NEW INTERVIEW: Our second interview with UNDERGOD (Bandung Sundanese Death Metal), 13 May 2019.

Our second interview with UNDERGOD 

AT: Bandung. Date: Monday, 13 May 2019. 

By: Kieran James and Popo Demons Damn, 

Translation by: Popo Demons Damn. 

UNDERGOD line-up: Kinoy (vocals), Dias (guitar1), Dani (guitar2), Ega (bass), and Gilang (drums). First album: Saguru Saelmu (2010); second album: Rawing Revenges (2015). 

Kieran James: Please give us the update about Undergod. 

Kinoy Undergod (vocalist): Undergod is in process to make a new single. We will make a new EP and we will release four or five songs for the EP after Idulfitry around July or August [2019]. The lyrics will be a mixture of Bahasa Indonesian, Sundanese, and English. 

KJ: Any comments about the EP? 

Kinoy: For the process for the new EP, the other members agreed me to learn English. 

KJ: However, Undergod is famous because of its use of Bahasa Sunda. 

Kinoy: We want to represent some new things; we want to show to the people that we love Bahasa Indonesian and the local language. We also want to learn English and prove to people that we cannot only write Sundanese lyrics but also write and sing the English songs. 

Popo Demons Damn: For those who don’t know Kinoy they will not understand why. For those who know Kinoy they will be amazed. For the first album he found it hard to write in Bahasa Indonesian. He wants to take up the challenge; it is not too hard or impossible for him. 

KJ: Is there any change in the music? 

Kinoy: it will be more variable. The EP will sound similar to the first album. It will be different from the second album. 

Popo: What are the hard things on the stage when you play in the other cities, e.g. Central Java? Is it hard to communicate with the Indonesian language? How do you communicate with the fans and the organizer? 

Kinoy: With the organizer I never talk much. Dias, Ega and Dani (or sometimes the manager) will talk more with the organizer. Onstage I say only three sentences to the crowd? Apa Kabar? Bikin lingkaran (make a circle); Selama tuhan masih apa, metal tetap saya (if God still exists, metal it’s still alive). 

Popo: How is the response of metalheads in the other cities (those who don’t know Sundanese language)? Do they still like and understand the Undergod songs? 

Kinoy: The fans in the other cites can’t speak Sundanese but they can sing along to the words of the Undergod songs. 

KJ: Why did it take so long for Undergod to have a new song or album? 

Dias (guitarist): The main vocalist is busy with his other band, Pascodex. 

KJ: How does Dias enjoy working with Kinoy? 

Popo: He was additional for Undergod from 2010-12. Then he concentrated on Disinfected. This year Kinoy asked him to come back to make new songs for the new EP. 

Dias: The music and the circle (friends and fans) – I like the chemistry when Kinoy is on the stage with me and the other members. 

Kinoy: I still use Google Translate for talking English but my daughter does not need to (she is 12-years-old). My daughter was born because the condom was broken – this is the title of the song, but we didn’t put it on the album. We play the song live. In the lyrics I tell the story of the tragedy but I’m very thankful for the broken condom. Because of the broken condom, I can have the beautiful daughter and finally my goal was achieved. I was able to marry my girlfriend. My girlfriend’s parents did not accept me originally. Because she got pregnant, they had to make the marriage. If you can translate the lyrics you will see how funny the lyrics are. Undergod talks about Sundanese mythology, to dream about to defecate is bad luck. This idea is in one of the songs on the first album. 

Popo: If you see an Undergod performance, you will see how funny Kinoy is on the stage. He is like a comedian in metal. If he uses Indonesian language he will freeze. He will need to translate first into Indonesian. Dias will know how crazy Kinoy is on the stage. Metalheads are always laughing when Undergod plays. Sometimes Undergod plays using bangbarongan (traditional big puppet) and sometimes using gatot kaca costume. It represents a kind of giant or monster in Sundanese mythology. (Gatot kaca is Javanese mythology.) Death Metal band people mostly look brutal but Kinoy is a laughing comedian on the stage. 

Dias: Like a clown. 

KJ: Message for the fans? 

Kinoy: Wait for the new revolution music. We will make the new EP in August [2019] and I hope that kujang mangprang (name of the fans) will be collecting money to buy our EP CD. 

Dias: Thank-you for supporting Undergod. We will be back. 

*****THE END*****

UPDATED NEWS (from Ega, bassist): 2021 new Undergod single coming up.  And we have a new player on guitar.

