1921 BALI HEADBANGER MUSIC

SUKABUMI – The Indonesian alternative rock scene welcomes a fresh perspective as NEW D4WN (read as "New Dawn") officially emerges from the heart of Sukabumi. Formed in 2025, the band seeks to live up to its name—symbolizing a new beginning and a bright horizon for the genre. The quartet features a solid lineup of local talent: Ari on Vocals Adhit on Guitar Irgi on Keyboards Gema on Drums The Story Behind "Kembali" Marking their first step into the industry, NEW D4WN introduces "Kembali" (Return). Far from a typical love song, "Kembali" explores the haunting reality of a one-sided devotion. It captures the essence of someone who has given their entire soul to a relationship, only to realize that their partner’s heart was never truly "home." Lyrical Depth and Reflection The single is characterized by its poetic and melancholic lyrics. Phrases such as "melebur ke dalam dirimu" (melting into you) and "...

TANGERANG, INDONESIA – After a period of internal turbulence and transformation, the technical/melodic deathcore unit Vein of Mogot is officially back. Marking the dawn of a new era, the band has announced a solidified lineup and the release of their highly anticipated comeback single, "Aftermath." The Legacy of Mogot Founded in mid-2022 by guitarist and songwriter Reza Rey, the band’s name pays homage to Daan Mogot, a revolutionary hero who fell in Tangerang. Vein of Mogot quickly carved a niche in the Indonesian heavy music scene by blending modern deathcore with melodic sensibilities, technical guitar licks, and crushing breakdowns. Their 2023 debut album, Romusha, cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with. A New Chapter: The 2025 Evolution Following a series of internal conflicts in 2024 that saw the departure of several founding members, Reza Rey remained the sole torchbearer. Refusing to let the vision die, he spent the year rebuilding. Today,...

December 2025 — CROWMASTER, the dark and atmospheric post-rock/post-metal project formed by Greg McEwan and Johan de Jager, both former members of South Africa’s pioneering extreme metal outfit Voice of Destruction , return with a deeply evocative new track titled “Skeleton Coast,” released on December 8, 2025 . Known for their slow-burning intensity, brooding ambience, and shadow-drenched soundscapes, CROWMASTER operate in the liminal space where crushing heaviness collides with stark minimalism. On “Skeleton Coast,” the duo channels these elements into a cinematic journey inspired by one of Africa’s most haunting landscapes. The track draws its atmosphere from Namibia’s infamous Skeleton Coast — a desolate shoreline littered with shipwrecks, cloaked in dense fog, and steeped in stories of sailors swallowed by merciless seas. Through expansive textures, restrained aggression, and an ever-growing sense of unease, CROWMASTER translate this harsh te...

Bandung, December 2025 — Ardsumargono (@ardsumargono), guitarist, solo artist, and producer under Hypogene Records (@hypogenerecords), has officially stepped into the spotlight with the release of his debut solo single “Hitam” , out worldwide on December 23, 2025, across all digital streaming platforms. Rooted in Progressive Metal , “Hitam” serves as a powerful introduction to Ardsumargono’s musical identity—one defined by heaviness, darkness, emotional depth, and constantly shifting dynamics. Beyond marking his solo debut, the release also carries symbolic weight as it signals the long-awaited return of CHALATRAZ (@chalatraz.id) after an extended period of silence. Musically, “Hitam” is driven by aggressive guitar riffing, evolving progressive structures, and an oppressive dark atmosphere. The track moves fluidly between tension and release, with vocals weaving through sharp instrumental contrasts, amplifying the song’s emotional intensity from start to fini...

Bandung Selatan’s own fire-starters PARADJINGAN roar back with Penikmat Api, a blistering new album that fuses raw Stoner Rock grit with Heavy Metal muscle. After dropping a string of singles throughout 2025, the band now unleashes this full-length release as both a fiery farewell to the year and a bold welcome to the coming Year of the Fire Horse. Rooted in the tradition of “Siduru”—a Sundanese term for gathering around fire—Penikmat Api draws its spirit from moments shared in flame-lit conversations. From casual talk to serious life reflections, social criticism, and small celebrations, these late-night fire sessions become the backbone of the album’s narrative and soul. The album features 8 untamed tracks, each delivering wild Stoner Rock energy wrapped in thick, Heavy Metal tones. Lyrical themes roam freely: the chaos of mosh pits, beauty privilege, social cynicism, and even the bittersweet end of a long-standing hangout spot. Adding more fuel to the fire, Penikmat Api ...

