SICKLES NEWS MADURA: Irsyad joins ship heading to Finland / Rony starts Decaying Flesh project

Irsyad (Sickles vocalist) first on left with his new shipmates bound for Finland.

SICKLES BAND NEWS MADURA: Vocalist Irsyad has started working full-time on a cruise ship bound for Finland. He has had this plan for a long time. The band is using additional vocalist on the stage (the vocalist of ANT KILLERS band). Bassist Rony has started a two-man Brutal Death Metal project called DECAYING FLESH with the guitarist of MORGOD (Surabaya). The band is signed to Swallow Vomit Production and are preparing now for their first album. There is no special news from guitarist Arie Sickles nor from drummer Haidir. Who knows what the future will hold for SICKLES band but I hope they continue and can record a full-length album. SICKLES is a promising band with technical skill, creativity, and energy. The lyrical themes are based on Madura history and mythology. SICKLES band released its debut seven-song EP Series Elite Disaster in March 2014 (500 copies) with the line-up of: Irsyad (v), Arie (g), Rony (b), and Haidir (d). A NEW DECAYING FLESH INTERVIEW WILL BE POSTED THIS WEEK [by Kieran James].

DECAYING FLESH videoclip feat. Rony Sickles:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?sns=fb&v=qGhmYP_5HVI 

NEW INTERVIEW: Our first interview with ANT KILLERS (Bangkalan, Madura Deathcore), 4/12/2014

Mr Ian (English teacher of Irsyad Sickles) is first on left, two ANT KILLERS members are in the centre, and Irsyad Sickles is fourth from the left. A special thanks to Mr Ian who was language interpreter during our interview because Ms Dhinie had to go back to Surabaya late in the afternoon. Without the help of Mr Ian we could not have done this interview (4/12/2014).

Our interview with ANT KILLERS (Bangkalan, Madura Island Deathcore), 4 December 2014

Interpretation Bahasa Indonesian / Bahasa Inggris by: Mr Ian (English teacher of Irsyad Sickles).

Expert comments by: Irsyad (vocalist SICKLES, Bangkalan Death Metal).

ANT KILLERS band line-up: Bayu (vocalist), Candra (guitarist), Anjay (bassist), and Akbar (drummer). 

ANT KILLERS band members

Kieran James aka Jack Frost (Busukwebzine): What are the band’s influences?

AK: SUICIDE SILENCE, CHELSEA GRIN, and SEEDS OF BLOOD.

KJ: Why do you call the band ANT KILLERS?

AK: Because we are influenced by how the ants have good co-operation. They are small but they have good co-operation. 

KJ: Why do you like to play this genre of music?

AK: Breakdowns and blast-beats.

KJ: How many songs have you got?

AK: Actually there are two but one of them is in process. One is fixed and the other is in process. 

KJ: Have you got any plan for an album?

AK: Actually we have a plan. After the second song is finished we will think about the album.

KJ: Is your band style similar to TYRANNICAL MIRROR [Madura Deathcore]?

AK: Different lead guitar.

KJ: What is the future plan for the band?

AK: We want to make an EP first and then a full album.

KJ: What is your comment about REVENGE THE FATE?

AK: They have amazing songs and interesting performance.

Irsyad Sickles (vocalist Sickles): When will the EP album be completed?

AK: Next year 2015.

Irsyad Sickles and Arie Sickles

KJ: What are the good things and the bad things about Bangkalan metal scene?

AK: The good thing is that many young people here want to try to play metal even though it’s hard to play the instruments. The bad thing is that the people around here think that metal people are bad people not like dangdut or pop people.

KJ: What do your parents think about you playing metal music?

AK: Our parents support us as long as it does not interfere with school time.

KJ: Who are the people in Bangkalan scene who helped you the most?

AK: Rony and Arie Sickles [Sickles guitarist] and all the bands in Bangkalan.

KJ: Why do you like to play deathcore instead of Death Metal?

AK: First of all, we liked Death Metal and after that we like to play deathcore. Deathcore is simple to play the instruments.

