Cutthroat Spiritual was recorded at Synthetic Euphoria Studios in Seattle, WA in the spring of 2011. Twelve original songs deal with themes of creation myth, divine experience, magic, ritual, and powerful forces beyond our control. This landmark work sets a high bar for acts wanting to delve beneath the plastic surface into primitively philosophical realms. Not tied to any one preexisting musical aesthetic, Cutthroat Spiritual forges a brave new world of musical territory, fusing elements of Metal, Punk, Progressive, Psychedelic Rock and World Music. Aranya was formed in the summer of 2008 with the intention of assembling a tight-knit clan of men and women who shared the goal of boring deep into the primal forces of the human experience. Live, the band presents this vision through ritual, acrobatic musicianship, and a large feathered staff. Their sonic alchemy was first captured in their debut album, A Violent Birth, released in the fall of 2009. Aranya is currently comprised of Uta Plotkin(Vocals/Viola/ Guitar), Tyler Kellogg(Guitar/Didgeridoo/Mandolin/Percussion/Vocals), Mae Kinglove(Bass/Vocals) and Joe Harris(Drums). With a seemingly endless supply of zeal, Aranya plans to quickly return to the studio. Already, they have established a strong presence with tours throughout the western United States and continue to push further into new geographic frontiers. About Aranya: "Listening to Aranya, it is impossible to feel small" - Mike Meyer, Portland Mercury "Local poetic-metal outfit Aranya is led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Uta Plotkin, and she carries the group on a tribal journey featuring proggy song structures, crazy vocal theatrics, viola and, umm, a feathered staff" - Michael Mannheimer, Willamette Week "It felt like an invitation to some secret ritual, and the crowd heard the call, getting up to fill the room " - Daniel M Landolt-Hoene, Oregon Music News "What they bring to the table is completely unlike anything I have heard before" - Phillip A. Wickstrand, www.metalpsalter.com