressive Rock, Vajra - The Circle Pit

"CD Review: New Music From New York Artists Generator Ohm and Vajra"

Also from New York comes Vajra with a melodic hard rock sound similar to Lacuna Coil, but with a touch more of a progressive metal feel. Their debut album, “Pleroma” was released back in June with a show at The Bowery Electric in New York.

The vocals of Annamaria Pinna are mesmorizing in the opening song “Inside The Flame.” The band rocks with the addition of some Middle-Eastern influences in the song “Intuition.” The song “Blind” has a lot of mainstream rock appeal, while Pinna gives her strongest vocal performance in “3.14.” The album closes with the eight-minute epic “The Apple,” which shows once again that this band can rock as they blast out the chorus.

Vajra just performed at The Roxy in Los Angeles, CA and at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY. They currently have no other live dates scheduled at the moment, but be sure to check out thevajratemple.com for updates. - JP's Music Blog

"[Album Stream] Pleroma (Vajra)"

Aqui podem ouvir Pleroma, o álbum de estreia de Varja, um grupo criado por Annamaria Pinna!

Here you can listen to Pleroma, Varja's debut album! Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.

Members/Instruments: Annamaria Pinna - Composer, Producer, Writer, MIDI, Keyboards, Vocals, Luke Markham - Live drums (Blake Fleming, Formerly of the Mars Volta plays drums on 'Pleroma'), Doug Wright - bass, Will Dahl - guitar

Vocals, Midi, Keys: Annamaria Pinna, Drums, Percussion: Blake Fleming, Bass: Doug Wright, Guitar: Will Dahl, Tabla: Tabla Jon

Posted in: brand new artist,música,stream,Varja - Caesar Live N Loud

"Flames of mesmeric beauty: Interview with Annamaria Pinna of Vajra"

Without one of the most inspirational and simply glorious albums to light up 2012 has been Pleroma from New York band Vajra. It is an album of aural majesty, a beautifully crafted and emotively driven piece of wonder which wraps tender and mesmeric yet evocative arms around the thoughts and senses. It is a release with a background as full as the fiery sounds which ignite the passions within so we had to know more. With gratitude we had the pleasure of asking vocalist, song writer, and band founder Annamaria Pinna all about the release, the album, and her personal journey to this point.

Hello Annamaria and welcome to the site.

Hello. Thank you. Welcome to the Vajra Temple.

With the recent release of your stunning debut album Pleroma, things seem like a whirlwind of energy, attention, and activity for the band, what is it like from the inside?

Thank you. Since we played our first show in November, 10, 2011 (which sold out), it has been both exciting and hectic. We played the Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge in NYC to sold-out audiences, two shows at SXSW in Austin, TX and recently returned from a West Coast tour, performing at Sylvia Massy’s 4&20 Blackbird Music Festival, as well as The Bottom of The Hill in San Francisco and The Roxy in Los Angeles. Virgin America selected our single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series in December, 2011, and that single is also included on the Red Gorilla SXSW 2012 Compilation and the GoGirls 2012 Music Compilation. Our music was added to regular rotation at 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. We recently signed licensing deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo. We sponsored a team at the 9th Annual Goals for Hope Women’s Soccer Tournament, (a benefit to raise money for the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation) and we were added as Supercuts Music Ambassadors. The debut album was released on the Summer Solstice (06.21.12) and we seem to be getting a lot of positive reviews from around the globe, which is pretty cool. So, let’s just say, we’ve been very busy. But, I can’t complain. It’s all good.

Obviously you would have been confident in your music and album but has the response to Pleroma surprised you in any way all the same?

Yes, of course. I must say that I am surprised at the amount of really positive reviews coming from all around the world. This project is my baby. And I would love it regardless of what anyone said. When I started writing the album, I just wrote what I felt in my heart and what I heard in my head. I had no idea how people would respond to it. I had a feeling that it was decent enough when Blake (Fleming) agreed to drum on the album. He thought I had something unique and catchy. And then, when Sylvia (Massy) said she loved the music and agreed to be part of the project, it was another indication that people would respond positively, I suppose.

Tell us about you the person and you the musician.

There is no separation. All of my experiences in life inform my music. And my music informs my life. Music has always been a part of my life. I studied music theory at Juilliard, played violin from age 6-8 and flute from age 8 through high school. I taught myself some piano, guitar and bass and took some drum lessons. Also, I started dancing at age 3, so I was reacting to music from a very early age. I lived in India for 5 years, where I acted in a feature Bollywood film, and started writing this album. I am an attorney and I practiced International Tax Law and Trusts and Estates at a prestigious law firm in NYC. I’ve lived in Siena, Italy, New Orleans, Mumbai, NYC and San Francisco and aside from the music, I love to travel, cook, drink wine, mountain bike, run, hike, read, learn, write and spend time with friends and family. That sounds like a personal ad, l0l! Ahahahaha!

As a child you were encouraged and guided to learn about the world and question assumptions, yours and others. It is fair to say this has carried on into your music?

Absolutely. Generally speaking, like I mentioned above, my life informs my music. So, the time I spent in India gave me an appreciation for Classical Hindustani music, which I digested and then incorporated those elements into my own music. I also think that many of my experiences are reflected in my music either in the lyrics or the music itself (or both).

Do you think your music would be as potent it is if you had not had that guidance?

Probably not.

The album carries some rich and expressive Eastern Indian themes and weaves within its progressive rock body as you just said. These have stemmed and being inspired by your self-imposed exile in India one assumes, can you tell us about this part of your life and how it impacted on your creativity and music specially?

I felt that I needed to challenge my assumptions and learn more about myself and the world around m - The Ringmaster Review

"Vajra: Pleroma"

Having already been captured by Vajra through their track Inside The Flame which was featured on The Bone Orchard Radio Show, there was a lot of biting at the bit hoping to have the chance to hear and review their debut album Pleroma. From that song alone our anticipation and expectations were probably unjustly high not that it was a problem as the album simply blew everything imagined away. It is aural majesty, a beautifully crafted and emotively driven piece of wonder. Admittedly the list for album of the year candidates is longer than the waiting list at an NHS hospital but Vajra are there at the fore with their stunning introduction to the world.

The seeds of Vajra began with its founder composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The daughter of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to look at, learn about, and question assumptions about the world including her own, her creativity and music borne from and continuing that premise. She also has a neurological condition called synesthesia, which results in one sensory stimulation opening a secondary involuntary experience, in the case of Annamaria she attaches colour and shapes to sound. How it impacts on her songwriting one cannot imagine but certainly her music is nothing less than enlightened imagination and melodic mastery.

With sell out gigs including shows at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC, licensing deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo, and their music being played across 200 radio stations nationwide in the US and of course across the internet, Vajra is on an unrelenting rise. Alongside Annamaria bringing her vision and music to realisation upon Pleroma, there are the skills and talent of drummer Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta), bassist Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls), and guitarist Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War), together the quartet exploring and expanding the passions of progressive rock and welcoming hearts.

The theme of Pleroma is an exploration in paradoxes (east vs. west, soft vs. pummelling, female vs. male), with songs which are enveloping and inciteful suns of melodic rock woven with Eastern Indian themes and sounds. Grammy-award winner, Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced and mixed the tracks whilst mastering was handled by Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince), the resulting understanding and clarity as important as the invention within.

The album opens with the wonderful Inside The Flame, a song which wraps its tender arms around the senses with melodic beauty whilst squeezing throughout with anthemic intensity to increase the wanton pleasure. It opens on a brewing atmosphere, slightly haunting but soon with shadows lit by bobbing bass tones, fiery guitar play, and the stunning voice of Annamaria. Her voice is that of an angel and devil combined, her tones warm caresses or heated squalls forged with feisty and forceful power. The song itself rises and ebbs throughout, always with a sirenesque call no matter if consuming the heart with subtle whispers or blood surging sonic anthem. The bass of Wright is glorious, a moody and prowling presence whilst the rhythms of Fleming ignite all primal and instinctive urges and passions.

As mentioned the song was a deeply rooted fever before the album so a fall was a possibility from then on in but no chance. The following Almost One slowly treads its way through the ear with shimmering keys behind the provoking bass and precise guitar touches. Once more the vocals lead to drifting thoughts and imagination as the lyrical content is unveiled with heart and expertise. Though not as dramatic as the first track the song is an absorbing melodic summer which heats and thrills evenly across the senses.

The darkly ambient instrumental India makes way for the immense Blind, a song which prowls with layers of rippling muscle and explosive sonic heat. It is a towering piece of vision and creativity, its heart a pulsating living passion driven with brooding rhythms, evolving flaming guitar juice from Dahl, and showers of golden vocal harmonies and feeling. It is irresistible, a sunspot of aural wonder veined with spires of intensity.

Pleroma just moves from one slice of majesty to another, every track a perfect combination of ingenuity, sounds, thought, and heart. The likes of the evocative Intuition with its hypnotic heartbeat, the smouldering 3.14, and See Through, a song which sways and glistens with crystalline delight within its firm breath, lead one down further diverse roads of sound and thought to the same result, total joy.

Closing on the magnetic lure of The Apple, a shifting storm of building emotion and energy, Pleroma is quite glorious. Its soundscape is a perpetual emotion generating journey of expression, reflection, and investigation. At times it is a shadowed meditation and in others a tower - The RingMaster Review

"Vajra Announced Midsummer Tour Dates"

In support of the release of their debut album ‘Pleroma’, NYC based band Vajra has just announced their Midsummer tour dates. The band will kick off the tour in Weed, California at Sylvia Massy’s 4AND20 Festival on Sunday, August 5th, and move to the Bottom Of The Hill in San Francisco on Wednedsay, August 8th. From there, Vajra will perform at The Roxy in Los Angeles on Thursday, August 9 and will conclude their tour back in Brooklyn on Saturda,y September 1st (Labor Day Weekend) at The Knitting Factory.

