With riffs that burn and an energy that never quits, KASCK is living proof that thrash metal knows no boundaries. Since their debut EP Deal With The Devil, the Indian band has been challenging the underground scene, blending speed, technical skill, and raw fury in every track. Now, with the single Be Quick or Be Dead, they return sharper than ever, delivering a modern thrash sound that still carries the rebellious spirit of their classic influences.
By Sandra Pinto
In this interview, KASCK talks about inspiration, their creative process, involving fans from around the world, and the growth of the metal scene in India, showing how the band is building its own legacy on the international stage.
“Be Quick or Be Dead” follows your debut EP Deal With The Devil. What inspired the writing and composition of this new single?
“Be Quick or Be Dead” was born out of frustration and fire — a reflection of today’s chaotic, fast-paced world where survival demands aggression and awareness. Musically, we wanted to return to the raw essence of thrash — speed, intensity and rebellion — while pushing our sound into a sharper, more modern direction. It’s about staying alert, striking fast, and never letting the system crush you.
Your music is characterized by speed, chaos, and thrash energy. How do you balance technical precision with raw aggression in your songs?
We treat chaos like a weapon — it’s controlled and calculated. Each riff or drum pattern may sound wild, but underneath, it’s tightly structured. Our guitarist focuses on intricate riff transitions, while the rhythm section locks in precision timing to give that punch without losing energy. We make sure the aggression feels authentic, not messy.
Can you tell us about the fan-driven music video? How did involving your global fanbase shape the final result?
That video was a global celebration of thrash unity. We asked fans from around the world to send clips headbanging or shouting our lyrics, and what we received blew our minds. It turned into a raw, adrenaline-packed visual that represents the tribe of KASCK. It’s not just our song — it’s theirs too.
How has the band’s sound evolved since your debut EP? Were there new influences or ideas you wanted to explore with this single?
Our debut Deal With The Devil was about channeling old-school thrash — pure aggression and grit. With Be Quick or Be Dead, we wanted to evolve that by adding tighter production, darker melodies, and a more global edge. We’ve drawn inspiration from both classic thrash titans and the modern revival wave, creating something that feels timeless yet fresh.
Thrash metal has a rich history globally. How did you discover the genre, and what drew you to it as musicians in India?
We grew up on Iron maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Kreator — those riffs and messages hit us like lightning. Thrash spoke directly to our anger, our rebellion, and our hunger to break out of the system. In India, where the metal scene is still underground, thrash gave us a voice to shout back at conformity and injustice.
What are some of the lyrical themes or messages behind “Be Quick or Be Dead”?
The song is a wake-up call. It’s about the urgency of life — to fight back against manipulation, greed and fear. The lyrics talk about survival, rebellion, and the consequences of standing still while the world burns around you. It’s both personal and political — a call to wake the sleeping mind.
How do you approach songwriting as a band? Is it a collaborative process, or do specific members lead the composition?
It always starts with riffs — usually from our guitarist then the rest of us shape the rhythm and structure around it. Our vocalist brings in the lyrical concept and from there, it becomes a full-band process. Every member adds their fingerprint — whether it’s groove, melody or fire — until it sounds undeniably KASCK.
Your music emphasizes speed and intensity. What are the biggest challenges when performing such demanding songs live?
Endurance and precision. When you’re playing at 200 BPM under hot lights, staying tight and powerful takes serious stamina. We rehearse like we’re training for battle — long sessions, conditioning, and constant refinement. But that’s the thrill — every live show feels like going to war with your instruments.
India’s metal scene is growing but still underground. How has your experience been building a following both locally and internationally?
It’s been a grind but a rewarding one. The Indian metal scene may be small, but it’s passionate. We’ve built everything from the ground up — through live shows, word-of-mouth, and global collaborations. Playing at Wacken Open Air 2024 was a huge milestone that helped put Indian thrash on the world map. We’re proving that Indian metal can stand shoulder to shoulder with anyone.
Can you describe your rehearsal or recording process? Any unique techniques or rituals that contribute to your signature sound?
Our rehearsals are intense — loud, fast, and full of adrenaline. Before recording, we jam each song until it’s burned into our muscles. We focus on capturing live energy rather than over-polishing. Every recording session starts with a shot of black coffee, amps cranked high and a shared mindset — “Let’s burn the studio down.”
How do you incorporate individual influences from the band members into KASCK’s collective sound?
Each member brings a different color — some of us lean toward old-school thrash, others love death or groove metal. Instead of clashing, we fuse those elements. That’s why you’ll hear classic thrash aggression with modern precision and groove-driven riffs. It keeps our sound alive and unpredictable.
Thrash metal often carries social or political undertones. Do you try to incorporate messages or commentary in your lyrics?
Definitely. Thrash has always been about more than just fast riffs — it’s rebellion with purpose. We touch on corruption, social decay, hypocrisy and survival. We’re not preaching but we reflect what we see and feel. Our message is clear: question everything, fear nothing.
What role does the metal community, both in India and globally, play in motivating and inspiring the band?
The metal community is our backbone. Whether it’s fans in Germany, Brazil or India — that shared energy drives us. Seeing people from different countries moshing to our tracks reminds us that thrash is universal. The brotherhood of metal keeps KASCK alive and hungry.
Are there any memorable moments or stories from the recording or filming of “Be Quick or Be Dead” that you’d like to share?
One wild moment was when power went out mid-recording — instead of stopping, we kept playing in the dark, just pure instinct. That raw take ended up influencing the final recording’s intensity. During the fan video shoot, seeing clips from fans across 20+ countries gave us goosebumps. That’s when we realized how global our reach had become.
Looking ahead, what can fans expect next from KASCK in terms of releases, tours, or new musical directions?
We’re working on our next full-length album, which will be heavier, faster and more experimental. Expect a 2026 Asia–Europe tour, with shows in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and many countries of Europe. We’re also collaborating with a few international artists to bring thrash into new territories. The future of KASCK is global — louder, meaner, and unstoppable.
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