Tell us about your band and what you’re currently working on. Any new releases, tours, or studio projects fans should know about?
Sailu: Obliterating Vortex is a fourpiece technical death metal band originally formed in the hills of Darjeeling in 2012. Over the years, we’ve developed a sound that combines technical precision, aggressive songwriting, and atmospheric elements while staying rooted in extreme metal. Although our origins are in Darjeeling, the band is currently based in Bangalore, where we’ve been actively performing and expanding our reach within the Indian metal scene.
We released our debut EP in 2015, which helped establish our identity as a band, and since then we’ve continued to evolve through a series of singles accompanied by music videos. Each release has allowed us to explore new ideas while refining our sound and musicianship.
At the moment, we’re actively playing live shows and sharing stages with some incredible national and international acts. Performing live remains a huge part of who we are, and we’re always looking forward to connecting with audiences through our music.
On the studio front, we’re currently focused on completing our first full length album. It’s our most ambitious and comprehensive work to date, reflecting years of growth, experience, and songwriting. Fans can expect a heavier, more mature, and technically refined record that builds upon everything we’ve done so far. If all goes according to plan, we’re aiming for a release toward the end of this year.
It’s an exciting time for the band, and we’re grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout the journey. We can’t wait to share what’s coming next.
How did you first come across Solar Guitars, and what initially caught your attention?
Sailu: I’ve been playing an ESP-LTD Alexi 200 for nearly 12 years, and while it’s been a great instrument, I felt it was finally time to upgrade my setup. As a guitarist and frontman, I was looking for something that would offer both great playability and comfort on stage.
I’ve been aware of Solar Guitars for years and have seen how popular and respected the brand has become among musicians worldwide, especially within the metal community. Their instruments have built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, modern features, and player focused designs.
When I saw The Stockist announce the Solar Headless, it immediately caught my attention. The compact design, comfort, and modern aesthetics were exactly what I had been looking for. I’ve always appreciated how The Stockist brings world class gear to musicians in India, so after seeing the post and discussing it with my good friend Sunny, an incredible guitarist whose opinion I highly respect I knew this was the right choice for me.
Tell us about your Solar model.
Sailu: I’m currently playing the Solar Headless, which has been a refreshing change from what I was used to. After spending nearly 12 years with my previous guitar, I wanted something modern, comfortable, and practical for both performing and traveling. The headless design immediately stood out to me because of its lightweight feel and excellent balance.
What I love most about the guitar is how effortless it feels to play. Whether I’m handling complex technical passages, rhythm sections, or frontman duties on stage, it remains comfortable and reliable throughout the set. The tuning stability, playability, and overall build quality have been outstanding, and it has quickly become an instrument I can depend on both in the studio and on stage.
As someone who plays technical death metal, having a guitar that can keep up with demanding performances is essential, and this Solar has exceeded my expectations in every way.
Was there a specific moment when you realised, “This guitar is staying with me”?
Sailu: The moment I realized this guitar was staying with me was during the current live concert we played. As a frontman, I’m constantly moving around, switching between playing guitar and handling vocals, so comfort and reliability are extremely important. From the moment I stepped on stage, the guitar felt natural in my hands.
The lightweight headless design made a noticeable difference, and throughout the set the tuning stability and playability were flawless. Even during the more technical sections, everything felt effortless and precise.
By the end of the show, I wasn’t thinking about the guitar anymore I was simply focused on the performance. That’s when I knew I had found an instrument I could truly rely on for years to come.
How has your Solar influenced your songwriting or creative process?
Sailu: Since the guitar parts for our upcoming album were already written before I got the Solar, it hasn’t directly influenced the songwriting process yet. However, after spending time with the instrument and playing it live, I can already tell it’s going to play a big role in future material.
The guitar feels incredibly comfortable and inspiring to play, and that’s something that naturally impacts creativity. Even though I haven’t written new songs on it yet, I have a feeling it’s going to be a great roller coaster ride going forward, and I’m excited to see where it takes me musically on future releases.
Every guitarist chases a certain tone. What role does your Solar play in achieving yours?
Sailu: Well! For me, playing technical death metal, I need a guitar that delivers clarity, precision, and consistency, especially when dealing with fast riffs, complex passages, and aggressive rhythms.
My Solar plays a huge role in achieving that. One of the first things I noticed was how smooth and comfortable the neck feels. Having spent years playing guitars with a C shaped neck profile, the transition felt natural, but the Solar offers a faster and more effortless playing experience that really complements my style.
Another major factor is weight. As someone who plays guitar while also handling vocal duties on stage, having a lightweight instrument makes a huge difference. The headless design feels incredibly balanced and comfortable, allowing me to move freely and stay focused on the performance without feeling weighed down during long sets.
The guitar delivers the clarity and articulation I need for technical death metal while maintaining the heaviness and aggression the music demands. More than anything, it’s giving me more confidence. A great tone starts with a great instrument, and the Solar provides a solid foundation that lets me focus entirely on the music.
How do the Solar pickups perform in a full band mix compared to other guitars you’ve owned?
Sailu: The Solar pickups cut through the mix really well, especially in a full band setting, which is exactly what I was looking for in this range. They have a powerful output while still retaining plenty of clarity, helping the guitar stay present without getting lost among the drums and bass. Compared to other guitars I’ve owned, they feel more focused and aggressive, yet they blend naturally with the overall mix. Overall, I’ve been really happy with how they perform in a live band environment.
Have you used your Solar in the studio yet? How did it sit in the mix compared to your previous guitars?
Sailu: Yes, I’ve used my Solar in the studio, and it’s been quite impressive. What stood out to me was how effortlessly it sat in the mix. The clarity and definition made it easy to get a strong guitar tone without having to do much extra work. Compared to some of my previous guitars, it felt more straightforward to record with, and the tracks found their place in the mix naturally.
If you had to describe your Solar guitars in three words, what would they be?
Sailu: Lightweight, Comfortable, Effortless.
What do you think sets Solar apart from other modern guitar brands?
Sailu: What stands out to me about Solar is that it offers a lot of quality and modern features at a more accessible price point. Not everyone can afford premium, high end guitars, and I think Solar does a great job of giving players a professional instrument without requiring that level of investment. The attention to playability, hardware, and overall build quality makes it a great option for musicians who want a serious guitar that won’t break the bank.
What’s next for you and your band, and where can fans follow your journey?
Sailu: Right now we’re focused on writing and refining new material, playing more gigs, and continuing to push the band forward. There’s a lot in the works, and we’re excited to share it with everyone soon. You can follow Obliterating Vortex on our social media pages and streaming platforms to stay updated on new music, shows, and everything else we’ve got coming up.
Instagram: Sailu Rasaily Obliterating Vortex
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