Dymbur Turns to Khasi Elements and Headstrong Lyrics in New Song ‘Rape Culture’

Shillong modern metallers Dymbur had previously self-styled their music as “Thraat,” showcased on their 2019 album The Legend of Thraat. Now nearly two years later, the band returns with a new line-up and a new style, embracing Khasi folk music elements in their intense, socially conscious release “Rape Culture.”

Guitarist and co-founder Cornelius Kharsyntiew says the pandemic-ensuing lockdowns gave them the space to reflect on The Legend of Thraat, which had borrowed from Khasi storytelling. However, Kharsyntiew adds, “The success and reach of the album was way below our expectations. This was when we decided to try something new; something that would grab a bigger audience and so Thraat Folk Metal was born.”

Joined by vocalist Lancaster Mawthoh, drummer Sain Shullai and guitarist Andreas Nathaniel War for their latest, Dymbur added traditional instruments such as duitara, ka bom, mieng, tangmuri and kynshaw (helmed by bassist Mayson Dkhar). It was all handled within the band, but Kharsyntiew says there was no common ground when it came to mixing Dymbur’s sound with traditional Khasi music. “In fact, the Djent riffs coming off the eight-string have a very low register, so we had to reinvent the traditional four-string duitara and came up with our very own six-string duitara,” he adds.

Ushered in by the ominous duitara strings, “Rape Culture” matches up with the riffs soon enough, moving into the familiar modern metal space. With slick djent riffs in the background, the Khasi elements take precedence, leading up to a face-melting breakdown and sing-along choruses of “Why is justice a far cry?”

Lyrically, the band invoke the rape-murders of Nirbhaya and Asifa, while also talking about being allies to women in the fight against ingrained issues such as victim-blaming. Rather than leaning on metaphors, “Rape Culture”—right from its title—lives up to the metal tradition of bullshit-free, sharp questioning. Kharsyntiew says their research for the song led to “shocking” facts. “We could have named the song ‘Rape Crisis’ but our chalta hai [casual] attitude has transformed this horrendous situation into a culture where people just don’t bother anymore,” he adds.

The follow-up album to The Legend of Thraat is also underway. The guitarist says, “The album does not have a specific theme but all the songs carry their own messages. This single spoke about rape, the other songs carry messages that are equally important and require immediate attention.” 

Dymbur are keen to hit the stage but only after the untitled album is released in July 2022. “We will need this time to prepare our stage set. Fusing with folk music is our new direction so we take our time before we take to the stage,” Kharsyntiew says.

Watch the video for “Rape Culture” below. Stream/buy here.