Rahul Hariharan, drummer of Bhayanak Maut, tells Avani Bheda that the extremely popular heavy  metal band is ready for a power-packed performance at RockFort 2010 in Bandra on Sunday, the 26th of December in heavy- and death-metal frenzy. Excerpts.
 

Tell us your plans about RockFort?

December has been a great month for us. We've played at IIM-A, BITS Pilani, NH7, GIR Bangalore – where we opened for Meshuggah, and more. The band as a whole is in top form; And what better way to end the month than play at Rock Fort, which promises to be a crushing gig. We're really excited about this show because it will mark the end of our December tour. We haven't played at home in a while, so we think it's time we bring it.

The new Bhayanak Maut sound is monstrous! How did you guys achieve such a tone?

When we decided to get Aditya and Sunneith on board as second guitar player and second vocalist respectively, things just fell into place sonically. We found our sound. After that it's just been about working really hard to better the last gig. Even after a superb performance, we're not satisfied. We want to do better. Every new gig, every new song.
 

What has changed from the last album?

A lot of things!!! After the album, Rahul left for Scotland for further studies. We had a little over a year in our hands. Our very good friend Jai Row kavi joined us as a drummer, and it was fantastic, what with his phenomenal drumming skills. We did a lot of shows with Jai. Promoted the album further. It was a lot of good fun. What we also did, was write new songs with him. We wanted to show something for the time Jai was with us. So we recorded an E.P., called Metastasis. It has 3 songs, and it's up for free download at www.nh7.in/bhayanakmaut

It is just our way of saying thank you to everyone who has been with us for these 6 years, listening to our stuff, braving the pits, and just being awesome. It is just a very big thank you. And a free one at that. Now Rahul is back, and we feel stronger than ever.

Did you guys do anything special during the recording of this album? Any special recording techniques?

Metastasis was recorded at Aditya's home. We flew down our producer Anupam Roy from Delhi and he set up base at Aditya's house. We all have our idiosyncrasies, and sonic recipes. We just went with that. I don't think Anupam would want us to share any the anecdotes.

What makes Bhayanak Maut different from other bands?

Every band is different. We don't want to draw comparisons. We are Bhayanak Maut, and we sound like Bhayanak Maut.

You guys played and awesome gig at the Deccan Rock with Textures. How was the experience?

We've opened for both Meshuggah and Textures, and we beat our chests in pride for that. Very few bands get to share the stage with their idols, the people whom they've looked up to for years. It was an honour to even breathe the same air as Meshuggah and Textures. Opening for them was a dream.

What are your future projects?

We have a rough plan drafted out for next year. It looks quite promising. Of all the things planned, we're looking at the third Bhayanak Maut album for sure. Pre production for the album will begin soon.