Reviews: The Non Metal Reviews Vol 2 no comments

PEREK KASI GEREK –Cynically Fast Runaway CD (2011)

Nincompoops Kids Records

When I got the CD, there was a stern warning on the sleeve stating that the CD contains non breakdown riffing, I immediately thanked God. This band is from Sungai Petani playing fun thrashy hardcore punk schooling everybody not to take everything so seriously all the time and this 11 track of a CD is fucking amazing. I love the clear sound and the attitude. Its fun, crazy sometimes retarded but without spoiling the sound. The lyrics dealt with hilarious topics, from poking fun at Straight Edgers to Gudang Garam cigarettes, Japanese cartoons and a fat boy. Yes, you read that correctly. A fat boy. Contact the band via www.myspace.com/pxkxg     

ALWAYS LAST – Antidotes CD (2009)

Nervhous Records | Piss Art Records | Embrace Records

I am way behind in keeping track with the latest local releases. This one was released back in 2009. Always Last plays fast and highly infectious sing-along fat wreck chords punk rock and this is one awesome release. Containing 15 songs including an outro, this CD is total value for money. It came with a nice booklet for the brilliant lyrics too. The first song, I was chilled to the bones with the Queen-esque operatic harmonies; I knew I was in for a good treat and I was not dissapointed. The sound quality was top notch on par with the band’s brilliant song writing and arrangements. Shout out to the drummer for the awesome footwork. One word, brilliant. My favorite song? The semi acoustic track number 13, Aaina Kameilia (the aftermath). Wait, there’s a hidden acoustic track? Fuck you Always Last, for writing such a beautiful song. Email the band at wearealwayslast@gmail.com    

CARBON 4’TEEN/T.I.M – Cto-Soldier And The Promise Land Split (2010)

Red Ink Entertainment | Piss Art Records

Carbon 4’Teen is a punk band from Pontian, Johor playing fast melodic punk rock while T.I.M is a band from the muddy banks of Kuala Lumpur playing this weird hybrid of technical metal and jazzy punk rock with the virtuosity of Japanese visual kei guitarists. Yes, weird and I totally dig T.I.M. The CD contains 10 songs with each band contributing 5 songs each. I am really im pressed with T.I.M actually. The songs were really, really well written and the guitarist really shreds on the 6 strings. The drums were obviously programmed but that does not hinder my enjoyment at all even though I usually despise drum machines. I guess, it would all depend on how you arrange your songs and man, T.I.M really did it for me. All I could think of was this awesome blend of the complexity of jazz and the ferocious speed of punk and the sheer heaviness of metal. Did I mention that the singer can really sing? Yes, the guy can really sing. I recommend this because you really need to listen to T.I.M. This is fucking outside the box man. Awesome! Contact the band via carbon4teen@yahoo.co.uk and  akmalhishan@gmail.com   

PUSHER – Our Beloved City of the Dead CD (2010)

Knot Records

Pusher is a renowned punk band from Shah Alam playing this politically charged punk rock with plentiful flavor of reggae all over the place. This CD contains 9 songs including a bonus track taken from their 1999 demo. I am not really a fan of the Clash but the sound quality on this CD is pretty awesome. You got the 70’s buzzsaw guitars and the distorted crunchy rhythm well mixed and balanced. The bass was audible while the drums were clean, clear and crispy and this was done without losing that raw, organic snare and bass drum sound that I loved so much. Music wise, it took me a little while to get used to it though. Maybe I am too used to all those MTV punk sound to really appreciate the sheer brilliance of this piece of music. My lost though. Contact the band via www.facebook.com/pusher or knot_records@yahoo.com

Reviews: The Non Metal Reviews Vol.1 no comments

DISASTER FUNHOUSE / HOODED - Split (2012)