CLASSIC UNDERGOD INTERVIEW: "Be Proud To Use Our Mother Language", 3/4/2012 (English Version)

Our interview with UNDERGOD (Ujung Berung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia death-metal)

At: Ujung Berung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

3 April 2012

Interview oleh: Kieran James, John Yoedi & Popo (BUSUK WEBZINE)

Interpretation & extra comments oleh: Popo (DEMONS DAMN & BUSUK WEBZINE)

UNDERGOD is: Kinoy (vocals), Ega Lomans (bassist), Esa (guitar), and Abaz (drums).

Kieran James: Please tell us the band history.

Abetoxin (band manager): We started in 1997.

Kinoy and Ega

Kinoy: The first formation was: Said (guitar), Abaz (bass), and Uti (drums).

Abetoxin: In early UNDERGOD performances Abaz was the bassist and not the drummer.

Kinoy: I was the vocalist at that time.

Abetoxin: The first demo we recorded on cassette was 1997. The first song was called “Kudak Kadek”.

Popo: All the lyrics were in Sunda language because Kinoy is…

Abetoxin: Not good when he talks in Indonesian language [laughs].

Popo: To friend or to anyone.

KJ: Were you the first to use Sunda lyrics?

Kinoy: The first was JASAD. We were not following JASAD but we just want to write in the Sundanese language.

KJ: Why are the fans so passionate for UNDERGOD?

Popo: Fanatic.

Kinoy: The fans feel the difference in the language. I always sing in Sundanese. What I write in the lyrics is the same experience as the audience has had.

KJ: What are the lyric topics?

Kinoy: Lifestyle.

KJ: Like how?

Popo: When I love a girl but the girl…

Abetoxin: Sleeps with the others [all laugh].

Popo: He will write about the feelings with the hard words. He will write with the sarcastic words. One unique song tells about the dream. When you poop you will be unlucky for one day in the Sunda culture. He wrote about the experience. When he wakes up he must make a cross sign on the floor seven times, it’s a myth.

KJ: You have had a long career so why only one album?

Kinoy: Because the guitarist is in jail. We wait for him to be released so we can write new songs. We were happy and sad together so I want to wait for Said to be released from prison. He will be released in one year maybe.

KJ: Do you think “underdog” is another meaning in the name as in someone who has to keep struggling, like a double meaning?

Kinoy: Yes I agree, we fight for life, we fight for the band.

KJ: Do you follow the hardcore culture or the metal culture? You wear a cap, it must be hardcore!

Popo: He wears a cap, but he doesn’t know anything [all laugh].

John Yoedi, Bandung, 4 April 2012

KJ: How do you feel about Abaz joining JASAD?

Kinoy: Proud, very proud. Abaz can help the big band like JASAD.

KJ: Do you worry that he puts all the time and effort into JASAD?

Kinoy: Die one and a thousand grows. I’m not afraid even if Abaz leaves UNDERGOD. We will still move on and find another Abaz.

KJ: You can hire Papap?

Kinoy: Absolutely [laughs and nods].

KJ: Are you worried that people from outside Bandung will not understand the Sundanese lyrics?

Kinoy: I want to revenge. When I read Indonesian lyrics I cannot understand so I want revenge so that they do not understand [laughs].

Popo: See, he is crazy.

KJ: You should have album cover with Sunda dictionary like a weapon.

Kinoy: Yes [nods].

John Yoedi: For me I don’t understand Sunda language. Are you worried that people in Indo will not understand the lyrics?

Kinoy: I’m proud to live in Bandung because I want to make Sunda language big. I think the President should learn Sundanese language.

KJ: Do you think Bandung should be an independent country like East Timor?

Kinoy: I salute to Bali people. Many come from other countries but they still keep their culture. We also can do it.

John: Because when I first watched the band on Youtube, my first thought was that this is Sunda language.

KJ: What do you think about JASAD singing about the Sunda culture and teaching the culture classes?

Kinoy: I have a friend to make the Sunda culture grow and blossom. I am proud when I’m on the stage and I use the Sunda language.

KJ: It’s hard for me to learn another language too as English expresses my emotions.

UNDERGOD Year 2000

John: Who arranges the music and who writes the lyrics?

Kinoy: We make together, first the tone of the vocal and then the guitar follows from the vocal tone. When the song goes “na na na na na”.

Popo: Not the vocals follow the guitars but the guitar follows the vocal.

KJ: As in punk?

Kinoy: Justin Bieber, solo vocal!

Popo: You know Kinoy is another playboy. I don’t know why the hot chicks always like him. He does not like taking a bath or toothbrush… [all laugh].

Kinoy: Water poops.

Abetoxin: Water proof [laughs].

