Aghori

The Aghori's strongly believe that there are no opposites in this world and that the conventional distinctions between purity and impurity are actually an illusion. They celebrate inner peace and tranquility through dark rituals. Considered "Outcasts" by society, this Indian tribe lives on cremation grounds, smearing themselves with the ashes of corpses and eating from a cranial begging bowl. The purpose of embracing pollution in these practices is realization of non-duality through transcending social taboos and seeing the illusory nature of all conventional categories.

Formally known as "Heinous" the two founding members of Aghori are vocalist, Dustin Keimig and drummer Seth Roscamp , who started the band in 2000 while still in high school. With the addition of guitarists Jason Smith and Thomas Page and bassist Michael Alarid, their collective sound grew heavier, and they decided to change their name to enhance their aggressive sonance. "Aghori" seemed to suit their lurid sound perfectly.

Aghori is driven by their anger infused melodic thrash metal. Sighting influences from Lamb of God and Ill Nino to Black Sabbath, the band has taken on the monumental challenge of combining all of these elements and has successfully turned it into their own brand of thick, dark and coagulated hard rock.

In the modern musical world of artificial happiness, there isn't much room for people who prefer the dark sounds of heavy metal. Aghori recognizes that metal is known for its diehard fans, and that's just who the band attracts. Their brutal onstage presence entices fans from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Aghori's music offers them a chance to vent the frustration that brews from feeling alone and insignificant. "It's basically about not being afraid to be an outsider," says Vocalist Dustin Keimig. "It's about refusing to follow life's prescriptions."