Bandung, Indonesia — Sugar Youth return with an emotionally charged new single, “Dawn (Another Day)” , a heartfelt pop punk anthem that dives deep into the quiet pain of loving someone who can’t love you back. Balancing heartbreak with a fragile sense of hope, the track reveals a more intimate side of the band while holding tight to their signature energy and melodic drive. Built on vulnerable lyrics and soaring melodies, “Dawn (Another Day)” tells the story of Spike , a man convinced that the woman he loves is his destiny. He stays, supports, and keeps fighting for a love that exists only in his heart. Jinx , the object of his affection, drifts in and out of his life—appearing when she needs him, disappearing when emotions grow too real. Spike’s devotion endures until the truth finally hits: sometimes love must be released, not won. His farewell carries a quiet hope—that in another time, another life, they might meet again when the timing is right. Musically, the song b...

Purworejo, Indonesia — December 2025 Indonesian extreme metal act ROTTENPIG returns with a powerful new statement through their latest single, “Hong Wilaheng Sekareng Bawono Langgeng,” officially released on December 18, 2025 , as part of the celebration of National Gamelan Day (December 15) . Forged through a long journey of reflection and commitment to cultural resistance, this release marks a bold continuation of ROTTENPIG’s mission to preserve and reinterpret Indonesian heritage through extreme music. The single fuses the raw aggression of extreme metal with the intricate, spiritual textures of Javanese gamelan , creating a sound that feels both ancient and brutally modern—ready to resonate with metal listeners worldwide. “Hong Wilaheng Sekareng Bawono Langgeng” stands as the culmination of ROTTENPIG’s ongoing creative experiments with gamelan music. Beyond aesthetics, the band’s involvement is deeply rooted: its members are actively engaged in karawitan (tradition...

Denpasar, December 2025 — Indonesia’s extreme music landscape is hit with a jolt of raw defiance as Noize Gerd , a young thrash metal force from Bali, unleashes its debut single “Pulau Seribu Dollar.” This is not just an introduction—it’s an alarm bell. Fueled by blistering riffs and unfiltered fury, Noize Gerd steps forward as a voice of protest against environmental destruction, cultural erosion, and the glossy capitalism swallowing their homeland. Rather than glorifying Bali as a postcard paradise, “Pulau Seribu Dollar” exposes the island as a battleground: sacred land versus concrete, ancestral values versus profit, identity versus exploitation. The song channels frustration felt by locals who increasingly find themselves strangers on their own soil. Musically rooted in classic thrash metal aggression—drawing spirit from bands like Testament, Exodus, Kreator, and Megadeth —Noize Gerd pairs high-speed riffs and relentless drumming with lyrics that cut deep. The trac...

Bandung, Indonesia – December 2025 — Bandung-based Afrobeat collective Hummus officially steps into a new chapter with the release of their debut full-length album “INTIFADAH,” a record fueled by resistance, solidarity, and urgent humanitarian consciousness. Drawing inspiration from the historical meaning of intifadah —a collective uprising against oppression—the album stands as Hummus’ musical response to the ongoing occupation of Palestinian land. Rather than offering escapism, “INTIFADAH” confronts listeners with the harsh realities of a world in crisis, positioning music as a form of protest and remembrance. The album features eight tracks infused with Middle Eastern textures , blending Afrobeat rhythms with trumpet passages, layered percussion, and Arabic poetic recitations. This sonic direction pushes Hummus beyond traditional Afrobeat, carving a unique space within Indonesia’s alternative and underground music landscape. Consisting of four new compositions a...

SKJONNHET proudly unveils its new single “Sailing Into the Drowning Horizon” featuring Bjørnar (ULVHEDNER) on 29 November 2025 —a dramatic continuation of the tale first introduced in the debut album “Wanderer Above the Woods of Fog.” This intense release marks the beginning of a new artistic chapter and serves as the very first glimpse into Skjønnhet’s forthcoming second album. “Sailing Into the Drowning Horizon” narrates the struggle of a human who chooses the path of an environmental activist—someone who refuses to bow to the destructive forces disrupting the balance of the natural world. The song explores the emotional and physical turbulence of defending the wild while facing the looming threat of powerful elites who view his resistance as a danger to their ambitions. At its core, the single presents a powerful storytelling journey: A lone wanderer sets sail into a fate filled with trials that test the limits of his courage. His mission to protect nature becomes ...

Jakarta Timur’s longstanding Gothic Black Metal force MEMEDI returns with a powerful new chapter. On November 25th, 2025, the band released its newest single, “Mariana” — a 4:57-minute track that marks a bold evolution in sound and vision. Founded in 2004, MEMEDI has carved its legacy through three full-length albums: Penantian Abadi (2017), Tersesat Dalam Mimpi (2023), and SEMU (2025). Despite losing all members over time, drummer and founding mastermind Moel Ishaq remains the sole guardian of the band’s existence. Refusing to let MEMEDI fade into silence, Moel has transformed the project into a one-man Gothic Black Metal entity. “Mariana” serves as the first preview of MEMEDI’s upcoming fourth album, planned for release in 2026, and introduces a musical direction distinct from earlier records. This single brings an atmospheric blend of Gothic elegance and Black Metal ferocity, created through notable collaborations. MEMEDI teams up with Viola Santi, vocalist of INNERBEAUT...