Vajra weaves Eastern Indian themes together with melodic, progressive rock, creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies and a stunning new sound. Their debut album ‘Pleroma’ was released on the Summer Solstice (June 21, 2012).

Vajra will perform the following tour dates:
Sunday, August 5, 2012 @ 4:30pm - 4AND20 Blackbird Music Festival (Mongo Stage) – Weed, CA
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 @ 10pm - The Bottom Of The Hill – San Francisco, CA
Thursday, August 9, 2012 @ 8pm - The Roxy – Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, September 1, 2012 @ 10pm – The Knitting Factory Brooklyn, NY

For more information about Vajra, please check out their sites:
http://www.thevajratemple.com
http://www.facebook.com/vajratemple - Music Mafia (UK)

"Vajra's "Pleroma" for fans of Tool, Dead Can Dance and Nine Inch Nails"

Prog rock/metal artist Vajra is yet another reason why New York seems to be at the centre of a serious rock revival. Vocalist and project founder Annamaria Pinna writes the music and lyrics in a style that will especially appeal to Dead Can Dance, Nine Inch Nails and Tool fans. Musically there's a lot to chew on, with extensive tom work, tablas, bells, distorted guitars and angry (but melodic) vocals...and surprise, surprise, Tool "Undertow" engineer Sylvia Massey is at the production help for "Pleroma", Vajra's debut release.

Preview the album at Vajra's Bandcamp below.
- BL Rag

"Vajra Pleroma LP Review"

Pleroma by NYC’s Vajra was released June 21st, the Summer Solstice. Annamaria Pinna, the singer and multi-instrumentalist that leads the band, found inspiration for her sound while living in India. The Big Apple resident studied music theory at Julliard.

The LP’s 10 tracks were produced by Silvia Massey, known for her work on Tool’s Undertow. The record is laden with synths and auxiliary percussion. It also features drumming by Blake Flemming, who did a stint with the Mars Volta. The band deftly maneuvers territory, both vocal and instrumental, in the vein of Dead Can Dance, Enigma, and A Perfect Circle.
Pinna’s smooth vocal delivery sits atop Eastern alternative orchestration. We found ourselves comparing her annunciation to be similar, at times, to Black Album-era James Hetfield. Some stand out tracks include “3.14”, “See Through You”, and “Almost One.” Instrumental offerings include “India” and “Akkord Pleromy” in which the musicians explore rhythms, textures and sounds that really diversify overall tone of the record in the esoteric direction. Have a listen to “Erode the Will.”

For more info check out the bands link to their site. They're currently playing a few dates in California this week. - Speakercone

"Vajra: "Pleroma""

Rating: RRRR
Label: VajraTemple 2012
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom
Vajra is basically the work of the multi-talanted singer and instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna. She began playing flute and violin at young age and went on to study music at Julliard. Inspired by her self-imposed exile in India "Pleroma" is an exploration in paradox and weaving eastern themes with melodic, progressive, art-rock and alternative music. Blake Flemming (Mars Volta) on drums as well as other guest musicians plus that Grammy award winning Sylvia Massy (Tool, System Of A Down, Prince) co-produces and Tom Baker (Foo Fighter, NIN, Prince) mastered the record makes this a very professional and great sounding debut.

Can you trust the hype? Well, Vajra recently signed licensing agreements with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo. The music is currently being played at 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. They performed two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. Filmmaker Jordan Stone are collaborating to create a visual psychological exploration to accompany the band's mysterious lullabies. You can pick up influences of everything from 80's acts such as All About Eve, Siouxsie And The Banshees, The Cure, to The Gathering, The Violet Hour, as well as old and new prog/art/indie rock.

Simply think of Vajra as something outside the box. That darn box is occuping the minds of many and most musicians anyhow. Perhaps it's time for a change, no? That may just be what a lot of musicians have to do today. Simply ignore the box and believe in themselves as songwriters? Surely some would complain about that as well? Simplicity rules? In many cases true, however, instant gratification due to using the same old formula as the rest is going to be around for only so long. Different thinking, different parts and arrangements, that's lasting material right there. Annamaria is definitely different (she also has a neurological condition called synesthesia where she attaches color and shape to sound) and her album is best described as intelligent alternative art/prog rock, yet by no means a perfect record. It's darn good and different though and here's looking forward to more in the future to come...
www.thevajratemple.com - Rock United Reviews

"Vajra Pleroma"

I'd have willingly believed that Vajra - a vehicle for the composer, singer and multi instrumentalist Annamaria Pinna - are receiving airplay on 160 radio stations across the pond without having each and every one listed in the Press Release accompanying the band's debut album release Pleroma. But it does, at least, signpost that there's a wave of interest in the band.

And then there's the band's live performances - what self respecting hot blooded male rock fan isn't going to display at least a passing interesting in a band whose female vocalist fronts her band sporting a black leather basque and fishnets?

But it's not all hype, there's substance to this dark brooding and intense album that adds haunting Eastern Indian rhythms and elements to an atmospheric rock set.

Produced by Sylvia Massey (Tool, System Of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash), the album sits just left of mainstream in terms of potential commercial appeal, although it's far from unimaginable that with a subtle twist of direction Vajra could compete for the Evanescence crown.

But in the meantime Pleroma should appeal to those who like their rock powerful, atmospheric and served Kerrang! style. - Get Ready to Rock!

"Vajra Pleroma"

‘Pleroma’ – the debut album from New York based band, Vajra - seems largely emblematic of the well-travelled lead singer Annamaria Pinna who is not only a multi-instrumentalist but had spent a sustained period living in India. Because of this mixture of cultures, the album is best described as dark mysterious Western rock decorated with Eastern influences.

Expect loads of sitars, tablas and airy wind instruments of all varieties in this veritable smorgasbord of sound and emotion. Even many of the guitar riffs are repetitive like the reciting of an wordless mantra.

Pinna’s voice is rarely artificialised by voice enhancers or dynamics – producers only do that to the tone-deaf with nothing meaningful to say. In this case, her vocals are axiomatically synchronous with the style of music being produced. She’s never pretentious or over-the-top to the point that you fail to believe her lyrics; she’s extremely natural with her delivery and each tremble reveals her pain or aggression.

Progressive rock has rarely sounded so mesmerising as several songs begin with – or include – meditational synth leads that sum up the band’s interest in the divine and the spiritual. There is actually a two-minute long track called ‘India’ that contains no lyrics and little more than relaxing humming tone that soothes your mind before the very next track, ‘Blind’, blows away more of the pieces left.

The word ‘Pleroma’ is defined as a ‘spiritual dwelling and, fittingly, Vajra’s record transports you there and makes you feel as if you never want to return.
- Music News (UK)

"Vajra Pleroma"

“Vajra” è il nome del progetto musicale creato dalla cantante e polistrumentista statunitense Annamaria Pinna (dalle chiare origini italiane) a seguito di quello che lei ha definito un “esilio autoimposto” in India. Dotata di una condizione neurologica chiamata “sinestesia” (fenomeno sia sensoriale che percettivo, in cui le due fasi prima elencate si mescolano a vicenda), Annamaria inizia a suonare il violino a sei anni, il flauto a nove e a dieci diventa autrice della sua prima composizione. Durante il conseguimento degli studi al prestigioso conservatorio di Juilliard, si convince che dietro la creatività vi è una vera e propria Entità divina. Da qui prende il via una esistenza volta alla ricerca spirituale e a tutta la simbologia ad essa correlata (come ben dimostra la copertina dell’album).
Tutto questo primo lavoro è incentrato sull’esplorazione del concetto del paradosso nelle sue varie estrinsecazioni (est-ovest, femminile-maschile, ecc…). Un paradosso di contrapposizioni che, volendo, si articola anche nel binomio Vajra-Pleroma. Il primo termine, infatti, legato ad una complessa trama mitologica, in sanscrito indica sia il fulmine che il diamante, il cui significato profondo è rappresentato dall’oggetto raffigurato anche sul dischetto ottico, adottato nell’induismo e nel buddhismo tibetano (in particolar modo nei rituali tantrici); ad esso si collega il concetto del Vuoto, cioè la natura stessa dell’Illuminazione, potente come il fulmine ed indistruttibile come il diamante. La seconda parola, invece, in greco significa Pienezza e si riferisce ai poteri di Dio nella sua totalità, venendo adottato sia in campo cristiano che (soprattutto) in quello gnostico.
Con la collaborazione di musicisti come il batterista Blake Flemming (ex The Mars Volta), il bassista Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls), il chitarrista Will Dahl (ex Harley’s War) e del percussionista Tabla Jon (suonatore di tabla, ovviamente), il sound diventa pieno, saturo, gotico ed ipnotico, a volte al limite del mantra. Emblema di tutto ciò è l’iniziale “Inside The Flame”, primo singolo della band. Ma in questo come nell’episodio successivo, “Almost One”, un ruolo basilare viene svolto dalle quattro corde di Wright, determinante per dare incisività e risalto ad una struttura che pur essendo ripetitiva mostra delle sfumature che non la rendono noiosa. Alcuni critici hanno descritto la musica dei Vajra come una versione alt-rock dei Dead Can Dance; in effetti i contenuti di questo esordio sarebbero potuti essere pubblicati negli anni ’80, ma per fortuna produzione e masterizzazione, affidate rispettivamente a Sylvia Massy e Tom Baker, suonano assolutamente contemporanee. Niente suoni piatti e/o plastificati, quindi, portando alla mente il progetto Ambeon di Arjen Lucassen e Astrid van der Veen in una versione decisamente più robusta. In questo senso sono da apprezzare “Blind” ed “Intuition”, in cui compaiono rispettivamente sitar e fiati (tutto campionato?) a dare colore. “Erode The Will” è ancora goth-rock, mentre “3.14” ha un incedere che grazie all’uso vocale punta all’ascesa sonora, ricordando anche certe cose più sperimentali della nostrana Elisa. Diciamo, però, che dopo un po’, visti i ritmi molto uniformi, potrebbe subentrare stanchezza nell’ascoltatore; un’attenzione che comunque deve rimanere vigile per ascoltare brani come “See Through You” e soprattutto la conclusiva “The Apple”, che (ancora una volta) grazie al buono lavoro di Wright si rivela il punto più alto di “Pleroma”. La tendenza è quella di andare nel territorio della psichedelia, pur mantenendo una struttura gotica. Le tastiere di Annamaria, spesso impastate con la chitarra, donano un senso di “altro” inteso come viaggio verso differenti realtà, pur rimanendo con i piedi per terra; la voce stessa, inoltre, sembra a volte andare all’unisono con le note strumentali poste in secondo piano. Intenso il finale.
Conclusione: Annamaria ha un suo talento e si è circondata di strumentisti capaci di assecondarlo con tanta discrezione quanto tanta professionalità. Dal prossimo lavoro sarebbe comunque il caso di andare già oltre, di evolversi in fretta, come del resto la filosofia a cui guarda la nostra musicista suggerirebbe. Magari, concedendo qualcosa in più in fase solista. “Pleroma” non è quel caso musicale “clamoroso” che certi magazine americani hanno sbandierato, ma forse da quelle parti l’audience è facilmente suggestionabile e quindi…
Si tratta comunque di un lavoro creativo e pertanto merita attenzione. Un’ultima curiosità: l’album è stato pubblicato il 21.06.2012, cioè per il solstizio d’estate. - Arlequins (Italy)