KJ: What is your comment about this band?

Irsyad Sickles: I think AK has a good vocal. The technique of the vocalist Bayu is good. They have a good performance. They have good solidarity. I like this band.

KJ: What are your favourite Indonesian bands?

AK: REVENGE THE FATE [Bandung] and NYAM NYAM CHEESE.

TYRANNICAL MIRROR band, Bangkalan deathcore

KJ: What are your favourite bands from Bangkalan?

AK: SICKLES and all of the bands.

KJ: What is your favourite dream for the band?

AK: To play at Hammersonic and Rock in Solo and Bandung Biersik.

Irsyad Sickles: Where have you performed?

AK: Bangkalan, Surabaya, and Sidoarjo.

KJ: Is there any city you would like to play?

AK: In Jakarta and Bandung, and in Paris and New York!

KJ: Have you got a message for the fans?

AK: We don’t have fans but we have so many friends.

KJ: What is your message for the friends?

AK: Don’t be easy to like new genres! We need more support from our friends!

***** THE END 

Bangkalan Underground Community feat. members of SICKLES, KREMASI, BULL RACE, TYRANNICAL MIRROR, ANT KILLERS, and MUTILATION AGGRESSION @ Bangkalan, 4/12/2014

Ms Dhinie (vocalist ALLEGREA SURABAYA band) @ Bangkalan Hotel, 4/12/2014. Dhinie also does guest female vocals on the new VALERIAN (SURABAYA) album Stardust Revelation.

Bangkalan Underground Community, with Kieran James (Busuk Webzine) at centre (third from left). Arie Sickles (guitar) is first on left and Rony Sickles (bass) is first on right.

NEW INTERVIEW: Our first interview with BULL RACE (Bangkalan, Madura Hardcore), 4/12/2014

BULL RACE band (Bangkalan Hardcore) with drummer and band leader Andi Kurniawan Putra at centre (second from left), 4/12/2014

Our interview with BULL RACE (Bangkalan, Madura Island Hardcore), 4 December 2014

Interpretation Bahasa Indonesian / Bahasa Inggris by: Irsyad (vocalist SICKLES)

Band line-up 2015: Band line-up 2015: Andi Kurniawan Putra (drummer), Ach.syaifullah (guitaris), Rizhi Fauzan (vocal), additional bass player Rifal Taufani (from KREMASI). 

BULL RACE HARDCORE

Kieran James aka Jack Frost (Busukwebzine): Please tell us the band history.

Andi (drummer): We started from 2011. The first name was not BULL RACE. The first name was INGOCTOPUS. BULL RACE did not have a genre at that time. Then for about two months we were looking for a genre. We chose hardcore because at that time in Bangkalan there was no hardcore. We wanted to be different to the other bands. First there were three members. At the start there was an additional member playing bass.

KJ: Why do you choose the name BULL RACE?

Andi: Because it is a culture and icon of Madura. We want people to know that BULL RACE is from Madura.

KJ: What is your favourite Indonesian band?

Andi: DEVADATA (SBY), OUTRIGHT (BDG), and FRAUD (SBY).

Rizfal: OUTRIGHT (BDG).

Syaifullah: FULL FRONTAL (SBY) and FINAL ATTACK (JKT).

KJ: What is your comment about STRAIGHT ANSWER (JKT)?

Andi: It is very good old-school hardcore from Jakarta.

KJ: What is the future plan for the band?

Syaifullah: We want to make a first EP album. We want to perform in another country. Next year 2015 we hope to complete the EP.

Andi: We want to look for permanent bassist.

KJ: Why do you like to play hardcore?

Andi: Because the music of hardcore can make our spirit come alive.

KJ: What are your influence bands?

BULL RACE: MADBALL, RISE OF THE NORTH STAR (ROTNS) (JAPAN), HATEBREED, and AGNOSTIC FRONT. They all influence us.

Irsyad Sickles and Arie Sickles

KJ: What is your comment about this band?

Irsyad (vocalist SICKLES): I think BULL RACE has interesting performances. Sometimes they make funny performances.

