#MusicReview : "Inhuman Sights": KONZTITUSI’s Explosive Debut Brings Hardcore with a Social Edge
"Inhuman Sights," the debut EP from Jakarta-based hardcore band KONZTITUSI, marks a raw and thought-provoking entry into Indonesia's hardcore scene. Formed in 2021, the band embodies the spirit of a new generation of hardcore with its bold experimentation, integrating influences from old-school, new school, and even new wave hardcore, and pushing boundaries with a unique approach that resonates with both local and global hardcore audiences.
Released on May 3, 2024, this EP is a culmination of KONZTITUSI’s growth over three years, during which they honed their sound by drawing from diverse influences such as Terror, Napalm Death, and even punk icons Ramones. They recorded "Inhuman Sights" with Nabiel Sungkar at Playrecords Studio, giving the EP a distinctively gritty edge that matches its lyrical themes. Sungkar's influence is apparent in the EP’s nuanced soundscape, blending raw energy with carefully crafted arrangements.
The EP’s lead single, "Living in Slavery," does not define the EP musically but encapsulates its central theme: the struggles of everyday life, human rights, and societal issues that KONZTITUSI observes and experiences firsthand. The track stands as a lyrical statement, underscoring the band’s commitment to conveying real-world hardships through their music. Additionally, the track "Waring" reveals KONZTITUSI’s artistic ingenuity, incorporating unexpected sound elements inspired by genres outside hardcore, like a subtle nod to The Beatles in its intro.
KONZTITUSI’s music transcends the hardcore genre, venturing into experimental territory that intertwines aggressive hardcore beats with unconventional shifts and transitions reminiscent of Dream Theater’s complex tempos. This bold mix reflects the band’s desire to be remembered not only for their heavy sound but for their innovative approach to hardcore music. In "Inhuman Sights," they present hardcore with a distinctive, layered style that captivates listeners and shows their potential to make an impact on the international hardcore stage.
With raw lyricism, social commentary, and genre-blending music, "Inhuman Sights" signals KONZTITUSI’s ambition to be a voice of the youth in Indonesia and beyond. Fans of experimental hardcore will find the EP’s nuanced production and thematic depth an engaging experience.