"Vajra Pleroma"

“Then like a bull who has heard the crash of a thunderbolt close by, the Great Soul whose mind had been purified by the merit of karma accumulated from eons of virtuous actions, was deeply agitated at this news of old age.” (Ashvaghosha. Acts of the Buddha, Book III: 34)

Roughly translated from its Sanskrit form, Vajra represents a Buddhist ritual object that symbolizes both the indestructible properties of a diamond and the irresistible force of the thunderbolt. Vajra was also the weapon of choice for the Hindu God Indra, with which he was very adept. Pleroma roughly translated means fullness of the divine being in the gnostic concept of the spiritual world. It is also the aptly titled debut album from New York City’s Vajra, a band who even after several listens continue to impress me.
On the night I received the bands press kit I gave it a glance and quickly perused their website/Facebook page, making some half-assed judgements that they were another moody rock band swimming with all the other bands in the big city, but with the added novelty of sporting an eastern influenced dark metal sound and a female lead vocalist. The judging part of me felt like it had been done many times before in many different ways to varying results, so I set my expectations to the middle ground and let the album sit unheard for a couple of days. The first time i listened the rain was falling hard and on my stereo was music that began very quickly to hit me like a lightening bolt.

Composer/singer Annamaria Pinna soars. Her voice and words are commanding, rooted in family, tradition, experience, heart and the speaking of her truth. The band that carries her does so with ease, keeping the low end tight and busy with a cool water-like bass that resonates in the chest and tummy. Ritualistic sounding drumbeats and washes of big emo guitar accompanied by some sexy slinky eastern sounds to boot, bringing about moments of closed eyed transportation to other places. Truth be told, this is the kind of music i loved as a kid and into adulthood; big rock songs with a soft inside by bands who probably put on amazing shows and are genuinely cool people.
With songs like the excellent “Inside the Flame” and “Erode the Will” It is hard not to be immediately moved by the wake up call urgency Vajra’s music seems to employ, Annamaria sounding pissed off yet inviting, sweet but always in her power. Tunes like “India” and “Akkord Pleromy” are meditations of sound that give the feeling as though you’ve traveled back in time and to a far off place. It’s almost as though a lot of these songs were created to open up your mind and heart. These darkened lullabies, stained fairy tales and beautiful gloomy love songs that may sometimes remind one of TOOL’s more “tender” moments have a distinct way of creeping under the skin and sticking in the memory banks.

Having heard my fair share of rock genre bending bands that add an eastern twist to their music, some of which work and some that are downright embarrassing, I am pleased to report that Vajra manages to pull it off with flair. The way they take dark elements of broody rock and give it an empowering pulse or the cool splashes of eastern instrumentation that has been rendered in a way that feels natural and unforced. Pleroma may have a couple of forgivable clunky moments but overall it works really well and has the makings of one heck of a strong debut.

~ Nathan Pike

Band website: http://www.thevajratemple.com/

Band Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vajratemple

Itunes album purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pleroma/id538349472

Tags: Dark rock, gothic, spirit, temple of Vajra - All Whats Rock (UK)

"Vajra - Pleroma"

Sommige mensen houden het liefst zelf de touwtjes in handen. Doen graag zoveel mogelijk zelf. Dat kost veel tijd maar dan weten ze wel dat het gebeurt zoals ze het zelf willen. Dat geldt ook voor Ann Marie Pinna, het brein achter Vajra. Deze zangeres/componist en multi-instrumentalist bracht een deel van haar jeugd door in India en dat horen we deels terug in haar muziek. Voorts heeft Ann Marie het vermogen om vormen en kleuren om te zetten in geluid (synesthesia). Dat beeldende in combinatie met het exotische element maken Vajra tot een aparte luisterervaring.

Op momenten heb je het idee dat je naar nieuw materiaal van Dead Can Dance zit te luisteren maar dan met Patti Smith als zangeres. Of naar de wederopstanding van Siouxsie And The Banshees, aangevuld met tabla (Blind). Ze deed overigens niet alles alleen; hulp krijgt ze bijvoorbeeld van Blake Flemming (ex-The Mars Volta) op drums en Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) op bass. Tezamen zorgen zij voor een af en toe zelfs vervreemdende luisterervaring (Akkord Pleromy). Sommige tracks zijn meer recht toe recht aan (Inside The Flame), andere moeten het juist hebben van een vervreemdende sfeer (India). Zoals gezegd: een aparte luisterervaring. - Lords of Metal (The Netherlands)

"Vajra Pleroma"

Vajra’s brand of progressive rock is unique and powerful. Comparisons to Tool are a good place to start, but the female vocals lend something entirely different to the picture. In addition, the space rock atmosphere’s are awesome. This is more or less a combination of Tool, space rock, modern progressive rock and bits of world and tribal sounds. There aren’t huge differences from song to song, but that doesn’t mean this feels redundant by any means. It’s a powerful disc that entertains from

Track by Track Review

Inside the Flame
Alternating between atmospheric sounds, space rock and heavier music like Tool, this is quite a cool ride. The vocals are strong and also convey a wide range.

Almost One
This cut isn’t as diverse as the previous number, but rather is a magical piece of atmosphere that has a lot of that Tool sound mixed with space rock. The closing section is atmospheric with almost tribal percussion.

India
An instrumental, this is atmospheric spacey and quite tasty.

Blind
With a rubbery rhythm section this is a killer tune. In fact, as good as everything leading up to it is, this is a step up. It has Tool like sounds, but other parts almost feel like Rush. Still, we get more of that tribal element. This is just a really awesome piece of music that works extremely well.

Intuition
While there are no massive changes here, this is another strong cut that showcases the amazing sound of this band.

Erode the Will
They turn it more purely melodic here with another killer groove.

3.14
The vocals on this really soar and it has a real space rock meets Tool approach. It’s another killer tune on a disc that’s full of them.

See Through You
There is a lot more mellow atmospheric music in place on this number. It’s got some great overlayers of sound. It’s one of the highlights of the set as far as I’m concerned. It works out to one of the heaviest movements of the whole disc at the end.

Akkord Pleromy
Percussive and atmospheric, this piece of instrumental space really breaks things up nicely.

The Apple
Another powerful cut, this more purely progressive rock oriented than some of the others here. Still, there are plenty of the usual suspects on hand, too. It’s one of the more dynamic cuts and one of the highlights of the set. - Music Street Journal

"Vajra: Pleroma"

Ethereal goth rock in the same ballpark as Faith And The Muse, but with more guitar crunch and less Christian Death. - Razorcake

"Vajra Pleroma"

Vajra’s brand of progressive rock is unique and powerful. Comparisons to Tool are a good place to start, but the female vocals lend something entirely different to the picture. In addition, the space rock atmosphere’s are awesome. When you listen to the instrumentals "India" and "Akkord Pleromy", the spacy, cosmic side of Vajra really comes to the fore. When they combine it with Tool-like heaviness and groove on "Inside the Flame" and "3:14", the result is magical and gives this record a texture that is extremely unique. There's a touch of classic Rush on "Blind" as well and the album ending "The Apple" is a smooth example of modern progressive rock.

This is more or less a combination of Tool, space rock, modern progressive rock and bits of world and tribal sounds. There aren’t huge differences from song to song, but that doesn’t mean this feels redundant by any means. It’s a powerful disc that entertains from beginning to end. - Wormwood Chronicles

"Vajra And Filmmaker Jordan Stone Begin Work On Video For 'Pleroma'"

NYC-based Alternative rock band Vajra and Filmmaker Jordan Stone began working on the first video for their hot debut album 'Pleroma'.

