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SE BON Ki RA… Killing it is their business, and business is good.
Here’s an Australian groove metal band with something to say, and they’re going about doing it their way, whether the mainstream music industry is listening or not. SE BON Ki RA wear their hearts on their sleeves, and make some damn fine heavy music to accompany it. The name is a Haitian proverb meaning ‘good is rare’, and spending a bit of time checking out what they’ve got to offer seems to suggest they are one of the rarities.
An independently released, ball-tearing EP, titled ‘One Thousand Ways To Be’ (2010), was followed up by appearances at the Big Day Out and Soundwave in their home city of Adelaide, South Australia – an honour not afforded to many within the heavy metal genre. The band gained notoriety through their energetic live performances, playing hard, and partying even harder. Tours with other Australia metal scene stalwarts and legends, Dreadnaught and Desecrator, are highlights in a wide range of shows across the country that has seen SE BON Ki RA share the stage with some of the best Aussie metal talent.
More recently SE BON Ki RA independently released a monster of a full length album… ‘In The Wake Of Change’. Surpassing the quality level of what is generally expected from bands of their ilk, the album was recorded locally, but mixed by Scott Atkins in the UK (Grindstone Studios – Sylosis, Cradle of Filth). A more mature band was evident in this recording. The songs are well crafted and meaningful, yet still retaining the energy the band became known for. Positive responses to the album culminated in the lads being recognised in the top five independent metal bands across the country at the Australian Independent Music Awards, held in Sydney.
As is the case with heavy metal music in Australia, full time jobs to pay the bills, mortgages, and raising families, all play a part in what can be a grueling effort to continue to pour money and energy into your art. The passion of the band has not waned however, as many others have been forced to throw in the towel by the realities of making it work in Australia. This hardship creates great strength though, and Australian heavy metal music speaks of these personal and community triumphs that are associated with being part of a proud minority, such as heavy metal is. SE BON Ki RA are a fine example of the talent lurking down under. Bands that are no stranger to hard work and commitment to their craft, and that emerge from their challenges telling stories through music that resonate with many.
SE BON Ki RA have carved out a sound for themselves from years of playing metal in various previous outfits between the members, but they also proudly fly the flag of their influences. Machine Head, Pantera, Sepultura, Lamb of God, and Killswitch Engage all get a look in, and, as the title of this article suggests, a little bit of early Megadeth goes a long way.
Getting on with business SE BON Ki RA will be killing it at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel in Adelaide on Friday February 12th, supporting Sweden’s Soilwork. Aversions Crown are also appearing. Tickets for the show are available here
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