At least that’s what local Brisbane outfit Cinnamon Death wants you to know. The trio has stripped music back to its roots: self-expression through sound. In the age of pop resurgence and AI generated art, the trio is challenging what music can be.

Formed in June of this year, Cinnamon Death is comprised of eclectic drummer Giovanni, experimental guitarist Tarzn, and spiritual keyboard player Larney. The group formed doing what they do best: just jamming.

“I visited [rat planet studios] and there were just instruments everywhere as per usual” remembers Giovanni.

“We didn’t even know each other’s names, but we were already jamming from the get-go,” he said.

“Next thing I know, I’m half butt naked on stage losing my mind with you two” says Giovanni.

The bands approach to music is just as spontaneous as their formation.

Each gig is different from the last, with no distinct transition from track-to-track. Just a pure hour of ‘spiritual metal’ as coined by Larney.

“We actually just know each other really well, so it’s really easy to predict each other musically” says Larney.

“We don’t really discuss anything. We just kind of have the same brain when we’re playing music together” she said.

“We just channel it from the music gods” she said.

Tarzn channels straight from his heart to the strings.

“I play guitar to the point that I’m just trying to get my heart out there” says Tarzn.

“I just want to feel understood” he said.

“People in our age forget that they have a spirit” he said.

While certainly unorthodox, the band has found early success among those looking for something different. They released their first album, Astra Movere, in mid-October of this year. The album features 11 tracks; all recorded live together in the studio.

Since the album’s release, Cinnamon Death has been booked out nearly every weekend across an array of Brisbane venues, as well as signed to their first festival.

The experimental nature of the band enables you to hear a different sound every time they step out.

“We’re not trying to be anyone; we’re not trying to make a certain sound” says Larney.

“I think the music is happening because it wants to happen” she said.

Curious to hear more?

Cinnamon Death are playing Greaser 26/11

Photo by the author