Burgerkill is an Indonesian heavy metal band, originally from Bandung, capital city of West Java. The band is named after the fast food restaurant Burger King as a prank. The band was founded in May 1995 by Aris Tanto a.k.a. Eben, sometimes called 'Ebenz', a young man from Jakarta, who came to Bandung to continue his study. In Bandung, Ebenz met Ivan Scumbag, Kimung and Dadan. This four personnel became the first line-up of Burgerkill.[3] In 2013, the band won Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards for Metal as F*ck category.[4]

Burgerkill
Background information
OriginBandung, West Java, Indonesia
GenresMetalcore, thrash metal, death metal,[1] groove metal[2][1]
Years active1995–present
Labels
Members
  • Agung Hellfrog
  • Ramdan
  • Putra Pra Ramadhan
  • Ronald Alexander Radja Haba
Past members
  • Ivan "Scumbag" Firmansyah
  • Kimung
  • Dadan
  • Ugum
  • Toto
  • Andris
  • Vicky Mono
  • Ebenz Bkhc
Websiteburgerkillonline.com

History edit

1995–2000: Early years and debut album edit

Burgerkill was formed in Ujungberung region, located in the east side of Bandung city. Ujungberung is not only known as Metal Village, but also known as center of Sundanese traditional art and culture, such as bela diri benjang, angklung and kecapi suling.[5]

In early 1997, Burgerkill released their first single, "Revolt!", which became the opening track of Masaindahbangetsekalipisan various artist compilation album. In late 1997, single "Offered Sucks" and "My Self" were included in Breathless various artist compilation album. Then in 1998, the single "Blank Proudness" was included in the Independent Rebel various artist compilation album. Since then, Burgerkill has been involved in many underground scenes in Indonesia and Malaysia.[6][3] In the year of 2000, Burgerkill finally released their first album Dua Sisi under local indie label, Riotic Record. The first 5000 copies of cassette and CD's release were sold out. In the same year, Burgerkill released single "Everlasting Hope Never Ending Pain" for Ticket to Ride various artist compilation album. This single could be something like a bridge for a new Burgerkill era. Old hardcore bands, such as Youth of Today, Minor Threat, Gorilla Biscuits and 7 Seconds, etc., are so dominant in Burgerkill early works. In the changing process, Burgerkill transformed into modern metal influences. The sounds was more aggressive, faster beat and energetic power chord riff with more attractive and interesting guitar fill-in. Burgerkill's new sounds style revealed in their second album.[7]

2001–2004: Berkarat edit

Burgerkill became the first Indonesian metal band to sign a six-album contract for Sony Music Entertainment.[8] At the end of 2003, they released their second album, Berkarat. It was chosen as "Best Metal Production" at the 2004 Indonesian Music Awards. With their new label, Burgerkill had some negative response from Indonesia metal scene, but they noticed the reason behind joining major label because of the label gave them the freedom to choose any kind of music they want to play. Not only free to choose the style of music but also the concept, lyrics and also music video style. To Tembang, they stressed that the important thing was the freedom of music expression itself, no matter if a band in indie-line or in a major label line.[9]

Technically the second album is more progressive than the first one. There is almost none of the straight forward nuance of their first album. In the vocals, they remain settled with depressive dark nuance. Ivan Scumbag, the vocalist, being more expressive to articulate the song, which, all tracks of the album are written in Indonesian, Burgerkill's native language.[7] In this second album, Burgerkill collaborated with Fadly of Padi in "Tiga Titik Hitam" song.

In 2004, Burgerkil released Dua Sisi repacked.

2005–2010: Beyond Coma and Despair edit

Burgerkill began to work their third album material in early 2005, at the same time, Toto, who have been with Burgerkill as drummer for nine years long decided to depart from the band. They reformed the line-up with Andris, who at the time played bass, on drums; while the bass work was done by a session player.

