Virtuosism, intelligence, great compositional skills, all this and more can be found in the playing of the band called Aghora. Every song discovers for you new worlds of technical music taken to its extremes. Santiago Dobles, guitaris t from the band talked about the history and projects of the band.
   
How did you ended up forming a band with Sean Reinert and Charlie Ekendahl?  

Both of them have been good friends of mine for a while.   The type of sound I had in mind could only be developed with a certain type of musicianship.  Charlie and Sean definitely each as individuals had the sound I was looking for.  The music was written with their styles in mind. 

How has studying music in Berklee changed the way that you compose and play music? 

It definitely helped me in many ways.  I realized how I wanted to sound and how I didn't want to sound.  I was introduced to a lot of new elements.  But before I went in I already had an idea of what I wanted to sound like.   In some ways it made me not want to write or sound like the stuff I was hearing at Berklee.  Berklee is a great place but it can also hamper your true identity as a musician.  If you stay there long enough you will sound like everyone else if your not careful.   I don't think the classroom is always the best place to learn an art form. 

Is Sean Malone going to record Aghora´s next material? So, you have half
of the Cynic line up that recorded Focus. What do you think of that?

Sean Malone will probably not record the next album with us.  He is very busy with his own projects. It was an amazing experience to share with all of them in the process of the recording.  I was not so much concerned with the actual Cynic connection I was more amazed of the individuals I was working with.


Can we call the band an experimental-technical metal band?

I guess so.  I myself don't know what label we fall under.  In fact I would hate to be labeled.

How was learning guitar with such great players as Paul Masvidal, Jon Finn and Derek Taylor?

They all had some great input for me to absorb.  Paul really helped me to understand the basics of playing jazz and improv.  Derek really helped to give the attributes needed to form my style. He taught me via correspondence.  As for Jon, he really helped me to further understand putting things together.  I think however the guy I learned the most from was Mashi Hasu from Berklee.   He really opened my eyes when it came down to improv. 


Does Charlie bring kind of a death metal feel and sound to the music? What do you think each member brings to the band?

Charlie really does have a great European metal sound.  I enjoy his energy and his way of expression.   Sean is definitely the foundation.  His playing is so fluid yet very sturdy and concrete.  As for Danishta, she is what makes the band.

Are you participating in other projects apart from Aghora?

At the moment no.  Lately I have been focusing on my own personal development on the acoustic guitar.  I find it a much harder instrument to control than the electric.  It takes more to make it sing.  I will develop some sort of acoustic project soon as well.

Are you going to put male vocals to make a contrast with Danishta?

It's possible. 

Are you playing live or planning to do it?

We are hoping to tour very soon.  Things are being planned at the moment by our label.

What can we expect from the next Aghora album? Is the material already
composed?

I think half of the album is almost ready.  It is a very thick sound.  It is definitely heavier yet more melodic.  It's more Aghora!

Any final words ?

Thanks for the support! take care and say hello to all our listeners in Argentina.

Interviewed by Federico Marongiu

Aghora - CD (2000)

Santiago Dobles - guitars

Charlie Ekendahl - guitars

Sean Reinert - drums

Danishta Rivero - vocals