Alternative Label/Distribution | Ancaman Production | Quiet Still Dead Records

The only reason why I bought this CD was Disaster Funhouse, a local household name in Malaysian HC scene, making a comeback after God knows how many years of hiatus. Boy, was I in for a treat, Disaster Funhouse did not disappoint. This CD contains 13 songs with Hooded, an excellent HC band from Bandung, Indonesia, contributing 7 songs while the remaining 6 were contributed by Disaster Funhouse. Hooded played angry, old school with a bit of touch of modern HC while DF maintained their signature NYHC Warzone-esque brand of HC. Heavy, fast, straight to your face old School HC, the way it should be played. According to the sleeve, the songs which were featured in this CD were recorded way back in 2004. I do not know why, DF chose not to release this fine piece of music back then, but I am glad they chose to release it anyway. It came with a nice gatefold sleeve and a lyric sheet, complete with English explanations about each of the songs featured. Highly recommended. Email the labels at: ancamanfanzine@yahoo.com or anakmuda@gmail.com or quietstilldeadrecords@yahoo.com

THE EVERYDAY – Globalisasi Retromodlist CD (?)

Youth Culture Records

Retro rock. The one band that came to mind when I first listened to this 4 piece of a band is The Times, especially the lazy vocal parts. The lyrics were a bit cheesy, not really to my liking, although the music is moderately decent. Oh, one more thing, get a real drummer, boys. 

BACTERIOSTATIC - Demo (2012)

Self released

Bacteriostatic ia a new three piece melodic punk rock outfit from Kulai, Johor. This demo contains 8 highly infectious and well written melodic punk rock tunes. The lyrics mostly talks about friendship, trendies and humanity. The quality of the sound is decent, with the bass is high on the mix while the drums were a bit at the back. I can barely listen to the sound of the bass drums. But all in all, this band has a high sense of melody that I can tell. The CDR demo came with a lyric sheet. Email the band at d_maggot_crusher@yahoo.com.my 

SOUL SAVIOR - Punk My Ride CD (2010)

Nervhous Records

This CD was released in 2010 so it is quite an old release. First look at the band’s logo I seriously thought that this was a heavy/power metal band or some shit, but no, Soul Savior is a chilled out melodic punk rock band from Patin rock city of Temerloh Pahang. Less the vocals, the band plays this chilled out punk rock tunes in the veins of NOFX, Propagandhi and Bad Religion. I kept mentioning chilled out, right? That was due to the way the singer sang their songs; chilled and relaxed, despite the fast and energetic blistering punk rock music that he is singing to. Kind of like Chris Cornell. The CD contains 8 highly melodic ear candies with lyrics about having fun and poetic interpretation of life with little pokes on modern day ideological nonsense here and there. Seriously, I had fun reading the lyrics. The words crafted for Running Out of Life and Romanticizing the Revolution were some deep and heavy poetic shits, man. The sound quality is very good even though the bass is barely audible. Maybe a couple of notch up on the treble knot would do the trick. The guitars were clean despite the never ending buzzsaw activities through out the CD. This CD is enjoyable. One listen and I am already humming the riffs. If you like MTV Punk rock, then you will want to give this band a listen. Contact the band at www.facebook.com/soulsavior

Metal News Malaysia 2013 Vol 4: no comments

1. AKAGRISH, the Death Metal maniacs hailing for Kota Kinabalu, Sabahell, have already released their EP titled "Akagrish" through Evil Dead Production. The CD shall contain 7 corpse decapitating death metal tracks for you to bleed you ears with. A Bullet Belt review for this one is underway. For more information on how to get a copy of this CD, follow the following link.

AKAGRISH | Facebook

EVIL DEAD PROD | Facebook

2. MANTAK, another one of them Sabahells Black Metal elite, will be releasing their new CD under Hells Vomit in the near future. The proposed cover for the new CD, currently titled "Kult Rogolized" have already been published by the band. For more information on the new CD, visit.