In November 2005, Burgerkill finished writing the album, but their deal with Sony was breaking down. Both sides couldn't reach an agreement about the album material. Burgerkill decided to leave the label to release their third album under their own label, Revolt! Record, in August 2006. In the days waiting to release their third album, the vocalist Ivan Scumbag died because of inflamed brain disease. Beyond Coma and Despair, the title of their third album, has become some kind like Scumbag's personal reflection. To honor their past vocalist and friend, Kimung, the group's original bassist and Ivan Scumbag's childhood friend, released a biographical novel based on Ivan Scumbag's life in late 2007. The book which titled My Self: Scumbag, Beyond Life and Death was officially released and supported by Minor Book as publisher and "Common Room" as venue holder. About 300 people, consisting of Ivan Scumbag's friends, family and fans along with some journalists, attended the memorial where the book was discussed, people spoke about Ivan Scumbag his life along with a short acoustic set from the band.[10]

Among the critics, Beyond Coma And Despair was utterly different from their past albums with heavier sounds and more explicit lyrics. The album was included in The 150 Greatest Indonesian Albums of All Time, listed at number 113 by Rolling Stone Indonesia magazine.[11] In the aftermath of Ivan Scumbag's death, Vicky joined the band after chosen in audition. In 2009, the band toured in Australia under title "The Invasion of Noise Western Australia" tour.[12] Following the "Invasion of Noise" tour, Burgerkill performed alongside such bands as DevilDriver, In Flames, Lamb of God and All That Remains as part of 2009 Soundwave in Perth, Australia.[13] In 2010, they appeared in Big Day Out.[14]

2011–2017: Venomous edit

Venomous was revealed around late 2009, to Samack of Jakartabeat Eben told that their new album not too far different from their past one, Beyond Coma and Despair. Eben and his fellow band member felt that the new material album has a new progress in each musical line. European bands such as Gojira, Hacride, Meshuggah and Lyzanxia are main influence to them to create a heavier middle beat style. And the old North America-based band such as Megadeth, Slayer, Monstrosity, Cannibal Corpse, Pantera and Anthrax are still become main inspiration in working on song emotion and the structure. In the vocals session, the band mostly refer to Devin Townsend, Mark Hunter, Björn Speed, etc. The band new vocalist, Vicky, according to Eben has a strong vocals distortion. So why Eben revealed his optimism to Samack in working on their new album material.[16]

Just few weeks after "Allegiance 2 Metal" tour across Java Island along with technical death metal band, Psycroptic,[17] Burgerkill released Venomous in Indonesia around June 2011, Malaysia around July 2011 and Australia around August 2011.[18] Venomous is their first album under Xenophobic Record label and Firestarter Music as distributor. Venomous according to Eben has significantly differences from their past album, not only music but also lyrics. Burgerkill's music style always changes from one album to the next one, but the lyrics in past album remained segmented in a certain theme or topic. That's why Eben said the albums before Venomous are just alike Ivan Scumbag legacy. In the past albums, Ivan had dominant writing to the lyrics, then in the postdecease of Ivan, all Burgerkill man agreed to discuss about the lyrics material to their next albums. In this case Eben little disagreed to people who compared Vicky to Ivan Scumbag. Eben said those two man have different background. "If Ivan said his life was miserable, yeah, he was right, he was miserable man..", said Eben.[19] "We don't want to write the lyrics about the thing that we never feel, see, or experience", Eben stressed his words to explain their new lyrics theme, and let the fans have opinion about Beyond Coma and Despair and two album before as Ivan Scumbag's legacy, especially the mostly dark and distrust lyrics.[19]

The Venomous launching concert which titled "Venomous Alive" was held in Jakarta at Bulungan Outdoor with opening act band from the capital city such as Nemesis, Paper Gangster and Dead Vertical. For the bigger one concert, "Venomous Alive" took place in Siliwangi Stadium, Bandung and attended more than 10.000 of their die-hard fans, along with Man Jasad, and Arian of Seringai as opening act and guest performer.[20] Beside these two Indonesia major cities, "Venomous Alive" also rock on other major and minor city across Java Island and other city outside the island, such as Makassar, South Sulawesi.[21]