This underground band is certainly on the rise with already a multitude of both national and international reviews to prove it. Since they played their first NYC show in November (which sold out), Vajra was added to rotation to 200 radio stations nationwide, syndicated radio shows, podcasts, and music websites. Virgin America selected Vajra's single "Erode The Will" for their In-Flight Entertainment Series, and the band was selected as Music Ambassadors for the Supercuts Rock The Cut Program. The band just returned from a West Coast tour, performing at Sylvia Massy's 4&20 Blackbird Music Festival, The Bottom of The Hill in San Francisco and The Roxy in Los Angeles. Vajra rocked at two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The band recently signed licensing deals with The Discovery Network, MTV, Showtime and Bravo.

Jordan's work has been presented at the Independent Film Festival in Lima, Mono No Aware, Light Industry, Harvest Works, Brik Gallery, and has been included in several touring Micro Cinema's including Deep Leap and The Speculative Frontier. He also composed music for Messhof Games projects that were exhibited internationally and in the U.S. Jordan's work addresses alienation, drugs, death and transcendence. He works primarily with hand processed and hand painted 16mm film.

Vajra's music is available on Bandcamp and ITunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pleroma/id538349472 - Top 40 Charts

"Vajra - Pleroma"

VAJRA is a breathe of fresh are as far as music goes. The band hails from non other than New
York, the melting pot of America. This doesn't surprise me at all after listening to "PLEROMA".
The band was founded by Annamaria Pinna while she was living in India. She is the main
composer, singer and multi-instrumentalists. Their music would probably fit into the Alternative
Rock genre if you had to put it somewhere, but it's a hell of a lot more than that. They blend
together exotic Middle Eastern influences with dark Modern Rock and Gothic Metal elements. The
music has a really dark vibe to it, but in an upbeat sort of style. I hear so many influences all
through out. There are touches of Classical, which mostly comes through in Annamaria's vocals. If
you were to take parts of DEAD CAN DANCE, NINE INCH NAILS, LACUNA COIL, Sarah
Brightman, SIOUSIE AND THE BANSHEES, THE GATHERING & EVANESCENCE and
added in some Middle eastern sounds you get VAJRA. This was an unexpected delight! I could see
VAJRA becoming very popular the more this music circulates! And they deserve it!
www.theVAJRAtemple.com - Beowolf Productions

"Singled Out: Vajra"

Annamaria Pinna from Vajra tells us about "Inside The Flame" from the new album, "Pleroma," which features Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta), Doug Wright (Dirty Pearls) and Will Dahl (ex-Harley's War). Here is the story:
I thought this song was going to be the simplest song on the album, and it turned out to be the most complicated. It was like meditating a mandala, circling around and around, going deeper and deeper into a vortex to reveal the song's truth.

I started writing this song during Diwali in my bedroom in India (mainly because it was the only room in the apartment that had a/c). At times isolated and lonely, I started thinking about my past relationships and how everything seems to go so well at the beginning and then slowly disintegrates - that the image that your partner portrays at the beginning of a relationship isn't necessarily who he really is and that the real person emerges in time.

Sonically, I wanted to explore the struggle of maintaining one's identity in a relationship while giving and relating to one's partner (in other words, looking at the layers of each partner and also looking at the layers of the relationship between the two of them) while also exploring the slow disintegration of a relationship.

The song started off as an experimentation of a moody, atmospheric lullaby of layered synth sounds and a simple bassline. For some reason (and this doesn't usually happen) most of the lyrics and the main vocal melody came quickly. I wasn't happy with the monotony of the song, and so I started to work on the arrangement. I added a loose drum beat, an overlay of tablas, and a flute outro to the chorus. I wanted to convey the chaos of a fire and the calm aftermath of the burning, so I worked more on the second chorus and a breakdown of disjointed chaos leading to an unsettling calm and finally, a transformative final chorus. When I returned to the States, I sat down with Blake (Fleming) and we fleshed out the simple drum parts that were there, which added another layer of intensity to the song. After that was done, Doug (Wright) and I did the same thing with the basslines and then Will (Dahl) and I worked on the guitar parts. After all this was done, I revisited the vocal melodies until I felt they were right. I experimented with my vocal tone in the verses and choruses and tried to emotionally parallel that of the life of the relationship and its disintegration and transformation. With the verses, especially, I wanted to affect a soft, gentle siren with a hint of something darker below the surface, which is realized in the formidable chorus. In the end, I suppose the song is kind of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, a paradoxical yin yang of emotions. We just hope that the listener will feel something.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here! - Anti Music

"Vajra Pleroma"

Our latest feature, Vajra, may be relatively new to the scene (having just performed their first live show one year ago at The Bowery Electric in NYC), but this brainchild of composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna has been in the making for several years. It was during her tenure in India that Pinna refined her musical craft, questioned her assumptions and the world around her. With new inspiration in hand, Vajra released Pleroma(June 2012), a collection full of the music that has earned Vajra a startling amount of attention over the past 12 months:
Virgin America picked up one of their songs for their In-Flight Entertainment Series.
They’ve signed licensing agreements with The Discovery Network, Showtime, Bravo and MTV
Regular rotation on over 200 radio stations.
The music itself is “hauntingly dark and hypnotic, weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies.” We asked Pinna to dive deeper into Pleroma with us: “We are exploring paradox and duality in this album (light versus dark, soft versus hard, female versus male, east versus west, knowing versus unknowing, etc.). To have one, you must also have the other. This is ultimate fullness…We were very patient with this album. I wanted to take time to let each note and each sound emerge in its proper place. The album was written in such an unconventional way. We dissected each piece of the composition and recorded each instrument separately. We didn’t play all together until right before the first show in November, 2011. And when we did, we knew we had something really special.”
Get into Pleroma; sample it at http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/album/pleroma. Vajra is just getting started, so keep your eyes open for more extraordinary things out of this NYC band. There’s so much more to learn, so keep reading for all the answers to the XXQ’s.
XXQs: Vajra

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?

Annamaria Pinna (AMP): Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. That was chock-full of goodies for ya!

We stand out because we are true to ourselves and while you can certainly hear influences, you can’t entirely box our sound into one particular category. A friend described Vajra’s sound as an amalgam of our respective life experiences.

PEV: Calling New York home, what kind of music were the members of the band into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

AMP: Will loved (what is now) classic rock, blues, jazz and punk/hardcore/metal.

Luke was born and raised in the Syracuse area, which had a pretty established “hardcore” scene at the time. So he grew up listening to a mix of that and the screamo/Warped Tour scene (The Bled and Underoath). But at the same time he was in his school’s various jazz bands so that music had an impact on him as well. Also, like most kids, his parents gave him a love for classic rock. His first concert was Metallica and Godsmack at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo. Still to this day, it was the longest concert he’s ever been to. Apparently, they did three or four encores, and it was nuts.

I went through various musical phases, including rock, pop, R&B, dance, and Gregorian chant. I played violin at 6 and flute at 8 and mainly played classical through high school. Also, I started dancing at 3 to classical piano and jazz. When I lived in India, I developed an appreciation for classical Hindustani music.

My first concert was Robert Palmer at the Poughkeepsie Civic Center. I really didn’t know much except that he was in The Power Station with John Taylor, the bassist from Duran Duran, with whom I had a major crush on.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene in your hometown, when you first started out as a band? What was your first show like together as a band?

AMP: Well, we just played our first show in November, 2011. So, we are still pretty new. We are currently trying to break into the scene. We are still trying to get our name out there. But, I think we are doing well, considering that it has been less than a year.

We sold-out our first show at The Bowery Electric in New York, NY, and we were thrilled. The show went pretty well, aside from the usual first-show demons that crawl around. Blake Fleming (formerly of The Mars Volta) played drums with us that night.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Vajra show?

We hope to take everyone on a journey somewhere other than where they were before the show by tapping into their aural and visual senses. We hope that both the lyrics and the music give fans pause to ponder. In addition to the music, we have a multimedia presentation.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?

AMP: Breathe, connect, feel, an - Penseyeview Music & Lifestyle

"The Sounds of Vajra's Pleroma"

Step inside the world of Vajra - a melodious vocal wonderland with hints of Eastern Indian themes. Formed by composer, singer & multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna, Vajra's debut composition, Pleroma, is a opaque music paradise.

Beginning with "Inside The Flame," the song combines progressive mysteries with forebodding hynotics that beguile and entice whereas the sitar filled "Blind," has touches of Lilith Fair, Tori Amos and Tool. Pinna is able to build upon the pummeling aspects of the instruments talking behind. "Blind" is a sonic experience that is not to be missed. "Intuition," is darker and more enchanting as Pinna's vocals beckon. Pleroma's treasure, however is the smoldering "See Through You," a song that transports the listener into a euphoric rhapsody that wraps Vajra's overall morbid, yet multi-layered sound into a spellbinding package. "The Apple," completes the debut album and is more in line with the opener with its distressing felicity as Pinna seems both irritated and pleased at the same time.

View slideshow: Vajra

Vajra
Photo credit: Independent Music Promotions
Vajra is quickly gaining steam across many musical corridors generating recognition for their distinctive technique. Pleroma was released on the Summer Solstice, and is a leap into a fusion of rock and Indian themes that celebrate the obscureness of the pros and cons of life.

Final Grade: A

For more information on the captivating charm of Vajra see:

http://www.youtube.com/vajratemple

https://www.facebook.com/vajratemple

https://twitter.com/vajratemple - The Examiner

"Vajra To Host Record Release Listening Party in NYC"

Vajra, in celebration of the release of their debut album 'Pleroma', is hosting an intimate listening party at The Beauty Bar in NYC on the Summer Solstice (6.21.12) at 10:30pm.

