Gihon is a musical project by Texas-based guitarist, composer, and producer Dhananjay Pepalla, known for his edgy and contemporary metal music that combines the best of metallic rock and electronica. A sound that’s a vivid combination of sci-fi and dystopian humanity, his music is slowly rising to the mainstream with its refreshing metal appeal. Infused with a lot of vibrance, humanness, melancholia and an irresistible artistic charm, his songs are an aid for the aching souls. Gihon aims to put out metal music that truly stands out.
Recently, Gihon released an intriguing album called ‘Iterations’. A stunning metal electronica album that features some gorgeous tracks that are both staggering as well as cathartic. The gorgeous album is a fine blend of modern metal and avant-garde electronica elements, making the whole listening experience a true artistic delight. With beautiful motifs and sonic layering, the sounds you hear are quite mesmerising with metal shining through in the most surreal of ways. The tracks carry metal upbeatness that is totally hookworthy, which you will be enamoured with right from the first go. The album opener, ‘The 7th Seal’, is a real gem that will set your expectations high for the storm that’s about to follow. Filled with some euphoric soundscapes, the energetic drums add an oomph that’s simply unmatched. But what stands out is a fine, catchy tune that adds a perfect bit of melancholy and poignance.
The tracks like ‘Sherlock’ and ‘Echoes’ offer a true intellectual escape that will leave you spellbound. Offering a perfect mix of dark and uplifting, simple and chaotic, the songs offer a contemplative escape for the listeners. Many metal songs end up becoming only about the blinding noise, but this album offers something that’s wholly fresh and altogether unique. The luscious blend of highs and lows, chaotic and unchaotic, black and white, projects the tainted human condition and our very predicament. This is an album that’s not just noise and drama, but a vivid and stark portrayal of humanness that deserves to be appreciated for its brilliance.
When it comes to production, it’s as modern and rare as it can ever be. With avant-garde styles, creative nuances, extraordinary layering, and complex soundscapes, the result is something marvellous. The vigour of metal and the groove of electronica make the songs a pure sonic delight, making the album a must-listen for metal lovers!
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We interviewed Gihon on the release of his album. Here’s what he said:
1. What was your original inspiration for creating the mystical concept of ‘Iterations’?
I was into researching different philosophical world views and and what struck me was that since the post-modern era, we started to subjectify the concept of Truth, leading to the post-truth era that we live in. This inspired me creatively to write about what it means to be in Truth in a meaningless world.
2. What is the central idea of your latest album? How would you describe the album in a few words?
The central idea from a lyrical perspective was to write songs inspired by my faith. From a musical pov, it was to create a unique and distinct sound that defines Gihon.
3. How does your creative process look? Is it a meticulous, thought-out approach, or do you often find inspiration from the mundane and the spontaneous?
I start with a guitar riff most of the time and start layering it with synths and atmospheric parts, and what comes next ends up being a complement to the main riff. After song arrangement and production, I write the lyrics and melody and reach out to singers that I really like. There are 3 exceptions on Iteration with Sunneith writing The 7th Seal, Reveka writing The Forge and Anna writing Drift. It’s usually spontaneous.
4. Tell us which track in the album is your personal favourite and why?
My favourite track is Beautiful Mess as it resonates strongly with my faith.
5. Describe your art to someone who is stepping into your musical world for the first time.
It’s Chaotic yet beautiful with carrying a strong message.
6. How has your musical journey been so far? Has it been smooth or unpredictable? What has been your biggest takeaway from all the years as an artist?
It’s been quite a ride! I started writing music with my first band, Abandoned Element, in 2011! After the band went silent in 2015, I continued writing music, which ended up being branded as Gihon. The first Gihon riff was written in 2015, which came to fruition as The 7th Seal. The first 4 songs were written before 2020, and all the rest were written in 2025.
7. Tell us a little about your future projects? Is there anything upcoming for your fans to look forward to?
The future is quite bright, I feel. I am writing the second album along with a strong live line-up to take the songs live. You should expect us to live in 2026.
8. You’re a music producer who creates your own music. Are you also planning to produce music for other artists, or are you already doing that?
Yes, I’ll be actively taking up production, mixing, and mastering projects, starting in Jan 2026.
9. Your collaboration lineup includes musicians from different parts of the world. How do you plan to bring this project to the stage? Can fans expect a Gihon live performance anytime soon?
The live line-up is gonna be Indian. We are almost there with figuring out the final pieces.
10. Tell us about your favourite bands – list at least five.
I guess my favourites are Nirvana and Architects, as they truly shaped me as a musician and a songwriter.
11. What is your all-time favourite food?
Nothing beats a good Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani.
Listen to the album right here:
https://gihon1.bandcamp.com/album/iterations-2
To witness the musical journey of Gihon, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X
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I hoard up thoughts, pieces, and souvenirs, which you could only have a glance of through my words...