Venomous regionally was well received. British magazine Metal Hammer and also Heavy Magazine described Venomous as slightly technical death metal with many riffs. The magazine also wrote if someone took equal parts from Morbid Angel, Obituary, Sepultura and Killswitch Engage, and he or she should have Burgerkill. In the magazine opinion many other bands like that, but the magazine also praised Burgerkill's unique in the face military style has them attacking each song with such ferocity and intensity that he or she will take notice.[22] In June 2013, Burgerkill won the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards for "Metal As F*ck" category.

2018–present: Adamantine edit

On 20 April 2018, the band released their fifth album Adamantine.[23] The album was planned to be released in 2015 marking their 20th anniversary but was postponed due to the tight schedule and personnel changes.[24] Adamantine consists of nine tracks, including a cover version of Iwan Fals' song "Air Mata Api". Adam Rees of Louder gave the album 4 stars out of 5, writing "Adamantine is a genuine world-beater, light years ahead of its predecessor in terms of production, songwriting craft and sonic impact."[25] Metal Hammer included the album in their list of 50 Best Metal Albums of 2018.[26]

To introduce their latest album, Burgerkill toured seven cities in Europe and six cities in America. The tour runs from October to November 2018.[27]

Band members edit

Timeline

Discography edit

Studio albums

Awards and nominations edit

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 Berkarat Indonesian Music Awards — Best Metal Production Won
2012 Venomous Indonesian Music Awards — Best Rock Album[29] Nominated
"House of Greed" Indonesia Cutting Edge Awards — Best Metal Song[30] Nominated
Indonesia Cutting Edge Awards — Favourite Metal Song[30] Won
2013 Burgerkill Metal Hammer Golden Gods AwardsMetal As F*ck[31] Won
2015 Global Metal Apocalypse Awards — Best Live Act[32] Nominated
Global Metal Apocalypse Awards — News Event of the Year[32] Nominated
2016 Magnitude Hammersonic Metal Award — Hammersonic Awards[33] Won
2017 Hammersonic Awards — Best Metal Performance[34] Nominated
2018 Adamantine by Fajar Allanda and Ebenz Indonesian Music Awards — Best Album Design Graphics[35] Nominated
Superficial Indonesian Music Awards — Best Hardcore/Metal Production Works[35] Nominated
2022 "Roar of Chaos" Indonesian Music Awards — Best Metal Solo Male/Female/Group/Collaboration[36] Nominated
"Elang" (featuring Ahmad Dhani) Indonesian Music Awards — Best Rock Duo/Group/Collaboration[36] Nominated