DJ Bride of Wire, DJ Sean Templar and a surprise DJ will preview selected tracks from 'Pleroma' and spin a collective frenzy of tunes sure to cast a spell on all the Gods and Goddesses and transport them to a nirvanic state of consciousness.

'Pleroma' explores paradox in a series of tenebrous and hypnotic songs, which were written during Annamaria Pinna's self-imposed exile in India. The album features a stellar line-up of musicians including Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley's War) on guitar. It was recorded at Vacation Island Recording in Brooklyn by Matt Boynton (MGMT) and at Radiostar Studios in California by Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, System of A Down, Red Hot Chili Peppers). Massy co-produced the vocals and both she and Rich Veltrop (Tom Petty, Slayer, Rage Against The Machine, System of A Down) mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

The album will be available electronically on iTunes and Bandcamp, as well as in CD format at various retailers.

Following the album's release, Vajra will kick-off a run of live shows beginning on Friday, July 13 in NYC, the details of which will be announced soon.

The Beauty Bar is located at:
231 East 14th St. btwn 2nd Avenue & 3rd Avenue.

Read more: http://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/news/read/21383863/Vajra_To_Host_Record_Release_Listening_Party_in_NYC#ixzz1xHBLWW6R
- CBS News

"NYC Band Vajra Signs Boutique Licensing Deal With The Discovery Network"

The NYC band, Vajra, reportedly signed “a massive licensing deal” with the Discovery Network last week, giving the Network permission to play their music on the Discovery Channel, TLC, I.D. (Investigation Discovery), Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), Discovery Fit & Health, Planet Green, Animal Planet and more.

Annamaria Pinna of Vajra
Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist Annamaria Pinna while living in India. The deal is for use of the music on the band’s debut album, Pleroma, which will be released later this month (on the Summer Solstice – 6.21.12).
An album of dark, hypnotic rock with Eastern Indian themes, Pleroma was recorded at Vacation Island Recording in Williamsburg by Matt Boynton and at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA with Sylvia Massy Shivy (Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Ian Rickard. Shivy and Veltrop mixed the album at Radiostar.
The network agreement covers programming made by or for Discovery Communications, LLC (DCL)’s cable network television networks and joint venture networks and any and all future cable television networks owned in whole or in part by DCL. A spokesperson for the band noted that this is a boutique licensing arrangement DCL has with a small number of artists.
Visit www.thevajratemple.com for more information. - Sonicscoop

"Vajra Breathes Life Into Radio With It's Exotic, Ethereal and Atmospheric New Sound"

Vajra blasts the airwaves with its exotic, atmospheric and ethereal new sound. The band pre-released their debut album "Pleroma" to college radio, and is receiving airplay at over 160 stations nationwide. The music is a hypnotic blend of East Indian classical and Western rock with paradoxical overtones of light and dark.

In keeping with the band's mystical sound, Vajra will release the album at large on the Summer Solstice (June 21). Annamaria Pinna's powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming (ex-Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and WIll Dahl (ex-Harley's War) on guitar. Vajra's vocals were co-produced and mixed by Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash). Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

Vajra played two shows at SXSW and recently played to sold-out audiences at The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric in NYC. The album will be available electronically on iTunes and Bandcamp, as well as in CD format at various retailers. - CBS News

"Killcode, Stoned Fire, and Star Killer at Bowery Ballroom"

...The evening began with a performance by Vajra, freshly returned to the city from SXSW. With Annamaria Pinna’s soaring vocals and her backing band's kinetic playing, they were clearly toeing the Nightwish line with a heavy dose of Far Eastern-influenced sounds, and even a bit of Lady Gaga thrown in for good measure. It was hardly a surprise when a gaggle of concert goers, drinks in hand, scurried up from the bar, heeding the siren’s call.... - Feast of Music

"Vajra To Play The Bowery Ballroom in NYC"

Vajra returns from SXSW and will perform songs from their forthcoming debut album ‘Pleroma’ at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC on Saturday, March 24 at 8PM (doors at 7:00pm). Vajra’s multimedia performance will include visuals from projectionist Neon Meow, featuring the art of Kaliptus, Wulfgang and Raven Noir. They will open for Killcode, and will be joined by Starkiller and Stoned Fire. The band played to sold-out audiences during their last two performances at The Mercury Lounge and The Bowery Electric.
Eastern Indian themes weave together with melodic, progressive rock to create foreboding and mysterious lullabies and a stunning new sound. The album is a haunting exploration of paradox, written during Annamaria Pinna’s self-imposed exile in India. Annamaria’s powerful vocals are highlighted by Luke Markham on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar. Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) played drums on the album,‘Pleroma’ , Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
The band is quickly generating a buzz after releasing their first single “Inside The Flame”. At SXSW, they performed two shows, and Virgin America selected Vajra’s single “Erode The Will” for their In-Flight Entertainment Series.
Tickets for the March 24th performance at The Bowery Ballroom are $15 advance and and are available for $18 at the box office. For more information, contact: Vajra on their website at: http://www.thevajratemple.com or email at: vajratemple(at)gmail(dot)com.
Vajra currently does not have a record deal.
The singles, “Inside The Flame” and “Erode The Will” are available on Itunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/vajra/id458093151 - Yahoo News

"Vajra Announces Debut Album, 'Pleroma' & Tour Dates"

Vajra announces the release of their debut album, “Pleroma” this Spring 2012. The album explores paradox in a series of dark and hypnotic songs, which were written during Annamaria Pinna's self-imposed exile in India. Eastern Indian themes weave together with melodic, progressive rock to create foreboding and mysterious lullabies and a stunning new sound.
Annamaria’s powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar. Vajra’s vocals were co-produced and mixed by Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
In support of Pleroma’s spring release, Vajra will perform the following tour dates:
March 14, 2012 - Red Gorilla/Tinderbox Showcase (Austin, TX)

March 15, 2012 - The Heart of Texas Rockfest Mainstage (Austin, TX)

March 24, 2012 - The Bowery Ballroom (New York, NY)
The track listing for “Pleroma” is as follows:
“Inside The Flame”

“Almost One”

“India”

“Blind”

“Intuition”

“Erode The Will”

“3.14”

“See Through You”

“Akkord Pleromy”

“The Apple”
For more info about Vajra, please go to the following pages at:

http://www.thevajratemple.com

http://www.reverbnation.com/vajra
The singles, “Inside The Flame” and “Erode The Will” are available on Itunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/vajra/id458093151 - Yahoo

"VAJRA Plays Their Second Sold Out Show at The Mercury Lounge in NYC"

It's the year of the Dragon but Vajra is breathing its own fire. On Friday, January 27th, this new hot band played to an over-capacity crowd at The Mercury Lounge in NYC. An eager crowd lined the streets, but only advance ticket holders were allowed to enter. "I had friends from India who were texting me that they couldn't get in. I was blown away!" Annamaria stated. "And we were the opening act!" Vajra opened for Killcode, and was followed by Starkiller, The Compulsions and Stoned Fire. The venue was packed the entire evening, proving that the NYC music scene is sizzling.

Performing music from their debut album 'Pleroma', a haunting exploration of paradox, Vajra mesmerized their audience with a series of dark and hypnotic songs written during Annamaria Pinna's self-imposed exile in India. Eastern Indian themes wove together with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies, and a stunning new sound. - Pure Grain Audio

"Vajra Kicks Off 2012 At The Mercury Lounge"

Vajra begins the new year and the countdown to Armageddon with their multi-media performance at The Mercury Lounge on Friday, January 27 at 8PM (doors at 7:30pm). It will be a magical, mystical evening as they open for Killcode and are joined by Starkiller, The Compulsions and Stoned Fire.

The band will perform songs from their debut album "Pleroma", a haunting exploration of paradox, written during Annamaria Pinna's self-imposed exile in India. Annamaria's powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (ex-Harley's War) on guitar.

Vajra's music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.

The band is quickly generating a buzz after releasing their first single "Inside The Flame". Virgin America selected Vajra's single "Erode The Will" for their In-Flight Entertainment Series, and Vajra's music is showcased on various internet radio stations, podcasts, and music websites.

"Any good band, no matter what the sex of their vocalist, starts with a musician. Someone who can feel the soul inside of music, who can conjure music from their own soul, and express it somehow. Annamaria Pinna is not only a talented musician, but one hell of a conjurer as well. In her voice, there is not only emotion, but power, truth, a sort of sense that there is more to music than just what we can hear. Vajra does not rely on Pinna's presence, or even her strong voice - it's clear that the band works as one to create their sound. The music itself is atmospheric, at once ethereal yet stirring. Part of you wants to meditate, part of you wants to move, go out, do things. Just as that paradox exists, there is also a paradox of hard and soft in Vajra's sound. It's the kind of music that means something different for each listener, in every different situation it's listened to. Vajra have created a world of sound that never falls short of what it promises. "

Kamilah Varushka, Catastrophe Ballerina (Jan 07, 2012)
"Every now and again, we come across someone amazing - someone who is actually worth our three or four minutes of play. … Vajra is definitely one of those extraordinary bands. They are a combination of genres we were not expecting."

Through The Sound Barrier (Jan 03, 2012)
"If you like bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees or Morcheeba or are just looking for something different, this is it. They performed with a grace that will float you to another world. Vajra is here and I hope they will stay for a long time."

-Swarm Magazine (Dec 01, 2012)
"Vajra-Music with Passion. Kudos for creating some music different from everything out there at the moent. There is flavor from other cultures embedded in the music giving it depth and an exotic feel. The artist has an interesting story about their background which seems evident in the sonics and style of their music. It takes me back to the creativity of Kate Bush. I want to see there this artist goes in the future."

