Watch “Love is a Battlefield” at Metal Injection here: https://metalinjection.net/video/vajra-streams-perfectly-heavy-cover-of-love-is-a-battlefield
Nearly 40 years to the day, Vajra delivers a reimagined version of the original “Love is a Battlefield”, showcasing the band’s signature style and their ability to make a well-known song their own, with all of the elements and a great new spin on them. Vajra‘s cover has a distinct and unique sound, given the band’s penchant for blending different musical elements and their ethereal and heavy style.
The band transforms the song, creating an atmospheric and moody ambiance with a quick pummel to gut. Vajra frontwoman Annamaria Pinna embodies the song on a cellular level. Pinna‘s raw, haunting and ethereal vocals emphasize the emotional depth of the lyrics as she adds her own unique vocal nuances that will bring a tear to your eye and a defiance to your spirit, all in under three and a half minutes. Vajra combines djenty, layered, arpeggiated and soundscaped guitars with a melodic drum groove, hi-hat spice and jaw dropping fills, transforming the traditional backbeat and creating bombastic choruses.
“We don’t normally do covers, but we wanted to pay tribute to one of our inspirations, and we wanted a song that had some room to ‘Vajrasize’ and make our own. We were diving the New York Thruway singing along to the radio, and when Annamaria soared through this song, I knew it was the one.” guitarist Dave Sussman remembers. Pinna adds, “The song captures some of the confusion that I have in a world that feels upside down. We are all still recovering from the pandemic, shut-downs, and are embroiled in a broken economy. We haven’t fully healed. Music and art seem to be overshadowed by scripted reality TV, and I’m not sure where I fit anymore. I’ve been re-examining who I am, and singing this song grounds me to the earth, and inspires me to wipe my face, get in there, and figure it out.”
About the video itself, Dave continues, “We came up with the concept, had a friend shoot the video, and we edited it ourselves. No green screens, no CGI, no costumes, no pseudo-angry faces… we’re not interested in competing with the slick big-budget hallmarks of modern metal videos. We simply wanted to put you right inside our Brooklyn practice space with us, and feel us…know us. We want you to dance around the room with us.”
“Love is a Battlefield” follows previously released Top 40 single “Crown or Crucify,” which charted at #40 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart / #7 Billboard New & Active Rock Chart. Vajra has partnered with Pavement Entertainment for the October 13th “Love is a Battlefield” release.
Vajra has garnered a cult following, touring the US several times, Canada and Europe. The band is scheduled to play select dates this October including:
October 15 – Chicago, IL
October 17 – Mechanicsburg, PA
October 19 – Pittsburgh, PA
Head to www.VajraOfficial.com for tickets and info.
About VAJRA:
Vajra is a progressive alternative rock band known for their unique and eclectic sound. Drawing influences from various genres such as rock, metal, alternative, and Eastern music, they create a distinctive blend that sets them apart. While it’s difficult to fully capture their sound through text, I can provide a general description.
Vajra‘s music is characterized by a rich tapestry of atmospheric and heavy instrumentation, layered with haunting melodies and powerful vocals. They often incorporate intricate guitar work, driving rhythms, and a strong emphasis on atmospheric textures. The band’s music has a dark and introspective quality, often exploring themes of spirituality, consciousness, and personal growth.
Their sound is dynamic, ranging from ethereal and hypnotic passages to intense and explosive moments. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the Tibetan singing bowls and the Indian tabla, adds a distinctive Eastern flair to their music. Lead vocalist Annamaria Pinna’s vocals are a defining element of Vajra’s sound, as her voice seamlessly transitions between angelic and haunting tones, delivering emotionally charged lyrics.
Overall, Vajra offers a unique sonic experience, blending various genres and influences into a captivating and atmospheric sound. To truly appreciate their music, I would recommend listening to their songs, as words can only provide a glimpse into their artistic expression.
VAJRA is:
Annamaria Pinna – vocals, flute, keys
Dave Sussman – guitars
Jimmy DeMarco – drums
John Heaney – bass
VAJRA online:
https://www.youtube.com/VajraOfficial
