Monday, April 13, 2009

Maharahj - A Replication Of The Process And Product MCD

Maharahj was an awesome chaotic technical metal band from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. If you like bands such as Creation Is Crucifixion, Chapter and Spread The Disease, you will like Maharahj. I got their 2 full-lengths pretty soon after they were released, also since I'm heavily into Creation Is Crucifixion and I had read some review of Maharahj's first album 'Chapter One: The Descent' comparing them to CIC. Loved both albums, but information about the band was pretty hard to find, at least over here in Europe they seemed to fly under the radar for the most part.

It took me ages, until about 2 months ago, to track down an affordable copy of their 'A Replication Of The Process And Product' MCD from 1999. Thankfully it only cost me about $5 and not the $150 that it's going for on Amazon.com. Insanity! I uploaded it here as it is by far the hardest record of Maharahj to obtain. This is the version on Now Or Never, which was released prior to their 1st full-length 'Chapter One: The Descent'. All 3 songs would be re-recorded for the 1st album later that year.

There were also plans for a split CD with Circle Of Dead Children on Robotic Empire Records, but as far as I know that was never released. However, if anybody has any information on it (it seems some recordings were made?) or any other Maharahj recordings, please let me know!

Here's a write-up on the band from Wikipedia:
"Maharahj" is a metalcore band from Oakville, Ontario. Their name originated from a modified spelling of the East Indian term maharaj. This now defunct band was founded in 1997 by Garren and Clay under the original name “One Winged Angel”. The band released 1 demo and 2 studio albums. They disbanded in 2002. Members went on to start bands Explode the Airwaves and Silverstein.

Maharahj exploded on the scene with screaming technical metal intensity. Hailing from the sleepy Toronto suburb of Oakville, Ontario, Maharahj created a whirlwind of chaotic metal that was already stirred up by other local acts such as Spread the Disease and The End (mathcore band). With the release of the independent demo (A Replication of the Process and the Product), Clay, Dave, Neil, Garren and Jon paved the way for a breed of metal that (at that time) had never been heard in the metalcore community. The demo was well embraced, selling out within the first year. During their first US tour, record owner Matt Beckerman signed them to his (also now defunct) nowornever records. Sharing the stage with such label-mates as The Dillinger Escape Plan and Diecast (band), Maharahj found success in their blend of cacophony and mathematical technicality. Shortly afterwards, they were in the studio recording their 1st full length "Chapter One, The Decent". With a major label financial backing the record, Maharahj was able to win over a huge fan base. Record sales soared. However, the rigorous demands of the touring and difficult musicianship had their toll on some of the members. The crack of the Maharahj whip created some dramatic lineup changes. Colin and Andrew were recruited later that year to replace Jon and Neil. Neil went on to join and play in the successful band Silverstein. Progressing as a more diverse band with more diverse interests, Maharahj later recorded "Repetition". Unfortunately, this album was not as well received as they had hoped. Poor tour support was also a contributing factor. One year later, the band split ways.
Maharahj - A Replication Of The Process And Product MCD
Maharahj myspace

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks !
I remember a Now and Never rds add back in the days, in a Victory records magazine/catalogue with Maharahj described as noisy chaotic hardcore or something. I'd have love to check them out back then because "noisecore" at the time sounded refreshing with bands like Coalesce... . But like you said, the band didn't get a lot of attention here in Europe. too bad. Good memories though.
So thanks for this little gem.

JG

Unknown said...

You wouldn't be able to upload Chapter One: The Descent would you?

XhcnoirX said...

For those interested in Chapter One: The Descent, it was posted here: http://xstuckinthepastx.blogspot.com/2009/04/maharaj-chapter-one-descent.html