Haidir (drummer SICKLES / KREMASI): Grow up and don’t imitate other bands.

Ilham (TYRANNIAL MIRROR): It is a very good band.

KJ: What is your comment about Bangkalan scene?

Andi: People in Bangkalan have an appreciation but not respect. They do not really accept hardcore or other underground music. 

KJ: What is the progress of the album?

Andi: We have one single, one song. We are planning EP album of five songs. 

KJ: What is your comment about Surabaya hardcore scene?

Andi: Among the best. Two of the bands in Surabaya became my influences: DEVADATA and FRAUD.

KJ: What is your comment about Bandung hardcore?

Andi: Good, but we want to be better than Bandung hardcore.

Andi BULL RACE with SICKLES' EP

KJ: What is the dream for the band?

Andi: Perform at Rock in Solo and Bandung Biersik and all the big events.

KJ: Have you got any message for the fans of BULL RACE?

Andi: Keep support and keep solidarity.

Syaifullah: Be yourself.

Andi: Not fans but friends and family.

Fauzan (vocalist): Never surrender. We hope you can get more interested in this band.

KJ: Where did BULL RACE perform?

Andi: Bangkalan, Surabaya, Sidoarjo, and Madiun.

KJ: What was the most interesting gig?

Andi: Surabaya Soul of Freedom 2.

KJ: Why was this the most interesting?

Andi: Because there was such a large audience to see BULL RACE.

[Note: See youtube live video footage of Soul of Freedom 2 songs: 1. Intro and 2. Sakera Heroes.]

Live video-clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5d7R1VKvo0

*****THE END

KREMASI band with drummer Haidir at centre (second from left). Haidir also plays with SICKLES.

SICKLES MADURA and OVERFLOW REVENGE JOMBANG @ Tuban Death Fest 2015

Left to Right: Top Row: Kieran, Niza (ex-Climaxeth/ Osiris), Arie, Rony & Haidir Sickles. Bottom Row: Rizal Nur Rokhim (Osiris/ Hithead drummer) & Dwi Yudha (Osiris bassist) @ Bangkalan, 27 January 2014

Left to Right: Arie Sickles, Rony Sickles, Arie and Rony's brother, Arie and Rony's mother, Kieran & Haidir Sickles @ Bangkalan, 27 January 2014

Rony Sickles and Kieran James (Busuk Webzine) @ Bangkalan cafe, 4/12/2014

NEW INTERVIEW: Our first interview with MUTILATION AGGRESSION (Kamal / Bangkalan DM), 4/12/2014

Left to Right: Antony Maulana (MUTILATION AGGRESSION), Irsyad Sickles, Rony Sickles, and Kieran James (Busuk Webzine) @ Bangkalan, 4/12/2014

Our interview with Antony Maulana of MUTILATION AGGRESSION (Kamal / Bangkalan, Madura Island Brutal Death Metal), 4 December 2014, with comments by SICKLES band members

Interpretation Bahasa Indonesian / Bahasa Inggris by: Ms. Dhinie (ALLEGREA female vocalist)

Band line-up 2015: Antony Maulana (guitar / vocals), Wahyu (drums), Adi (guitar), and Dimas (bass).

Arie Sickles, Rony Sickles, Dhinie Allegrea

Kieran James (Busukwebzine): Please tell us the band history.

Antony: We were formed in 2009. Arie Sickles was in this band in 2010. He left the band in 2011. We started with only two members Wahyu and me. We only had vocalist and drummer. When Wahyu left I was alone. Wahyu left in 2012 and then he came back in this year 2014. Adi and Dimas joined in 2012 after Arie left.

KJ: What are the band’s influences?

Antony: Thrash-metal such as WARBRINGER and HAVOK. We played thrash originally but we wanted to have a new experience by jumping into death-metal.

KJ: What are your death-metal influences?

Antony: OBITUARY, PYREXIA, and SUFFOCATION.

KJ: Are you influenced by any Indonesian bands?

Antony: The thrash-metal band SUCKERHEAD.

