KJAGradio.com/themic
Welcome back to KJAGradio.com/themic — today we dive headfirst into the underground metal scene with a rising force from India that’s bringing old-school death metal fury into the modern era. The project is called Banished Truth, and the debut album Exilium Veritatis is already turning heads with its crushing riffs, blistering solos, and lyrical themes that go far beyond the typical shock-and-gore formula.
Created entirely by guitarist, songwriter, producer, and lifelong metalhead Vikas D, this album blends the aggression of classic death metal with technical precision, melody, and philosophical depth inspired by bands like Children of Bodom, Deicide, and Vader.
The album Exilium Veritatis is available now on Bandcamp and you can also check out the band on YouTube.
Right now on KJAGRadio.com/TheMic, we welcome Vikas D from Banished Truth.
Interview Questions for Banished Truth
The Creation of Exilium Veritatis
Interview Questions for Banished Truth
The Creation of Exilium Veritatis
- First off, congratulations on releasing Exilium Veritatis. What emotions hit you when the album finally went live to the world?
Thank you. It was a mixture of relief and excitement as a lot of effort went into it especially the guitar playing and drums.
- The title Exilium Veritatis translates roughly to “Exile of Truth.” What inspired that concept, and how does it reflect the themes of the album?
The main theme is a person who stands for truth and supports it is alone most of times and the ignorant people who follow others generally banish the truth at first
- Was there a defining moment when you realized Banished Truth needed to become a full creative outlet instead of just an idea?
I have been a musician for many years so in my daily life I am always listening to diverse music and ideas form in my head. For this album, I finally had enough ideas to string together a bunch of songs and themes. Currently I am gathering ideas daily for the next set of songs. Hardest thing is to find the time.
- This album feels deeply personal and uncompromising. Did you approach it more as an artistic statement or a sonic assault?
I wanted it to be a mix of both but personally I am more interested in the musical side of things so I wanted it to be technical but catchy at the same time.
- What was the hardest part about creating an entire death metal album completely on your own?
I would say the hardest part was working with my drummer friend on laying the drum parts which are a mix of real time playing and programmed.
Influences & Musical Identity
- You cite Children of Bodom, Deicide, and Vader as influences. What specific elements from those bands shaped your sound?
I have enjoyed all 3 of these bands since I started listening to metal. For me COB inspires with the hooks and catchiness, Deicide and Vader are so good with the brutality, riffs and speed.
- There’s a balance between brutality and melody throughout the record. How important is melody in extreme music to you?
Melody is always big with me as that’s what makes any song memorable but having said that I try very hard not to make it sound too cheesy.
- A lot of modern death metal leans heavily into technicality or overproduction. Were you consciously trying to preserve an old-school spirit?
That’s a great and very relevant question. Yes I miss the old school production of the roadrunner death metal bands so I wanted to capture that but also wanted each of the instruments to be clear enough in the mix. For me modern production gets monotonous after a while because it sounds too polished.
- Which guitarists had the biggest impact on your playing style and songwriting approach?
– Alexi Laiho
– Muhammed S (Necrophagist)
– Chuck Schuldiner (DEATH)
- The riffs feel both aggressive and precise. How much time do you spend refining arrangements before recording?
At the most initial stage I just fool around on the guitar coming up with riffs and arrangements, then I lay them down onto musical notation so that I don’t forget them. At the time of tracking I refine the riffs to go with the drums and vocals a little but not too much.
Lyrics & Themes
- The album explores socio-political and existential themes. What topics felt too important not to address?
In most death metal , the themes are mainly satanism or gore. I am a big fan of Megadeth and Coroner and always strive to write lyrics about what’s going on in the real world and in one’s real life. The whole lyrical theme is about how modern humans are so engrossed in the rat-race and escapism that they can’t see the naked truth right in front of their eyes.
- Do you see death metal as a platform for social commentary, or is it more about emotional release?
Death metal is an excellent platform for making people see the inconvenient things in life and force them to acknowledge them and stand up to them.
Emotions at the core dictate where society goes.
- Many extreme metal bands avoid deeper lyrical substance in favor of shock value. Was it important for you to bring philosophical weight into the music?
I always feel that whatever you put out should sound engaging, fresh and memorable. Shock value will always be a big factor in death metal as it lays at its core but we should have a balance of all kinds of emotions in death metal, that’s what makes it so wonderful and engaging, every musical emotion is pushed to the extreme whether in terms of technicality or presentation.
- Are the lyrics rooted more in observation, personal experience, or frustration with the modern world?
Great question. They are a mix of all three really.
- Which track on the album carries the strongest lyrical message in your opinion?
I would say ‘Truth they fear’ and ‘We create our own hell’ are the ones most relevant to what’s wrong with society today.
Production & DIY Ethic
- You handled the production and engineering yourself. How challenging was it to balance being both musician and producer?
The biggest challenge is the sheer volume of work you have to do but the important thing is to plan well and just dive into it and make a start.
Once you start, it gets interesting and you keep hitting milestones and then reach fruition.
- What kind of sound were you chasing sonically when producing Exilium Veritatis?
I wanted to make it sound modern enough but also capture the mid range of the 90s. Basically my yard stick was a cross between 2000s Vader and modern Deicide.
- Did working independently give you more creative freedom, or did it create additional pressure?