-Holly Hutchison (former A&R Executive at Capitol Records & Atlantic Records)
"Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna …[while living] in India, and you can indeed hear an exotic influence in her songs, which though carry a very western tension and darkness. Overall her uptempo music could be described like an alt-rock version of Dead Can Dance. We are sure there is a numerous group of teenagers somewhere in the US suburbs who can fall in love with this lady and her tenebrous music."

The Deli Magazine NYC, The Deli Magazine NYC (Oct 07, 2011)
"Newcomer Vajra to Set Underground NYC Music Scene Ablaze: Debut Single "Inside The Flame" Released, Vajra's First Album "Pleroma" to Follow in Spring 2012...."

Yahoo News (Sep 13, 2011)
"Take a trip to India with Vajra. You want something new? This is It"
Through the Sound Barrier (Aug 18, 2011)
Tickets for the January 27th performance at The Mercury Lounge are $10 presale and and are available for $12 at the box office. For more information, contact :The Mercury Lounge at: 27 East Houston Street, NY, NY 10002 (212 260-4700. or online at: http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com/search/?q=vajra

Vajra currently does not have a record deal.

For more info about Vajra, please go to the following pages at:
http://www.thevajratemple.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/vajra
http://www.facebook.com/vajratemple
http://www.twitter.com/vajratemple
http://www.myspace.com/vajratemple
http://www.vajratemple.bandcamp.com

The singles, "Inside The Flame" and "Erode The Will" are available on Itunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/vajra/id458093151
- Top40-Charts.com

"Vajra"

"Every now and again, we come across someone amazing – someone who is actually worth our three or four minutes of play. Interview after interview, we’ve had the pleasure of talking to bands who are doing all they can to live this dream. That means balancing school, two or three part-time jobs and constantly writing new material. Vajra is definitely one of those extraordinary bands. They are a combination of genres we were not expecting." - Through The Sound Barrier

"Catastrophe Ballerina - Vajra"

“When I was twelve, I got really into female vocalists. It was like it suddenly just hit me that other beings like me existed in the world, and by listening to their music, I could feel a little less alone. I remember getting so pissed at my guy friends, when they would totally dismiss a band without even hearing them just because the singer was a girl. So you can imagine how big of a shithead traitor I feel like, a little over a decade later, when I sigh immediately to myself upon finding out a band is female fronted. I feel this way because of the Adeles, the ones I’m supposed to respect because of their voices, or the Porcelain Blacks that I’m supposed to love because “OMG she’s so weird!”
Thank all that is (or isn’t) holy, that this is not the case with Vajra, a progressive rock band with heavy Eastern Indian influences from New York City.
Any good band, no matter what the sex of their vocalist, starts with a musician. Someone who can feel the soul inside of music, who can conjure music from their own soul, and express it somehow. Annamaria Pinna is not only a talented musician, but one hell of a conjurer as well. In her voice, there is not only emotion, but power, truth, a sort of sense that there is more to music than just what we can hear. Vajra does not rely on Pinna’s presence, or even her strong voice - it’s clear that the band works as one to create their sound. The music itself is atmospheric, at once ethereal yet stirring. Part of you wants to meditate, part of you wants to move, go out, do things. Just as that paradox exists, there is also a paradox of hard and soft in Vajra’s sound. It’s the kind of music that means something different for each listener, in every different situation it’s listened to. Vajra have created a world of sound that never falls short of what it promises.
You can hear them at http://www.reverbnation.com/vajra, or visit their website at http://www.thevajratemple.com.”
- Kamilah Varushka

"Birthing Vajra in 2012: Begin the Supposed End of Times With A New Sound From A Mystical New Band"

Get out your confetti and begin the supposed end of times in 2012 with the birth of Vajra, a bold new band with a definite edgy sound. Blending rock rhythms with mystical Indian melodies, Vajra is already creating much buzz.

Since their recent sold-out debut at The Bowery Electric in NYC, and the release of their first single on August 19, "Inside The Flame", Vajra has been impressing audiences and gaining mass appeal with their exotic sound. Virgin America is featuring the single "Erode The Will" on their In-Flight Entertainment Series and Vajra's music is showcased on radio internet stations, podcasts, and music websites.

Created by singer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India, Vajra' sound is exciting and definitely different. So raise your glasses and toast to a brand new band with a "new year "sound.... - Yahoo News

"Birthing Vajra in 2012: Begin the Supposed End of Times With A New Sound From A Mystical New Band"

"Vajra Flies With Virgin America"

Vajras single, "Erode the Will" is featured the entire month of December on Virgin Americas In-Flight Entertainment Series. The single will play aboard Virgin's aircrafts on the "New Music Discovered" Channel, and will reach more than 450,000 flying ears per month.

"Erode the Will" is a dark commentary on today's political climate. A fitting release during the Occupy Wall Street protests, the lyrics, "silence opposition, circumvent free will" examine the pitfalls of an apathetic nation under siege by an oligarchical government. Somber guitars beat out a rhythm of foreboding danger while hymn-like chants reveal the role that religion plays in censoring free thought. The entire song is a funereal tribute of what can happen when both mind and spirit are paralyzed. The band leads one on a sonic sojourn to a climactic end that leaves the listener clambering for more.

Look out for Vajra's forthcoming album "Pleroma" slated for release in 2012. Pleroma is an exploration of paradoxes; east vs. west, soft vs. pummeling, female vs. male. The album includes appearances by drummer Blake Fleming from The Mars Volta, bass guitarist Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls and guitarist Will Dahl from Harleys War as well as tabla master Turtle Jon. It was written and produced by Annamaria Pinna and recorded in Mumbai, NYC, and Weed, CA. Vocals were co-produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award Winner, Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, System of a Down) and mixed by Rich Veltrop (Slayer, Tom Petty, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA. It was engineered by Matt Boynton (MGMT) at Vacation Island Recording, as well as Sylvia Massy and Ian Rickard at Radiostar Studios. Mastering by Tom Baker (NIN, Prince, Foo Fighters, Ministry, etc) at Precision Audio in LA.

Erode The Will is available on Itunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/erode-the-will-single/id472333947
and Pleroma can be pre-ordered here:
vajratemple.bandcamp.com/

For more info about Vajra, please go to the following pages at:
http://www.thevajratemple.com
http://www.facebook.com/vajratemple
reverbnation.com/vajra
twitter.com/vajratemple
myspace.com/vajratemple - Hollywood Industry

"Vajra Debut Show"

The debut of Vajra at the Bowery electric In New Yorks famous Bowery neighborhood on 11-11-11 was an amazing show at an amazing place that has showcased some great shows aover the years. This band Keeping with the tradition.
Accompanied with video projection art of Adam meow from Baltimore’s Electric Marmalade this evening did not disappoint. They performed songs from their debut album “Pleroma”, a haunting exploration of paradox, written during Annamaria Pinna’s self-imposed exile in India. Annamaria’s powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming of the band The Mars Volta on drums which is on of my favorite bands, Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls on bass and Will Dahl from Harley’s War on guitar.
The siren’s song mixed with edgy harmony weaved together by powerful passion that’s how I discribe this band.If you like bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees or Morcheeba or just looking for something different this is it. They performed with a grace that will float you to another world. Vajra is here and I hope they’ll stay for a long time.... - Swarm Magazine

"Vajra Erodes Your Will To Question"

Just after their recent sold-out headlining debut at The Bowery Electric in NYC, Vajra is set to release their second single, "Erode the Will" on December 3. While their first single took their audience "Inside The Flame", this second single 'erodes your will' to question the explosive talent of this exotic new artist.

"Erode the Will" is a dark commentary on today's political climate. A fitting release during the Occupy Wall Street protests, the lyrics, "silence opposition, circumvent free will" examine the pitfalls of an apathetic nation under siege by an oligarchical government. Somber guitars beat out a rhythm of foreboding danger while hymn-like chants reveal the role that religion plays in censoring free thought. The entire song is a funereal tribute of what can happen when both mind and spirit are paralyzed. The band leads one on a sonic sojourn to a climactic end that leaves the listener clambering for more.

Selected by Virgin America for their In-Flight Entertainment series for December 2011, "Erode the Will" is already making waves. It is also receiving airplay on various internet radio stations and podcasts.

Look out for Vajra's forthcoming album "Pleroma" slated for release in 2012. “Pleroma” is an exploration of paradoxes; east vs. west, soft vs. pummeling, female vs. male. The album includes appearances by drummer Blake Fleming from The Mars Volta, bass guitarist Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls and guitarist Will Dahl from Harley’s War as well as tabla master Turtle Jon. It was written and produced by Annamaria Pinna and recorded in Mumbai, NYC, and Weed, CA. Vocals were co-produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award Winner, Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, System of a Down) and mixed by Rich Veltrop (Slayer, Tom Petty, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA. It was engineered by Matt Boynton (MGMT) at Vacation Island Recording, as well as Sylvia Massy and Ian Rickard at Radiostar Studios. Mastering by Tom Baker (NIN, Prince, Foo Fighters, Ministry, etc) at Precision Audio in LA. - Indie Castle Magazine (The Throne For Independent Music)

"Vajra-Inside The Flame"

Music with passion. Kudos for creating some music different from everything out there at the moment. There's flavor from other cultures embedded in the music giving it depth and an exotic feel. The artist has an interesting story about their background which seems evident in the sonics and style of their music. It takes me back to the creativity of Kate Bush. I want to see where this artist goes in the future. - Holly Hutchison (former A&R Executive at Capitol Records & Atlantic Records)

"Vajra’s Debut Performance"

A few months ago you may remember us telling you about this awesome band from NYC called Vajra. They had sent us their first single and we loved it. It felt like we had taken a trip to India with Trent Reznor – without the expensive price of airfare and hotels. Lucky us, right? Well if you were good little boys and girls, you took a listen as well. There’s no need to ask if you liked it – of course you did, why wouldn’t you? Which is why we are excited to give you details on their debut performance.