Popo: When he becomes stinky we his friends push him to the bathroom and throw water.

KJ: How do you describe your style?

Abetoxin: Sundanese vocals [laughs].

Popo: They not only play metal music but they play the Sundanese instruments.

KJ: What are your favorite bands?

Kinoy: My biggest influence is DYING FETUS and in Indonesia JASAD and DISINFECTED.

Kinoy: When am I going to another country [laughs]? How can you communicate when you go to another country?

Abetoxin: Body language [all laugh]!

Kinoy: English is the international language, I will bring dictionary [all laugh].

Bobby Rock, Popo Demons Damn, John Yoedi

KJ: Popo, what is your comment on this band?

Popo extra comment: The vocalist is very, very crazy. Yuck [pulls a face]. The vocalist must buy more deodorant. His body is very, very busuk. There is a squadron…

Abetoxin: Legion.

Popo: Of UNDERGOD fans, you saw the membership card.

KJ: How about your comment on UNDERGOD music?

Popo: I think it’s good, it shows the skill of the guitarist and the drummer. The wrong in this band is only the vocalist.

Abetoxin: Of course [all laugh]!

Kinoy: I can only speak in English these words “I love you” and “I miss you”.

KJ: Like some chicks on internet.

KJ: Any message for the fans?

Kinoy: Keep proud to use our mother language!

CLASSIC INTERVIEW: Abaz Van Baz (UNDERGOD / JASAD) talks with Busuk Chronicle, 3/4/2012

Dimas Damn (guitarist DEMONS DAMN) and Abaz (UNDERGOD / JASAD) @ EXTEND STUDIO, Ujung Berung, April 2012.

Our interview with Abaz (drummer UNDERGOD & JASAD (Ujung Berung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia death-metal)

At: Ujung Berung, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

3 April 2012

Interview oleh: Kieran James, John Yoedi & Popo (BUSUK WEBZINE)

Interpretation & extra comments oleh: Popo (DEMONS DAMN & BUSUK WEBZINE)

Kieran James (Busuk Chronicles): How did you begin playing drums?

Abaz: I started at 18-years-old playing drums in senior high-school. I started playing songs from DYING FETUS “Grotesque Impalement” and “Straight of Blood”.

KJ: How did you learn drums?

Abaz: I learnt by myself.

KJ: Why did you like to be a drummer?

Popo: When I met Abaz for the first time he played bass in UNDERGOD.

KJ: How many albums has UNDERGOD had so far?

Popo: One album, Saguru Saelmu, 2008.

KJ: Why did the next album take so long?

Abaz: There is something, classic problem, we were busy.

Popo: Is it because you joined JASAD that the UNDERGOD album was delayed?

Abaz: No, that’s not a reason, the members are still busy.

KJ: Is there any message from the fans that they want a new album?

Abaz: Yes. The name for the fans of UNDERGOD is Kujang Mangprang. I hope that the fans can continue to support us and pray for us.

KJ: What were the events leading up to you joining JASAD?

Abaz: When Dani got married I helped JASAD as additional drummer then when Papap had accident I played another show for JASAD.

Ferly, Kieran James, Abaz, Yuli, 10 October 2011

KJ: Was it hard to learn to play JASAD songs?

Abaz: Lucky me because I was a fan of JASAD so I knew the songs and music. I could learn the songs of JASAD quickly.

John Yoedi: How long did it take to learn?

Abaz: One month for nine songs – three new songs and the rest are the older songs – from Witness and Annihilate the Enemy.

KJ: Was it different from what you expected joining JASAD?

Abaz: For me I am proud and surprised.

KJ: Who asked you to join?

Abaz: Ferly.

Popo extra comment: I heard from Ferly why he liked to work with Abaz. He thinks Abaz can understand how Ferly wants to build the song. Abaz knows what Ferly is thinking.

KJ: What is your experience working with Man, Ferly, and Yuli?

Abaz: After I joined JASAD because they are older metalheads I felt I grew up more.

KJ: What is your relationship to Papap now?

Abaz: Good, no problem.

Popo: Papap was surprised that Abaz got fat. If you knew Abaz before he was very, very skinny.

KJ: What do you think of JASAD singing about Sundanese culture?

Abaz: I very much agree with it.

DEMONS DAMN: Jhon, Dimas, Abaz, Ricky, Popo, 25/2/2011

KJ: What is the reaction of JASAD fans to you?

[John gave thumbs-up.]

Popo: Because John is part of the fans of JASAD.

KJ: Popo, how is the drumming style of Abaz different from Papap?

John: He has a good skill. When I watched him at Samarinda I was shocked. I thought he was a good drummer for JASAD.