For me the process of making songs is always enjoyable, pressure was minimal as I planned it well and worked at my own pace. Obviously if you make
an album under a deadline, it would sound incomplete.
- What did you learn during the recording process that you’ll carry into future releases?
I learnt a lot about mixing drums and getting a decent fat lead sound, so those are the two main things I will refine for future releases.
- In today’s digital era, do you think DIY production has empowered underground metal artists more than ever before?
Without a doubt it has empowered many talented individuals to make stunning songs. For eg. SLUGDGE, etc.
The Indian Metal Scene
- India’s metal underground has grown tremendously over the years. How would you describe the current scene there?
The scene in India has grown a lot but it’s still nowhere close to the Americas and Europe. I would like to see more Indian bands play more shows
but there are so many excellent bands in the west that you have to work real hard. SAdly in today’s world of distractions not many young people pick up
instruments and play death metal. 🙂
- What challenges does an extreme metal artist face in India compared to Europe or North America?
There are huge challenges for Indian extreme metal as it’s just a handful of people who support it and there is no money for promoting extreme bands in India. Europe and North America are way ahead in the game.
- Do you feel the global metal community is paying enough attention to bands emerging from India?
Nope. Not enough attention but then most Indian bands are not doing anything totally fresh or ground breaking to get noticed. For an extreme band in today’s saturated scene, especially from India, it has to have that X-factor to compete with global bands.
- Which Indian metal bands do you think deserve far more international recognition?
Oh. Banished Truth, definitely. I am hoping for enough interest so that I can find the right musicians to be part of this band. I don’t listen to many
current bands to comment , sorry. I still basically listen to old stuff like 90s DM and Black metal
- How important has the internet been in helping underground artists like Banished Truth connect with listeners worldwide?
Hugely helpful and important, without the internet, nobody is aware of your existence these days.
Live Band Vision & Future Plans
- You mentioned building a full live lineup. What qualities are you looking for in musicians joining Banished Truth?
I welcome any musicians who have great chops and can commit to the band. Today’s world can be very fickle, you know.
- How different do you think the live version of Banished Truth will feel compared to the studio recordings?
Live, it will be dependent on the sound conditions but we will strive to maybe add some keyboards to add some sinister atmosphere to the songs
and I would also like to have some backing vocal harmonies.
- Are there plans for touring or festival appearances once the lineup is complete?
As soon as we have a decent line-up , we will plan to play everywhere we can.
- If you could share the stage with any three bands, who would they be?
Love this question!! I would like to open for Deicide and Obituary.
- What’s your vision for Banished Truth over the next five years?
I have already started working on a new EP with my drummer. simultaneously looking for musicians to complete the line-up and start doing shows.
Death Metal Culture & Philosophy
- Death metal has survived generations of trends and industry changes. Why do you think the genre continues to endure?
The desire to push it to the limits in terms of playing and delivery. the lovely sound of an awesome RIFF. I think these 2 things will always inspire people
to play death metal.
- What separates authentic death metal from music that merely copies the aesthetic?
That’s tough. I like to compare Death Metal to Jazz. Just like jazz, death metal too has to have certain standards which makes it death metal.
On top of that it’s fair game. Even if you copy the DM aesthetic, you need to have good riffs , double bass and speed and brutality. Can’t really nail down
authenticity as everything is so interweaved today.
- Do you think modern listeners fully understand the craftsmanship behind extreme metal musicianship?
Nope. and most casual listeners would never know but that’s fine. At the end of the day it should be enjoyable to listen to and move you in some way.
- There’s an honesty and intensity in underground metal that mainstream music often lacks. Is that part of what drew you to the genre originally?
Well. To me it’s because of the lack of big money and industry behind it. There are many cases of promoters and managers fucking bands over in extreme music too. The integrity was always a big driving force for me to listen to Extreme music but many bands have had to compromise on their sound in the past. Still mainstream can’t ever replace Metal in terms of dedication and honesty of expression.
- What role does aggression play in your creative process — catharsis, rebellion, therapy, or something else?
I am too old to rebel but I would say controlled aggression and it is cathartic and therapeutic definitely, all art forms are in some way.
Personal & Fun Questions
- What was the first extreme metal album that completely blew your mind?
Morbid Angel – Covenant
- Which song on Exilium Veritatis was the most difficult to finish?
The song ‘Banished Truth’
- If Banished Truth could collaborate with any legendary artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Has to be Chuck Schudiner, Would also like Ralph Santolla to track solos for my songs. R.I.P both of them.
- Outside of metal, are there any unexpected musical influences that inspire you?
Gothwave, Classical music
- Finally — when listeners finish Exilium Veritatis, what do you hope stays with them long after the final riff fades?
I hope it doesn’t sound boring to them and they can come back to it again and again after a while.
Thank you very much, James
BT
Today’s guest has been Vikas D from Banished Truth. The debut album Exilium Veritatis is out right now and if you’re a fan of crushing riffs, old-school death metal intensity, melodic shred guitar, and lyrics that actually challenge the listener, this is an album you need to experience.
Check out the album now on Bandcamp, subscribe on YouTube, and follow the band on Instagram and Facebook.
For booking, interviews, and contact:
vikas.dharamsattu@gmail.com
This has been another exclusive conversation on KJAGradio.com/themic. Keep it locked, keep it loud, and support underground metal everywhere.