Guitar virtuoso Gabriel Akhmad Marin of Consider The Source continues to push the boundaries of cross-cultural psychedelic instrumental music with his new all-star band, Social Assassins. Today, he shares a new live in-studio performance of their latest release, “Hora Attik”, which will appear on their forthcoming studio debut, exclusively via Live For Live Music.
Known for his unique fusion of Eastern influences with psychedelic rock, jazz, heavy metal, electronic-inspired beats, and more, Marin has taken his talents from festival stages to the far reaches of the globe, performing and teaching master classes where he shares his singular, studied approach with fans and artists around the world. His new project furthers his artistic path with a fuller, more raw and groove-oriented sound, with scene luminaries Marco Cirigliano on drums, Nick Joz on bass, and Sage Xavier on guitar accompanying his lyrical fretless guitar and melodic shredding.
“This band is really exciting,” Gabriel told L4LM. “The few shows we have played have had an unbelievable energy both on and off stage, with both dancing and moshing. We mix catchy instrumental songs that could be sung with some of the traditional Eastern music, and live we really stretch out the improv sections.”
Marco Cirigliano, who has earned his own following with his viral drum content and is currently wrapping up a sold-out European tour with Greg Howe and Mohini Dey, added, “Gabriel’s Eastern influence, vocal guitar melodies, and shred capabilities combined with Nick’s powerful and driving basslines and Sage’s ethereal guitar textures, plus the spice of my high-energy Western drum grooves and chops to glue it all together—we can guarantee you’ve never heard anything like this before.”
“Hora Attik”, a version of which previously appeared on the band’s Live In Buffalo release, offers an awe-inspiring introduction to the new group and is set to appear on its studio debut, Only A Fool Fights in a Burning House, which also features former Conspirator drummer Torch. The song is the band’s take on a traditional folk song and combines an upbeat island vibe with Eastern melodies and a heavy metal edge. Marin uses the fretless neck of his double-neck guitar to play a jazzy solo that, with the help of effects, sounds just like a trombone, before doubling his voice with a psychedelic tone and then ultimately sending it home in full-on shred mode. Equally impressive as his solo is the perfectly seamless transition back to the tune’s main groove.
Check out the live in-studio performance of “Hora Attik” by Social Assassins below or listen to the track on Spotify.
Social Assassins have also released a number of playful covers, including a take on A-Ha‘s “Take On Me” (embedded below). The band is set to release its debut studio album on January 8th and intends to play “as many shows as possible” after receiving unbelievably positive reactions from audiences at recent live performances. For more information, visit the band’s website, and follow them on social media for future updates.
Social Assassins – “Hora Attik”
Social Assassins – “Take On Me” (A-Ha)