LVM Trio Bring Fusion To Metal

Luke Jaeger, Vishal J Singh and Mark Hawkins graphic: Andrey Sazonov

Indian guitarist and frontman of eclectic metal project Amogh Symphony, Vishal J Singh says his latest work with the newly formed funk fusion ensemble LVM Trio is a classic example of MySpace collaboration, even though most musicians have opted out of the music-friendly social network these days. “We used to jam via Skype and you know Indian internet speeds. So I would play something for Mark [Hawkins, guitarist of Devolved] and then a whole minute later, he would tell me heard nothing. It was the funniest jam we ever had,” says Singh.

Over 13,500 km away, American guitarist Hawkins on the other hand, has fewer complaints. “With this project, everyone was very focused and ready so all the music came together very quickly and naturally,” says Hawkins, who has previously collaborated with Singh on a symphonic metal project called Robots Pulling Levers. Luke Jaeger [Sleep Terror], Singh and Hawkins and are all metal guitarists ”“ “we all love shred,” says Hawkins ”“ but with the LVM Trio, it was about “playing with dynamics.”

The trio first wrote and recorded the Latin-influenced funk/blues track “Soltando Deseo” in 2010, but released it as part of the self titled LVM Trio EP only on December 1^st this year. Says Hawkins, “At that point, our idea was to put together a ”˜tech-metal guys gone acoustic’ kind of album.  Then we put together an acoustic blues track [“Valkenvania Blues”] and just decided this should all go towards the album.”

Even Singh admits the project is not about “shredding at 300 bpm.” The Amogh Symphony frontman, whose father and grandfather were both blues guitarists, says he plays blues because “it’s a generational thing.” Their debut EP features a mix of funk, blues, latin and jazz-inspired fusion music. 

Jaeger, who plays bass on three tracks on the five-track EP, is credited by both his bandmates as being the one to rekindle interest in their project that was formed in 2010. “Luke sent me bass tracks two or three weeks ago, and that’s when things got started again,” says Singh.

The trio plan to write more tunes for another EP or full-length album, according to Hawkins. “I would especially love to get together with these dudes and play some shows!” adds Hawkins.

Listen to LVM Trio’s first EP here.