Getting Primal with Mark Sokoll, Bass Guitarist and Vocalist of CHAKA
Bass guitarist and vocalist Mark Sokoll, known professionally as CHAKA, has been an active force in the New York City music scene since 1986, when he first picked up the bass guitar and joined Terminal Confusion (NYHC). His musical journey includes playing bass guitar and contributing background vocals for a variety of punk and metal bands, such as Hypoxia and Leeway.
CHAKA began as a side-project for Sokoll while he was the bassist for Darkside NYC. The project’s sound draws heavily from the raw energy and dark atmospheres of bands like Celtic Frost, Venom, and Cro-Mags. CHAKA is strongly influence by anthropology and prehistory and are considered the progenitors of cave metal, a monicker that Sokoll embraces.
Tell us about your latest single. What was the story behind it?
Our latest single, It’s Not Human (video below), was inspired by the discovery and mapping of the human and Neanderthal genomes. Our friend Lolo shot the video for it. Thematically, we ask “what specifically makes one human?” It also examines the crucial discovery of DNA. How intriguing that we as a species continue to build tools to measure and analyze ourselves!
How did the band originally form?
The CHAKA Metal Band evolved out of my 2019 Neanderthal Tales EP, which was originally only a studio project. We were offered a slot on the Possessed/UADA NYC bill in May of 2023 and we played this show using temporary personnel. Since then, Mike and Frank have become permanent members. It’s great all-around since we are old friends and we work well writing music together.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music?
Loud, abrasive and groovy with evolutionary and prehistoric themes.
What's the story behind your band name?
Cha-Ka is the name of a protohuman character {from a 1970s TV show called Land of the Lost} which became my nickname. The Neanderthal Tales EP was my “solo” album, therefore it made sense to call the band CHAKA.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and why?
I have been a KISS fan since I was five years old. This naturally led me into heavy metal by my teen years. I have considered this question many times and my top three are: KISS, Voivod, and Possessed. Why? KISS ruled the Earth during my formative years and I believed that everyone was a fan. I definitely took note of the heavy bass tones, particularly on their live albums. I possessed a special instrument cable which allowed me to plug my bass guitar in through the phonograph’s auxiliary jack and to play along with any album. I still love the uniqueness and heaviness of Voivod and Possessed who are still both touring in 2025!!
What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Playing Ieperfest in Belgium in 2018 was absolutely unforgettable. People from France and Italy actually flew in to see us which was monumentally gratifying.
What bands would you consider influences?
Motorhead, Venom, Carcass, Cro-Mags, Crumbsuckers, etc.
What role does social media and online presence play in connecting with your fans?
I am an analog guy, but I truly like how we can easily ask or answer fans' questions and to be able to give away t-shirts and other merchandise through the facilitation of social media websites. It also makes it easier for fans to listen to all of our music for free and to explore CHAKA merchandise all on one website (link below).
What are some of the biggest obstacles you've faced as a band, and how did you overcome them?
During the recording sessions of Neanderthal Tales, we had three different drummers come in to play four songs within seven days! Sometimes, the audio files were lost due to unexpected computer crashes. This could be a real hindrance depending on which instruments were being recorded. Luckily, everything worked out well, sonically and logistically. We have had some other delays which were beyond our control and we simply kept our patience and persevered.
Mike Caldarella, Mark Sokoll and Frank Principe
What's your favorite song to perform live and why?
I like Anthroapology since it is aggressive from the start and never quite relents! It is about questioning where human aggression originated and about our relationship to our primate cousins and it can sound very primal when it is performed live.
How has your musical style evolved since you first started?
Most importantly, we have added a ripping and melodic guitarist named Frank Principe. Originally, our demos and song ideas were mostly written by myself. Including the other bandmates, Ty and Mike, our songwriting is now much more of a communal effort. Additionally, having two guitarists allows for much more depth. We have not changed our formula, though, since it is only natural for bands to grow over time and we are inclined to remain heavy.
What's the most exciting thing happening for the band right now?
We have a {cool} manager now, and it is unprecedented for us to have such support. This backing definitely helps to boost our morale! We are also having a blast demoing new songs and receiving the masters for our new album.
Is there a particular message or theme you hope listeners take away from your music?
Our theme is one of prehistoric heavy metal and a message that may stem from this is that since heavy metal is meant to be primal, our audience should have fun and perhaps growl along with our songs.
Sokoll on stage
What are your immediate goals for the band?
To finish the recording of our new record, to play some live shows (including live on local NYC/NJ radio shows), shoot some new videos (including a possible new Hallowe’en single…), and to write some new songs.
What is your favorite venue to play?
The next one! So far, the Main Drag and The Meadows in Brooklyn have been great. Both venues were professionally staffed and had great acoustics. Playing outside in Tompkins Square Park was really cool, too.
Describe your fans in one sentence
Rabid (editors note: literal or figurative? We’re not sure)
What's one quirky or funny thing about your band that people might not know?
We have some unique stage props including a giant cardboard woolly mammoth. She is our mascot and her name is Buttercup.
What's a hidden talent or a non-musical hobby that you have?
I am an astrophotographer. This requires patience and one may periodically lose some sleep to fully embrace this hobby, yet I believe the photographs are ultimately worth it.
What's a song you wish you had written?
The Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett
CHAKA is
Mark "CHAKA" Sokoll - bass guitar, vocals, lyrics
Mike "Ssslestak" Caldarella - drums
Frank "Frank" Principe - guitar
Ty Canon - guitar (studio)
https://www.chakametalband.com