MANTAK | Facebook

HELLS VOMIT PROD | Facebook

3. BESTIAL HORDE, The black thrash band from East Malaysia, have just rereleased their CD Nuclear Metal Lust via Norwegian underground label called Apocalyptic Empire records. The rerelease will be in 7" Vinyl format and print will be limited to 666 copies only. get yours now.

BESTIAL HORDE | Facebook

APOCALYPTIC EMPIRE | Website

4. BHIMIDHUKA PRODUCTION is an upcoming record independent record label from east coat Malaysia. The small label started off back in November last year and is eager to support local and asian bands. Local death and black metal bands, send in your demos. Do check out and support their releases as well. I love the name of the label. Just brilliant.

BHUMIDHUKA | Facebook

BHUMIDHUKA | Webstore

5. EVIL ROTTING ZINE, the premier metal zine from Singapore, now relocated to Malaysia, have just released and published their fourth issue after 13 years of silence. The first issue of the fanzine was released back in 1988 (I was still in my kindergarten uniform in 1988) and the year 1990, saw the released of their third and final issue. Now, the beast has arisen. The bands featured, among others, were Kathgor, Humiliation, Lavatory, Mantak and many more. Get a copy of Evil Rotting now to know more about South East Asian Metal. Contents are in english and itll cost you USD5 or EU5 or RM10 a pop. Contact them.

EVIL ROTTING ZINE | Facebook

Metal News Malaysia 2013 vol 3: no comments

1. SINGHASARI, after being under the radar for quite a while since their last release, Kebangkitan Nusantara EP and Hikayat Dari Hujung Selatan Timur, back in 2010, the aforementioned Malaysian premier pagan black metal band will be releasing a four way split release with 3 bands from Germany, Mexico and Belarus. This will be extremely awesome. Contact the band via the following link for more information.
SINGHASARI | Facebook

2. KARAMAH, the long awaited project band from the infamous Wan Barchiel, the founder of the legendary Singaporean Black Metal band, As Sahar, will be releasing their debut mini album with the title, Huraish. Pre orders have now been opened to those who are interested to get a copy. Will the sound of the band be similar to As Sahar? Try them to find out.

ONE BARCHIEL | Facebook

3. HUMILIATION, Malaysian finest regiment of death metal assault team will be releasing their new album with Deeps End Records. The new album will go by the title of Turbulence From The Deep. The label had also gave out a full song tease in the form of Phosphorous Shell, one of the song featured in the new album for a free download. Pre order now!

DEEPSEND RECORDS | Facebook

DEEPSEND RECORDS | Website

4. ANTABOGA, one of the most exciting Malay Occult Black Metal band from Klang, Selangor, is set to release their new CD called Mayang Mistik. The CD will contain 10 songs and it will cost you around RM30 a piece. This CD will limited to 100 print only, so you better get your wallets and purse ready. This is the time to desecrate! Get in touch with band now!

ANTABOGA | Facebook

5. ANGUISH, Pahang's death metal merchants will be releasing their mini album, Abstract Decomposition soon. I will try and get more information on how to get your hands on the release. It will definitely be exciting. All hail Malaysian Death Metal!

ANGUISH | EncMetallum

News: The Death Of Analog Psycho. 1 comments

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Metal News Malaysia 2013 vol 2: 2 comments

1. One man Melancholic instrumental Black Metal, FILSUFATIA have joined forces with another ambient black metal band from the Appalachian mountains, TWILIGHT FAUNA to release a digital split titled Fallen Leaves in a Tide of Sorrow with both bands contributing 2 songs each. The 2 songs from Filsufatia were taken from their upcoming 2013 demo, which is currently on hold due to the sole member of the band had to go and schedule updates for a lousy blog called The Bullet Belt. The split will also be released in tape format by a Canadian label called Spectrelight Recordings. Check Filsufatia out if you like melancholic atmospheric orchestral black instrumental music.

FILSUFATIA | Facebook

2. Penang Raw Black Metal tyrant, MEDUSSA SAFANNAH, have released their promo titled VAR through Qalaqas Black Art. The promo contains 4 tracks of pure grim, minimal and lo fi gritty black metal and its only RM20 a piece. It comes with a free mini poster and free postage. Check the band out.

MEDUSSA SAFANNAH | Facebook

3. SAPPRAH is a eastern death thrash metal band from Kemaman, Terengganu. They are currently in the studios recording their debut. This 4 piece band was formed back in 2010 cited Morbid Angel and Napalm Death with a few other local warlords in the likes of Dark Nirrajim and As Sahar as their main influences. That should be an interesting combination in my book. Check them out.

SAPPRAH | Facebook

4. After releasing their debut demo, Danse Macabre, back in 2012 and a debut EP titled Ars Moriendi under their own label, One man Malaysian Ambient/Depressive instrumental black metal band, MAQABIR, have released their follow up single titled The Arrival of Azrael/Archangel of Death. We also learned that the band is currently in talks with Depressive Illusion, one of the more premier label for Depressive Black Metal music, from Ukraine, to release their collection of songs in tape format. Watch out for this extremely obscure Malaysian band.

MAQABIR | Bandcamp

5. Another promising one man band, LIFELORN from the muddy banks of Kuala Lumpur, is also meditating in the studios recording their debut full length through their own label, Regolith Records. Lifelorn plays some sort of an amalgamation of Post Rock, Black Metal and Shoegaze, or what some people would fancy it nowadays as Blackgaze. The man behind Lifelorn, which happens to be a good friend of mine, was also the main culprit behind the awesome now defunct depressive black metal one man band called Animist. If you like transcending instrumentals, then you should try and check this band out.

LIFELORN | Facebook

Metal News Malaysia 2013: 2 comments

Destruction will be invading Malaysia. The most talked about event for 2013 would be this years installment of KLMetalcamp #6, the biggest underground annual event for the local metal scene, with the coming of one third of the holy trinity of Teutonic thrash metal, Destruction, to the shores of Malaysia. The show will be held at Chinwoo Stadium, this coming May 4th. The opening bands are the mighty Sil Khannaz (death metal), Humiliation (old school death metal), Stompin Ground (Singaporean Metallic hardcore), Zygoatsis (Siamese Black Metal), Hereafter (Thrash), Nekrad (Goth), Storming Steels (Thrash) and Tools of the Trade (grind). Admission is RM95.00 and the show will start at 2.00pm.

KLMetalCamp | Facebook

MTD Production will be releasing a 4 way split called Eastern hell Fire. The bands that will be featured in this must have compilation are Antaboga, Keruntuk, Ajal and Kambing Sakti. This CD release will be limited to 55 copies and it will cost you RM15 a pop. Contact MTD Production for more information. 

MTD Production | Facebook

Malaysian Metal Warrior 2013 Gig will be held on this coming 10th February at Penny Lane Studio, Sunway will feature bands in the likes of Sauts Alastor, Santau, Claw, Ajal, Novrathos, Black Abyss, Balberith and Triumph ov Fire. Admission is RM15 and the gig shall commence at 3.00 pm. Contact Metal Warrior production for more information about the tickets since it will be a gig with limited seats.

Metal Warrior Production | Facebook

NEKRAD, Ipoh, Perak's own extreme gothic metal act is currently in the studio, writing and recording their new songs, most probably for a follow up release after the success of their split CD with Vociferation Eternity. Nekrad is by far, one of the most hardworking bands from the shores of Malaysia. If you like Cradle of Filth or Old Mans Child or all those vampire themed goth music, then you should not miss checking out Nekrad. 

NEKRAD | Facebook

SICKNESS, the king of Malaysian Goregrind have released a new album called Necrosymphonies of Necropsy. If you like old carcass, then you should try and check this band out. These guys have been around since 1995. Anyway, the album was released by Grundar Production and contains 10 ear blistering tracks that shall melt your earwax and rot your corpses to damnation. Contact the band for more information.

SICKNESS | Facebook

Grundar production | Website