KJ: Indonesian death-metal band influences?

Antony: No, I prefer the old-school. ROTTEN CORPSE [Malang] is part of the history.

 

KJ: Why do you like to play death-metal?

Antony: I want to play more daring than thrash-metal. I like the groove and the distortion of death-metal more than thrash.

KJ: Have you released an album or demo?

Antony: One single, one song.

KJ: In the Bangkalan scene who helped you the most?

Antony: SICKLES and TYRANNICAL MIRROR.

KJ: What is your comment about this band?

Rony (SICKLES bassist): This band is amazing.

Arie (SICKLES guitarist): Stay old-school!

Dhinie (ALLEGREA vocalist): Have you ever played outside of Bangkalan?

Antony: We played in many cities such as Surabaya, Mojokerto, Sidoarjo, Pasuruan, Lumajang, Banyuwangi, Gresik, and Jember.

KJ: What is your favourite city to play?

Antony: Lumajang.

Dhinie: How did you get to many gigs in East Java?

Antony: Motorcycles. We bring our own equipment on our motorcycles. If it is raining we must find a place to stop. I have an experience to share. We had a gig in Jember. Normally it takes five to six hours to get there but because of the weather it took 12 hours.

KJ: Do the normal people in Bangkalan know what metalheads really are?

Antony: Most of them don’t know.

Irsyad (SICKLES vocalist): MUTILATION is the first death-metal band in Bangkalan. SICKLES is second.

KJ: How do you feel that you are the first death-metal band in Bangkalan but SICKLES now became a little bit famous overseas?

Antony: MUTILATION is actually from Kamal (West Madura). This is where I live. I left SICKLES because it is easier for me to grow with MUTILATION. It relates to distance and time to have the rehearsal. So when SICKLES gets more famous I am proud of SICKLES. There are no hard feelings. We still support each other although we are far away.

KJ: What are your favourite Indonesian bands?

Antony: SUCKERHEAD and DEATH VOMIT. I don’t really follow the Indonesian scenes.

Irsyad Sickles: When will you make an album?

Antony: Maybe next year 2015 we will prepare. We already have eight songs. We did a cover song KREATOR – “Endless Pain”.

KJ: Do you plan to issue a split album with any other band?

Antony: Not yet but I will think about that.

KJ: What are the topics of the lyrics?

Antony: About killing, criminality, and politics with scary lyrics.

KJ: What is the language?

Antony: Indonesian and English. 

Rony Sickles: Antony is a multi-talent. He plays all instruments but keyboards.

Antony: I played bass for SICKLES and drums for MUTILATION. I filled the drum position until Wahyu came back. Now I am just vocals and guitar.

Bangkalan Plaza

KJ: Is there a suitable studio here?

Antony: It is quite hard to find an operator who can do the mixing well. SICKLES finally made it to make it here.

KJ: What do you think are the good and the bad things about the Bangkalan scene?

Antony: We have loyal metalheads who come to most of the gigs.

Rony Sickles: We also have social-welfare activities such as Clean up the Environment. We also collect donations to give to foundations which need support.

KJ: What is your future dream?

Antony: Making an EP album and then a full album. My other dreams are to play at Hammersonic Fest and sign with Nuclear Blast.

***THE END

Left to Right: Irsyad Sickles (vocalist), Kieran James (Busuk Webzine), Haidir Sickles (drums / also KREMASI), Rony Sickles (bass), and Arie Sickles (guitar) @ band practice, 5/12/2014.

Ms. Dhinie (from ALLEGREA SURABAYA band) @ Bangkalan Hotel, 4/12/2014

Bangkalan Underground Community feat. members of SICKLES, KREMASI, MUTILATION AGGRESSION, TYRANNICAL MIRROR, BULL RACE, and ANT KILLERS @ Bangkalan, 4/12/2014

Bangkalan metalheads, 5/12/2014

Kieran James from Busuk Webzine (centre, third from lef) with Bangkalan metalheads, 5/12/2014. Arie Sickles (guitar) is first from left, Rony Sickles (bass) is first on right.