Burgerkill

Burgerkill is a metalcore and hardcore band from Bandung, Indonesia, active since 1995. It forms in Ujungberung, an area in east Bandung with a strong death metal and grindcore scene, and it begins as a side project before becoming a full-time group. The band name is inspired by a fast food restaurant in the United States.

Formation and early releases

The original line-up includes Eben, Ivan, Kimung and Dadan. Burgerkill first develops around rehearsals and local shows, then appears on Bandung compilation releases in the late 1990s. Its first single appears on Masaindahbangetsekalipisan in 1997, with the track “Revolt!” used as the opening track on the compilation. Later that year, the band contributes “Offered Sucks” and “My Self” to Breathless.

In 1998, Burgerkill releases “Blank Proudness” on Independent Rebel, a grindcore compilation that is released by a major label and distributed in Indonesia and Malaysia. In the same period, “Everlasting Hope Never Ending Pain” appears on Ticket to Ride, a compilation whose proceeds support the construction of a skate park in Bandung.

Style and development

Burgerkill’s early music is rooted in old-school hardcore and is influenced by groups such as Minor Threat, 7 Seconds, Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today and Instead. Its sound later broadens to include modern metal and newer hardcore styles, with fast tempos, aggressive rhythms, heavy riffing and guitar fills. The band is associated with a “Stenograph Tribal” style and a forceful live approach.

Albums and label history

In 2003, Burgerkill becomes the first hardcore band to sign a six-album contract with Sony Music Entertainment in Indonesia. That year it releases its second album, Berkarat, which is more progressive and technically developed than its debut. The record is noted for its darker vocal style and for lyrics in the Indonesian language with clear articulation. Berkarat receives the Best Metal Production award at the AMI Awards in 2004.

After leaving Sony, Burgerkill releases its third album, Beyond Coma and Despair, on its own Revolt! Records in 2006. The album is heavier, more explicit and more technical than earlier work. It is also a tribute to vocalist Ivan Scumbag, who dies in July 2006 after an inflamed brain illness.

Line-up changes and later members

After Ivan’s death, the band continues with a new vocalist, Vicki, following an audition process. Toto later leaves the group in 2005, and Andris moves from bass to drums, with an additional bassist brought in for recording. A later performance tour in Java and Bali in January 2007 supports the release of Beyond Coma and Despair.

Recognition and support

Burgerkill receives a nomination for Best Independent Band from NewsMusik magazine in 2000. It also has support from Puma and later Insight as performance wardrobe sponsors. The band’s membership is listed as Aries Tanto, Vicky Mono, Putra Pra Ramadhan, Ronald Radja Haba and Agung Hellfrog.