Interviews About Albums: Solar Mantra - State Of Joyful Lightness (2026)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Italian Stoner Rock band Solar Mantra to ask questions about their album, "State Of Joyful Lightness".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

It's a little darker and heavier than our previous album, "Away," but we've maintained a diverse approach with songs that blend many influences: stoner rock and heavy rock sounds, mixed with sludge, grunge vocals, psychedelic sections, heavy metal, and even moments of punk. We tried to only make music we would listen to ourselves!

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

We found these words in a silly comedy video by a trashy character. And we thought it was a perfect title, a little sarcastic, to describe our sound and lyrics.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Usually, I (Francesco) write some riffs and a rough outline of the rhythms and structures, then Tommaso works on the vocals and lyrics. Finally, we rehearse the material with Carlo and Simone and finalize the arrangement and structure.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

There's a song called "Morning Glory". It seemed like a less focused song, but during the recording, it came out more powerful and psychedelic than we imagined.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

There's no specific message simply because our lyrics talk about inner demons, ordinary problems, abuse... so I feel like there's more of a common thread, which is the bitterness of life. And going back to the album title, maybe we're all looking for a bit of joyful lightness.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

"Inside my heart just dynamite, nothing but flames" from Dynamite because it reminds me of Peter Steele from Type O Negative screaming "My soul's on fire!" in Profits of Doom.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Musically, we're influenced by all the stoner classics like Kyuss, Sleep, the immortal Black Sabbath... but we all have our own different tastes that we try to convey in our songs: for example, Tommaso brings a very important grunge element to the sound, while Carlo is more tied to the doom and stoner school, and Simone loves Clutch and that type of drumming. Perhaps I'm the one most tied to a certain extreme attitude of punk and metal. As for thanks, in addition to our families, we would certainly like to thank Danilo Silvestri, who recorded the album for us and actively participated in the arrangements.

8. Something to add?

Listen to Solar Mantra and other underground bands. And if you like us, support us. Bye!

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