1921 BALI HEADBANGER MUSIC

PANGKALAN BUN – Forget the monotonous melodies and the "death pop" poetry you’ve grown tired of. A new catastrophe has emerged from the quiet streets of Central Kalimantan, and it’s here to burn everything in its path. LAYAW, the self-proclaimed harbingers of "Hell Rock," have officially announced the release of their high-octane debut album, TAHTA API, scheduled to drop on December 9, 2025. Born from Boredom, Fueled by Chaos Founded on December 20, 2023, in the "boring" town of Pangkalan Bun, LAYAW takes its name from the Malay word for "unclear" or "chaotic." But don't let the name fool you—their mission is crystal clear. In a local scene dominated by repetitive sounds, LAYAW acts as a lethal dose of adrenaline, a firestorm meant to threaten the status quo. The Sound of Personal Hell Heavily influenced by the doom-laden riffs of Black Sabbath and the gritty soul of Alice in Chains, LAYAW isn't looking t...

The global thrash metal underground has just received a massive jolt. KARTEL, the powerhouse thrash metal outfit from Tangerang, Indonesia, has officially released a collaborative split album with Confusión Masiva, a crossover thrash force hailing from Uruguay. The album, titled "Katalis Confusivo," was unleashed on January 4, 2026, marking a historic bridge between two continents through the medium of aggressive music. A Unified Front Against Oppression "Katalis Confusivo" is more than just a musical collaboration; it is a shared manifesto. Despite the thousands of miles separating Indonesia and Uruguay, both bands find common ground in their experiences living under similar social, political, and economic pressures. "Katalis Confusivo" translates to a "catalyst for chaos"—not aimless destruction, but a reactive explosion born from the weight of systemic oppression. Themes of Resistance The split album serves as a channel for collect...

Is it 2004 again? Because Lampung’s finest just took us back to the golden era of skateboards and heartbreaks. The year 2026 is barely a few weeks old, but Antikolor is already winning. The legendary pop punk crew from Lampung—who have been holding it down since 2004—just dropped their massive new single “I Miss You,” and they didn't come alone. In a move that’s sending shockwaves through both the music and film worlds, Indonesian actor Toddy Zilla has officially traded the camera for the microphone. And no, this isn't some soft ballad; Toddy is going full-throttle with those gritty, loud vocals we haven't heard since the peak of Blink-182. The Collab We Didn’t Know We Needed The vibe? Pure nostalgia. Think fast drums, catchy-as-hell guitar riffs, and that "sing-it-at-the-top-of-your-lungs" energy. Toddy himself seems hyped about the crossover, saying, "The energy on this track is insane. It's got that 2000s pop punk soul that just...

BEKASI, WEST JAVA – Prepare your ears for a relentless assault. DINASTY , the long-standing titans of the Bekasi Grindcore scene, have officially announced their return. After over two decades of evolution, the band is gearing up to drop their latest mini-album, "KIRIK," in 2025. The Evolution of the Beast Founded in 2002, Dinasty is no stranger to the grit of the underground. Through years of sonic experimentation and lineup shifts, the band has solidified into a formidable four-piece powerhouse featuring: • Bagas (Vocals) • Mawa (Guitar) • Dani (Drums) • Toink (Bass) Drawing inspiration from international legends like Napalm Death, Pig Destroyer, and Sepultura, as well as local pioneers like Tengkorak and Extreme Decay, Dinasty’s current sound is a refined blend of pure, unadulterated chaos and technical precision. "KIRIK": A Socio-Political Buzzsaw The upcoming EP, titled "KIRIK," isn't just a collection of songs—it’s a sharp...

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...