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b Morton, Luke (15 June 2018). "Heavy Metal World Cup: Burgerkill vs Sepultura". Louder Sound. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  2. ^ Lawson, Dom (22 August 2016). "The Top 10 Best Indonesian Metal Bands". TeamRock.com. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b Panca Afrian, Aria. 10 November 2011 Burgerkill (in Indonesian). Archived 17 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine. xtreme-zine.com. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  4. ^ "Winners Announced For Metal Hammer's 2013 'Golden Gods Awards'". The PRP. 17 June 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  5. ^ Bektiati, Bina. 23 February 2009. Arsip Archived 28 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Tempo. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  6. ^ Wallach, Jeremy. "Rock Music in Indonesia". www.norient.com. Norient. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
  7. ^ a b Burgerkill; Band Metal Fenomena Dari Ujung Berung, Bandung (in Indonesian). dapurletter.com. Retrieved 11 January 2012.
  8. ^ Archives (in Indonesian). tembang.com. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  9. ^ Moernantyo, Djoko. Bukan Penghianat (in Indonesian). tembang.com. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  10. ^ BK Official. 11 November 2007. Book Launch. burgerkillofficial.com. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  11. ^ Rolling Stone Special Edition: 150 Greatest Indonesian Albums of All Time (in Indonesian) (32nd ed.). Rolling Stone Indonesia. 2007.
  12. ^ Gig Guide. wf.com.au. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  13. ^ Jasondream (2010). Beyond Coma... Archived 5 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine. iTunes. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  14. ^ 31 December 2009.Burgerkill in Big Day Out Archived 20 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Deathrockstar.info. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  15. ^ Putranto, Wendi Burgerkill Three Singles Release (in Indonesian). Archived 14 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 18 January 2012 via Rolling Stone Indonesia cached copy
  16. ^ Samack. 7 July 2012. Venomous (in Indonesian). Archived 17 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Jakartabeat. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  17. ^ 31 March 2012. Tour Info. dapurletter.com. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  18. ^ "This Is The New Burgerkill and This Is Venomous". 8 May 2011. Archived from the original on 15 May 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  19. ^ a b Jurnallica. 11 July 2011. Interview with Eben Archived 13 December 2011 at the Wayback Machine. jurnallica.com. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  20. ^ 25 September 2011. Venomous Alive (in Indonesian). uncluster.com. Retrieved 18 January 2012.
  21. ^ 18 August 2012. Konser Burgerkill : Venomous Alive Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine (in Indonesian). kvltmagz.com. Retrieved 18 January 2012
  22. ^ Damo. 19 January 2012. Venomous on Xenophobic Archived 20 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. heavymag.com.au. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
  23. ^ "Burgerkill stream new album 'Adamantine' in full". Louder. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  24. ^ Pramudya, Windy Eka (10 April 2018). "Burgerkill Rilis Album Adamantine, Beruang Grizzly yang Siap Menerkam" [Burgerkill released 'Adamantine' album, grizzly bear ready to hit]. Pikiran Rakyat (in Indonesian). Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  25. ^ Rees, Adam (20 June 2018). "Burgerkill – Adamantine album review". Louder. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  26. ^ Morton, Luke (22 June 2018). "The 50 Best Metal Albums of 2018 (so far)". Louder. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  27. ^ Yanuar, Elang Riki (11 September 2018). "Burgerkill akan Gelar Tur Eropa dan Amerika" [Burgerkill will hold European and American Tour]. MetroTV News (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  28. ^ Editorial (3 September 2021). "Sad News From The Metal World: Eben 'Burgerkill' Passes Away". Voice of Indonesia. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  29. ^ "Nominees of the 2012 Indonesian Music Awards". Detik.com (in Indonesian). 15 June 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  30. ^ a b "Here are the winners of the 2012 ICEMA!". Detik.com (in Indonesian). 29 November 2012. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
  31. ^ "Winners Announced For Metal Hammer's 2013 'Golden Gods Awards'". The PRP. 17 June 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  32. ^ a b Pramedya Nataprawira (10 December 2015). "Burgerkill dan Jasad Raih Nominasi di Global Metal Apocalypse Awards 2015" [Burgerkill and Jasad were nominated for Global Metal Apocalypse Awards 2015]. Rolling Stone Indonesia (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  33. ^ Tri Susanto Setiawan (17 April 2016). "Burgerkill dan Seringai Boyong Piala Hammersonic Metal Awards 2016" [Burgerkill dan Seringai won Hammersonic Metal Awards 2016]. Jawa Pos (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on 16 December 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  34. ^ Tri Susanto Setiawan (7 May 2017). "Ini Pemenang Hammersonic Awards 2017" [Winners of Hammersonic Awards 2017]. Kompas (in Indonesian). Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  35. ^ a b Cecylia Rura (31 August 2018). "Daftar Lengkap Nominasi AMI Awards 2018" [Complete List Nominations of AMI Awards 2018] (in Indonesian). Medcom.id. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  36. ^ a b Suci Nurhaliza (14 September 2022). Ida Nurcahyani (ed.). "Daftar lengkap nominasi Anugerah Musik Indonesia 2022" [Complete List of Anugerah Musik Indonesia 2022]. Antaranews (in Indonesian). Retrieved 16 October 2022.

External links edit