Vajra will be playing the Bowery Electric this week on Nov. 10th. They go on at 11pm so you’ll have plenty of time to get there if you work. Details below…

Tickets for the November 10 performance at The Bowery Electric are $8 and are available at the box office. For more information, contact: The Bowery Electric at: 327 Bowery (at 2nd St.), New York, New York 10003,

Phone: 212-228-0228
Website:http://www.theboweryelectric.com.

Check out Vajra… there’s an abundance of sites

Facebook
Twitter
MySpace
Bandcamp
ReverbNation

Get the debut single, “Inside The Flame” on Itunes

.... - Through The Sound Barrier

"Vajra Goes Electric on The Bowery"

Vajra brings their thunderous music and multimedia performance to The Bowery Electric on November 10 at 11pm. In keeping with Vajra’s tenebrous, mystical music, Vajra will lead their audience to the mysterious 11-11-11, and the show is one you won’t want to miss.
The band will perform songs from their debut album “Pleroma”, a haunting exploration of paradox, written during Annamaria Pinna’s self-imposed exile in India. Annamaria’s powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming (The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, and Will Dahl (Harley’s War) on guitar.
Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
The band is quickly generating a buzz after releasing their first single “Inside The Flame”. Virgin America just accepted Vajra’s yet unreleased single “Erode The Will” to be featured on their In-Flight Entertainment for December 2011.
"Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna …[while living] in India, and you can indeed hear an exotic influence in her songs, which though carry a very western tension and darkness. Overall her uptempo music could be described like an alt-rock version of Dead Can Dance. We are sure there is a numerous group of teenagers somewhere in the US suburbs who can fall in love with this lady and her tenebrous music."

The Deli Magazine NYC, The Deli Magazine NYC (Oct 07, 2011)
"Newcomer Vajra to Set Underground NYC Music Scene Ablaze: Debut Single “Inside The Flame” Released, Vajra’s First Album “Pleroma” to Follow in Spring 2012...."

Yahoo News (Sep 13, 2011)
"Take a trip to India with Vajra. You want something new? This is It"

Through the Sound Barrier (Aug 18, 2011)
Tickets for the November 10 performance at The Bowery Electric are $8 and are available at the box office. For more information, contact :The Bowery Electric at: 327 Bowery (at 2nd St.), New York, New York 10003, 212-228-0228.
Vajra currently does not have a record deal.
For more info about Vajra, please go to the following pages at:

http://www.reverbnation.com/vajra

https://www.facebook.com/vajratemple

http://www.twitter.com/vajratemple
The debut single, “Inside The Flame” is available on Itunes here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/vajra/id458093151
.... - Yahoo

"Music Submissions roundup: Bird Prey, Kidsmoke, Lost Grove, Laura Distasi, Vajra"

Vajra was formed by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna during her self imposed exile in India, and you can indeed hear an exotic influence in her songs, which though carry a very western tension and darkness. Overall her uptempo music could be described like an alt-rock version of Dead Can Dance. We are sure there is a numerous group of teenagers somewhere in the US suburbs who can fall in love with this lady and her tenebrous music. - The Deli Magazine NYC

"Newcomer Vajra to Set Underground NYC Music Scene Ablaze: Debut Single “Inside The Flame” Released, Vajra’s First Album “Pleroma” to Follow in Spring 2012"

"Inside The Flame" is Vajra’s debut release off of their first album "Pleroma," written during Annamaria Pinna’s self-imposed exile in India. Annamaria’s powerful vocals are highlighted by Blake Fleming (The Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (The Dirty Pearls) on bass, Will Dahl (Harley’s War) on guitar and Turtle Jon on tabla.
Vajra’s music is hauntingly dark and hypnotic weaving Eastern Indian themes with melodic, progressive rock creating foreboding and mysterious lullabies. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
The album “Pleroma” is an exploration in paradox. It will leave you spellbound.

New York, New York (PRWEB) September 13, 2011
Make way for Vajra, the musical alter ego created by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna, during her self-imposed exile in India. Vajra released single ‘Inside the Flame’ from the forthcoming debut album ‘Pleroma’. “Inside the Flame” is a hauntingly dark and hypnotic track that immediately commands one’s attention.
“Inside the Flame” weaves Eastern Indian themes with melodic progressive rock creating a foreboding and mysterious lullaby from one lover to another. The song is a metaphor for how to maintain one’s identity when in love. “It’s kind of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde from the point of view of a manipulative individual who entices another to fall in love and then strips her lover of his identity” says Annamaria.
The single starts with an unsettling low growl, which grows to a breathing guitar and melodic entrancing vocals. The verses are reminiscent of a soft siren “lulling” you in, yet Annamaria’s tone hints at something darker beneath the surface. The music builds in intensity from a slow rhythmic tempo, to a formidable chorus with pummelling drums, a driving bass and intense guitars after which the music reaches a point of disjointed chaos and crashes to the ground. It starts again slowly with Annamaria’s haunting whisper, building once more with an arpeggiated guitar and crescendos as Annamaria reveals the full range of her powerful voice.
“Inside the Flame” is an impressive debut from Vajra. The combined musical talents of Blake Fleming on drums (The Mars Volta), Doug Wright on bass (The Dirty Pearls), and Will Dahl on guitars (Harley’s War) all serve to highlight Annamaria’s powerful vocals and to create the intensity of the piece.
The forthcoming album, ‘Pleroma’ is slated for release in 2012. “Pleroma” is an exploration of paradoxes; east vs. west, soft vs. pummelling, female vs. male. The album includes appearances by drummer Blake Fleming from The Mars Volta, bass guitarist Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls and guitarist Will Dahl from Harley’s War as well as tabla master Turtle Jon. It was written and produced by Annamaria Pinna and recorded in Mumbai, NYC, and Weed, CA. Vocals were co-produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award Winner, Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, System of a Down) and mixed by Rich Veltrop (Slayer, Tom Petty, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA. It was engineered by Matt Boynton (MGMT) at Vacation Island Recording, as well as Sylvia Massy and Ian Rickard at Radiostar Studios. It was mastered by Tom Baker (NIN, Prince, Foo Fighters, Ministry, etc) at Precision Audio in LA.
Vajra will begin touring in NYC this Fall.
“Inside The Flame” is available on iTunes here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/inside-the-flame-single/id458093143

and “Pleroma” can be pre-ordered here:

http://vajratemple.bandcamp.com/
For more info about Vajra, please go to the following pages at: https://www.facebook.com/vajratemple

http://www.reverbnation.com/vajra

http://www.twitter.com/vajratemple

http://www.myspace.com/vajratemple
For more information:
Angela Blando

Vajra Temple

(845) 430-6283

vajratemple(at)gmail(dot)com
###
Annamaria Pinna

845-430-6283 - Yahoo

"NEWCOMER VAJRA TO SET UNDERGROUND NYC MUSIC SCENE ABLAZE DEBUT SINGLE “INSIDE THE FLAME” ON RELEASE AUGUST 19TH 2011 VAJRA’S FIRST ALBUM “PLEROMA” TO FOLLOW IN SPRING 2012"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWCOMER VAJRA TO SET UNDERGROUND NYC MUSIC SCENE ABLAZE
DEBUT SINGLE “INSIDE THE FLAME” ON RELEASE AUGUST 19TH 2011
VAJRA’S FIRST ALBUM “PLEROMA” TO FOLLOW IN SPRING 2012

August 18, 2011 (New York, New York) -- Make way for Vajra, the musical alter ego created by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna, during her self-imposed exile in India. Vajra will release single ‘Inside the Flame’ from her forthcoming debut album ‘Pleroma’ on August 19, 2011. “Inside the Flame” is a hauntingly dark and hypnotic track that immediately commands one’s attention.

“Inside the Flame” weaves Eastern Indian themes with melodic progressive rock creating a foreboding and mysterious lullaby from one lover to another. The song is a metaphor for how to maintain one’s identity when in love. “It’s kind of Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde from the point of view of a manipulative individual who entices another to fall in love and then strips her lover of his identity” says Annamaria.

The single starts with an unsettling low growl, which grows to a breathing guitar and melodic entrancing vocals. The verses are reminiscent of a soft siren “lulling” you in, yet Annamaria’s tone hints at something darker beneath the surface. The music builds in intensity from a slow rhythmic tempo, to a formidable chorus with pummelling drums, a driving bass and intense guitars after which the music reaches a point of disjointed chaos and crashes to the ground. It starts again slowly with Annamaria’s haunting whisper, building once more with an arpeggiated guitar and crescendoing as Annamaria reveals the full range of her powerful voice.

“Inside the Flame” is an impressive debut from Vajra. The combined musical talents of
Blake Fleming on drums (The Mars Volta), Doug Wright on bass (The Dirty Pearls), and Will Dahl on guitars (Harley’s War) all serve to highlight Annamaria’s powerful vocals and to create the intensity of the piece.

