Hindu philosophy translated into hardcore energy - a sound strong and raw, yet imbued with spiritual depth. Kirtan (a Sanskrit word meaning storytelling) in distortion, while each song carries a mantra of transformation, a call to inner revolution.
This is Neven, a Belgrade hardcore band that has been around since 2021 and is already attracting the attention of critics and audiences beyond the borders of their country. They have released the EPs “Demo” (2022) and “U svakom srcu gore svetla” (2024), performed extensively in the region and beyond, and now their new release “Zakon Ljubavi”, which is available on all streaming services.
Marigolds are Miloš Stevanović (vowel), Relja Popović (the guitar), João Pedro (bass guitar) and Timur Barsukov (drum).
The new release features songs about straight edge (a hardcore movement that advocates a life without vices such as alcohol, drugs, and tobacco), vegetarianism, karate, spiritual journeys, the struggle between good and evil... Stevanović reveals to "Vijesti" how these themes are connected and how they form the "Law of Love".
"Maybe the name 'Law of Love' wasn't the perfect choice for this EP specifically, but I think the most important message that Neven carries at this moment is the songs 'Samilost' and 'Gour Krsna' that fit the theme the most. The idea behind the name of the release is to overcome the laws of justice, and mature into the only legitimate one: the law of love," explains the frontman.
Beneath the energetic performance, typical of Neven, lies a deeper message, Stevanović reveals what kind of feeling they wanted to convey through the new songs.
"It was important to me to finally include the straight edge theme that permeates the first and last songs in Neven, in the hope that our audience would start to get hooked on that theme as well. I have a feeling that a lot of people listen to us, but not really hear us, so it was time to put things in black and white. And as for compassion, what hardcore band doesn't have a song about not eating animals?" Stevanović said jokingly.
When asked whether the band sees its path as a classic rebellion or as a fight against temptation, Stevanović answers that Neven is both.
"But not a rebellion against the material, but a rebellion against sin and against the world in general," he emphasized.
Compared to previous releases, have they delved even deeper into philosophy on the new release? The frontman points out that this thread has always been present.
"I think we've always followed that same path. But if it's read better now, I'm glad. My favorite introspective text is still probably 'Vanity,'" said Stevanović.
The theme of spiritual decline has been present on their previous releases as well. Compared to the earlier song “Ostajem pozitiven”, the song “Gour Krsna/Prvi simptomt Kali Yuga” takes a different approach to the theme, a bit darker.
"That's true, and to this day I question whether that text was a good idea, and whether it was written in that way. There may be a bit of condemnation in that text, and it was written at perhaps not the most glorious moment of my life. Although, I prefer to see it as an outrage and sensitivity to vice than as a text of condemnation. Literally a child's sensitivity. And the message 'I stay positive' still stands," explains Stevanović.
Kali Yuga is a time of spiritual decline and social chaos in Hinduism. Frontman Nevena attempted to answer the question of whether music can play a role in keeping a person upright in such a world.
"Music can be an everyday inspiration - both as a message, and in the case of art music, as a subtle truth, a remembrance of God. But in the end it comes down to not giving up and carrying the cross that has been given to us," says Stevanović.
He sees a clear connection in the combination of hardcore and bhakti spirituality.
"First of all, both movements promote renunciation of the world, renunciation of sinful mainstream culture, and both are based on a strong, supportive community. I don't know if there is a healthier pop culture than hardcore, it's a completely special place. And of course, the connection between straight edge and devotion is very easy to see," the musician is convinced.
His message is clear: do not give up on the path of spirituality in the time of Kali Yuga.
"It is as important as in any other time. A person should be aware of his sins and his fall, but he must never fall into despair and give up on his true life goal! Conscience is a sufficient reward that guides us, and he who seeks will find," concludes Stevanović.
Bonus video:
