Indonesia Hardcore Scene Report 2024

Indonesian hardcore is a huge, vast, and diverse scene. The country was known for it’s archipelago so therefore many bands and scene scattered around a collection of islands.

Probably the most well known place to breed hardcore is the island of Java. Bands like Keep It Real, Prejudize, ZIP, Hardik, Dazzle, and many cannot be mentioned one by one it’s the prime example. But that doesn’t mean other islands didn’t have a throbbing scene either. One of it being the island of Sulawesi, or some people call it Celebes.

It started way back in the '90s, and recently in the post-pandemic world, got its significant rise thanks to the torch bearers from Central Sulawesi, Defy. Nowadays bands from Sulawesi started to invade other Islands, and even the international scene in SEA.

Here’s some cool bands you have to check out!

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Defy

No need further explanation for these guys. Defy basically carry the torch for modern Sulawesi hardcore scene. The Central Sulawesi unit released their debut EP back in 2022, and started to pick up a lot of activities from there.

They toured SEA couple of times, and recently they released a split album with Malang City hardcore legends, Keep It Real.

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Huminoid

Huminoid is one of the go to bands from the north. The Manado, North Sulawesi outfit specializes in mid-'00s moshcore style reminiscent of bands like On Broken Wings, Burnt by the Sun, and Remembering Never.

Started out as a death metal band, they start to change and add things up like sampling and plenty of panic chords to mosh to and became what they are now.

Their latest EP, Pride Comes Before the Crash, dropped last year, and it’s a mandatory listen.

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406

A newer band hailing from Tondano/Tomohon region of North Sulawesi, 406 played a more modern style of hardcore, reminiscent of bands like Knocked Loose, Bloodbather, etc.

So far, they only had 2 songs out but their debut EP is coming out real soon via No Match Records.

READ MORE: Tijuana Hardcore Scene Report 2024

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Martil

Martil is one of the top hardcore bands from South Sulawesi area. They got the singalongs, spirited songwriting, and stick-to-the-roots attitude. Martil don't want to reinvent the wheel, or chase any trends, they just want to play straight-up hardcore music. These guys also book shows in their hometown of Makassar.

Their new EP entitled Lepas Kendali is out now. Go check it out.

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Thrulife

If you like fast hardcore, in your face, and singalongs, then Thrulife is your cup of tea. These Gorontalo unit took inspirations from bands like Shutdown and Madball and make it their own. Thrulife rep their own scene so hard and it’s shows in their music and attitude.

They got a full LP out last year entitled Teman Terbaik, and it rips.

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Slide

Still on the fast hardcore side, we got Slide from Bitung, North Sulawesi. These guys rips so hard. In the over saturation of beatdown bands in the area, they stick to play Youth Crew and fast hardcore style.

If you like Mindset and second wave youth crew stuffs, Slide is definitely a must to check out. Their latest EP, Short Time 3, is out on Moshpit Records.

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Do That Shit

Do That Shit play no bullshit, hip-hop heavy-inspired, breakdown-driven beatdown music that always gives way to a wild and violent crowd whenever they play out.

They are one of the go-to bands from the south side. Do That Shit already got two EPs out and have been picking up steam in their hometown of Makassar, South Sulawesi.

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Tiresome

Tiresome doesn’t land anywhere on metallic hardcore or beatdown side, but if you love '90s post-hardcore like Handsome and Farside, Tiresome got your back. They really stand out for playing an under represented style in Sulawesi scene.

The music is really melodic and nostalgic while still operated with DIY hardcore attitude. Tiresome got a two songs promo out on March and they are recording a new EP right now.

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Cease

Cease is one of the unique up and coming bands from Sulawesi. They got a more melodic sound with a kick of hardcore punk DNA on it. They took heavy influences from California '80s hardcore punk (Circle Jerks, Black Flag, and Descendents), New York hardcore (CIV, Gorilla Biscuits), Lockin’ Out Records, to power-pop music.

Their debut EP is coming out later this year through No Match Records. While you're waiting for it, check out their two-song promo, Keep My Cool/High Degree.

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Lethal Six

A last but not least, Lethal Six feature members scattered around the island including members of Huminoid, Defy, and Do That Shit. Playing hardcore-mixed-with -metal sound heavily influenced by acts like All Out War, Length of Time, and Sentence.

Lethal Six didn’t play a lot of shows but these guys are planning for an EP right now. In the meantime, check out their latest single “History Repeats”.

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Some local DIY promoters that are active in the scene include:

• M-Town from Makassar (Instagram)
• Madxluck from Manado (Instagram)
• Project X from Gorontalo (Instagram)
• Strait City Crew from Bitung (Instagram)
• Volo from Palu (Instagram)

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Tagged: 406, cease, defy, do that shit, huminoid, lethal six, martil, scene report, slide, thrulife, tiresome