The forthcoming album, ‘Pleroma’ is slated for release in 2012. “Pleroma” is an exploration of paradoxes; east vs. west, soft vs. pummelling, female vs. male. The album includes appearances by drummer Blake Fleming from The Mars Volta, bass guitarist Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls and guitarist Will Dahl from Harley’s War as well as tabla master Turtle Jon. It was written and produced by Annamaria Pinna and recorded in Mumbai, NYC, and Weed, CA. Vocals were co-produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award Winner, Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, System of a Down) and mixed by Rich Veltrop (Slayer, Tom Petty, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA. It was engineered by Matt Boynton (MGMT) at Vacation Island Recording, as well as Sylvia Massy and Ian Rickard at Radiostar Studios. Mastering by Tom Baker (NIN, Prince, Foo Fighters, Ministry, etc) at Precision Audio in LA.

Vajra will begin touring in NYC this Fall.

For more info about Vajra, please go to the official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/vajra/269185641140?sk=app_178091127385

For more information:

Angela Blando
Vajra Temple
(845) 430-6283
vajratemple@gmail.com

###
- vajra

"Take A Trip to India with Vajra - You Want Something New? - This Is It!"

NEWCOMER VAJRA TO SET UNDERGROUND NYC MUSIC SCENE ABLAZE
DEBUT SINGLE “INSIDE THE FLAME” ON RELEASE AUGUST 19TH 2011
VAJRA’S FIRST ALBUM “PLEROMA” TO FOLLOW IN SPRING 2012

August 18, 2011 (New York, New York) -- Make way for Vajra, the musical alter ego created by composer, singer and multi-instrumentalist, Annamaria Pinna, during her self-imposed exile in India. Vajra will release single ‘Inside the Flame’ from her forthcoming debut album ‘Pleroma’ on August 19, 2011. “Inside the Flame” is a hauntingly dark and hypnotic track that immediately commands one’s attention.

“Inside the Flame” weaves Eastern Indian themes with melodic progressive rock creating a foreboding and mysterious lullaby from one lover to another. The song is a metaphor for how to maintain one’s identity when in love. “It’s kind of Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde from the point of view of a manipulative individual who entices another to fall in love and then strips her lover of his identity” says Annamaria.

The single starts with an unsettling low growl, which grows to a breathing guitar and melodic entrancing vocals. The verses are reminiscent of a soft siren “lulling” you in, yet Annamaria’s tone hints at something darker beneath the surface. The music builds in intensity from a slow rhythmic tempo, to a formidable chorus with pummelling drums, a driving bass and intense guitars after which the music reaches a point of disjointed chaos and crashes to the ground. It starts again slowly with Annamaria’s haunting whisper, building once more with an arpeggiated guitar and crescendoing as Annamaria reveals the full range of her powerful voice.

“Inside the Flame” is an impressive debut from Vajra. The combined musical talents of
Blake Fleming on drums (The Mars Volta), Doug Wright on bass (The Dirty Pearls), and Will Dahl on guitars (Harley’s War) all serve to highlight Annamaria’s powerful vocals and to create the intensity of the piece.

The forthcoming album, ‘Pleroma’ is slated for release in 2012. “Pleroma” is an exploration of paradoxes; east vs. west, soft vs. pummelling, female vs. male. The album includes appearances by drummer Blake Fleming from The Mars Volta, bass guitarist Doug Wright from The Dirty Pearls and guitarist Will Dahl from Harley’s War as well as tabla master Turtle Jon. It was written and produced by Annamaria Pinna and recorded in Mumbai, NYC, and Weed, CA. Vocals were co-produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award Winner, Sylvia Massy (Johnny Cash, Prince, Tool, System of a Down) and mixed by Rich Veltrop (Slayer, Tom Petty, Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers) at Radiostar Studios in Weed, CA. It was engineered by Matt Boynton (MGMT) at Vacation Island Recording, as well as Sylvia Massy and Ian Rickard at Radiostar Studios. Mastering by Tom Baker (NIN, Prince, Foo Fighters, Ministry, etc) at Precision Audio in LA.

Vajra will begin touring in NYC this Fall.

For more info about Vajra, please go to the official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/vajra/269185641140?sk=app_178091127385

For more information:

Angela Blando
Vajra Temple
(845) 430-6283
vajratemple@gmail.com
- Through The Sound Barrier

Discography

Pleroma, LP (Summer Solstice, 2012)

Blind (Blood Mix) - 2014

Wavering - 2014

Inside The Flame (Blood Mix) 2015

Photos

Bio

“It’s time to get to know Vajra” according to Loudwire Magazine. Dubbed a “Must-See Act” by Rolling Stone Magazine and one of the “Most underrated bands” by AXS Magazine, Vajra uniquely blends hauntingly dark and hypnotic melodic, progressive rock with Eastern Indian themes into foreboding and mysterious lullabies. “Their live show is like a cathartic punch in the face” according to Creem Magazine, and they were accordingly selected to perform at the Loudwire Music Festival 2015 and Rock-fest 2016, CMJ and SXSW. Vajra’s DIY videos for two of their singles were both on the Loudwire Top 10 Rock & Metal Video Countdown for a combined total of 24 weeks and were subsequently retired as the longest tenured videos on the Countdown. The band also was #1 of the Reverbnation Alternative Rock Music Chart for NYC for 10 consecutive weeks and one of their singles was #37 on the Under The Radar Chart.

Vajra was formed by composer and singer, Annamaria Pinna during her self-imposed exile in India. The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound.

Vajra’s debut album “Pleroma” was released on the Summer Solstice, 2012 (6.21.12). Pleroma is an exploration in paradox (east vs west, soft vs pummelling, female vs male) and includes Blake Fleming (ex-The Mars Volta) on drums. Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of A Down, Prince, Johnny Cash) co-produced the vocals and mixed. Tom Baker (NIN, Foo Fighters, Ministry, Prince) mastered.
HIGHLIGHTS

• Rolling Stone Magazine names Vajra "Must-See Act" at Loudwire Music Festival 2015
• Reverbnation #1 NYC & Region (10+ weeks)
• "3.14 (Water Mix)" Exclusive Debut Cranked Up Live
• "3.14 (Water Mix)" debut #5 Loudwire Top 10 Rock & Metal Videos (Fan Voted)
• "3.14 (Water Mix)" 16 consecutive weeks on Loudwire Top 10 Rock &
Metal Videos + retired as Longest Tenured Video on Countdown
• "3.14 (Water Mix)" Video selected to be screened at Radio KSCR Music Video Festival
• "Inside The Flame (Rapid Oxidation Mix)" - exclusive debut by Loudwire Magazine
• "Inside The Flame (Rapid Oxidation Mix)" - Top 10 Loudwire Battle
Royale Video Countdown (8 weeks + retired as Longest Tenured Video on
Countdown)
• "Inside The Flame (Rapid Oxidation Mix)" - added to rotation at
KMZK/Grand Junction, KHAD/Upton, KGRR/Dubuque, KTED/Casper,
KAZY/Cheyenne, KROW/Cody, Radio 106, Rock Rage Radio, KEYJ/Abilene,
KJML/Joplin, KFML/Little Falls, KHAD/Upton, KXPZ/Las Cruces, Rocket
Online, WECL/Eau Claire
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” – added to rotation on SiriusXM Octane Radio
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” - #37 Under the Radar Chart (1/13/15)
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” – added to rotation at WOBG/Fairmont, WKKI/Celina,
KZND/Anchorage, KEYJ/Abilene, WGBF/Evansville, KJML/Joplin,
KGRR/Dubuque, WOBJ/Fairmont, KAZY/Cheyenne, KFML/Little Falls,
KHAD/Upton, KHWL/Altus, KMZK/Grand Junction, KOZE/Lewiston, KQDI/Great
Falls, KROW/Cody, KRWN/Farmington, KTED/Casper, KTRX/Ardamore, KXPZ/Las
Cruces, WECL/Eau Claire, and WPNT/Villa Rica, Rockfile Radio Ice, Radio
106, WPNY, Rock 939 and Hard N’ Heavy Radio
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” - #1 for 2 consecutive weeks (10/6/14 & 10/13/14) on Rockfile Radio Ice
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” - #30 Most Requested Songs of 2014 on Rockfile Radio Ice
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” – Winner 103 WGBF Rocktagon New Song Battle
against Le Projet “Head Down” (Members of Candlebox, Sevendust and The
Infinite Staircase)
• “Blind (Blood Mix)” in World's 1st E-Novel with Music 'H8 Society - How an Atomic Fart Saved the World' 2015
• Direct Support for Screaming For Silence, Wayland, Saving Abel and
opening for Buckcherry, Sick Puppies, Shaman's Harvest, Eve To Adam,
I-Exist, Ghostship Octavius
• “Inside The Flame” - #12 out of Top 50 Songs of 2013 Rockfile Radio Ice
• “Inside The Flame” video selected to play Radio KSCR's Third Annual Music Video Festival (2015)
• “Inside The Flame” - Gothic Magazine Compilation CD 56
• “Erode The Will” - Virgin America In-Flight Entertainment Series
• “Erode The Will” - Red Gorilla SXSW 2012 Compilation
• “See Through You” - Red Gorilla SXSW 2013 Compilation
• Vajra selected as Supercuts VIP Rock The Cut Ambassador
• Vajra featured artist, Progtopia Podcast, Episode 021
• Video for "Inside The Flame" over 30,000 views
• Licensing with The Discovery Network, Viacom, Showtime, Bravo, Red Lab, MotherWest

Vajra’s music will leave you spellbound.

Band Members

Annamaria Pinna

David Sussman

Links

The Vajra Temple, a site devoted to Vajra Music and the Vajra Band

Facebook page

SoundCloud

YouTube

Instagram

MySpace

Bandcamp

Last.fm

Spotify

Pandora

Reverbnation

Tech, Rider, Lyrics