Popo: Abaz plays faster than Papap because he’s a young gun. He is more powerful and he has more energy.

John: He doesn’t smoke.

Popo: Sometimes he does!

John: Did you help for the songwriting for the new album?

Abaz: I helped in all of the songs for the new album. I made some improvisation in the ten songs for the new album – nine new songs and rearrangement of a song from Witness with more rhythm and faster speed “Diamaton”.

John: When did you first play for JASAD?

Abaz: October [2011], at Jakarta Death Fest.

John: How did you feel?

Abaz: Very, very nervous for the first time.

John: I heard before that JASAD had an audition for drummer, is that correct or not?

Abaz: JASAD made audition to find drummer. After the audition they could not find a qualified drummer so they chose me to play drums for JASAD. After they thought there was no qualified drummer they chose the first option, me, because I played for them before. I played only for Jakarta Death Fest originally as a one-off. After that there was a show for Saturday. On Friday night Papap had an accident and I was asked to play for JASAD. The band could not cancel the show because there was a contract. The show was the Burning Fest.

Ferly, Abaz, Popo, 10 October 2011 (with UNDERGOD drums)

KJ: Do you feel tired playing in two bands and will you leave UNDERGOD?

Abaz: UNDERGOD will use an additional drummer. JASAD does not have an additional drummer. The first drummer is Uti.

KJ: Do you find any chicks come to talk to you because you play in JASAD?

Abaz: Yes [laughs].

Popo: And many groupies?

Abaz: Yes [laughs again].

John: Naughty boy.

Popo: Because Abaz is the youngest in JASAD.

KJ: What drummers are the main influences for you, foreign and local?

Abaz: BURGERKILL drummer Andris and Papap.

KJ: What are your favorite bands?

Abaz: JASAD and METALLICA.

John: Why?

Abaz: Because the first time I saw METALLICA I liked the drummer. I didn’t know of any other drummer then.

KJ: What are the good and bad things of the Bandung metal scene?

Abaz: The good thing is it can be like a second family.

Popo: His answers are not fast like his drum-playing!

John: Like Glenn!

[All laugh.]

John: When I saw you play in Samarinda Ferly said you want to play a drum solo. What was the reason?

Bobby Rock (BLEEDING CORPSE) and Abaz, 4 April 2012

Popo: It is a request from the JASAD members so he can show his skill and promote the new drummer.

KJ: So did he play a drum solo?

John: Yes, we have it on our website!

Popo: We must be angry with him [laughs]!

John: Did you play drum solo at Jakarta Death Fest or just at Samarinda?

Abaz: Only Samarinda.

John: Did you have a good response from the drum solo as I uploaded the video to YouTube?

Abaz: I am already a drum teacher so after people watched my video I had many people wanting to learn.

John: So you must thank me because I uploaded it!

KJ: Can you give us a mark out of ten for these drummers Mike Smith, SUFFOCATION?

Abaz: 8/10.

John: Flo Mounier, CRYPTOPSY?

Abaz: 8/10.

Abaz, Ferly, and John Yoedi, 4 April 2012

KJ: Steve Asheim, DEICIDE?

Abaz: 7/10.

KJ: Dave Lombardo, SLAYER?

Abaz: 6/10.

KJ: Lars Ulrich, METALLICA?

Abaz: 6/10.

KJ: Roy Agus, DEATH VOMIT?

Abaz: I can’t comment as I haven’t seen him play. Roy is a good drummer, I like his style.

Popo: When Abaz played for DEMONS DAMN, he headbanged like Roy.

John: I think Roy gave you inspiration. He headbangs onstage just like Roy. He can do it for JASAD and UNDERGOD.

KJ: Are you married or you have girlfriend?

Abaz: I have both [laughs].

KJ: Do you like super power blast-beat drumming or drumming with the rhythm like Phil Rudd of AC/DC?

Abaz: I like both but mostly I like fast drumming.

KJ: Did you ever have a scary stage name like “Philthy Animal” of MOTORHEAD?

Abaz: Abaz Van Baz.  My friend gave this name to me when I was playing football (like Marco Van Basten). But I didn’t play football again after playing drums.

THE NEW JASAD 10 October 2011. Left to Right: Ferly (guitar), Kieran James (Busuk Chronicles), Abaz (drums), and Yuli (bass). Man (vocals) could not join us on this night due to commitment at The Common Room.

DEMONS DAMN, 25 February 2011. Left to Right: Jhon (bass), Dimas Damn (guitar), Abaz (drums - studio only), Ricky (guitar), and Popo (vocals).