These are guys, after all, who came from bands with colorful names such as Dethkrokodil, Slutguts, BeatyKillTheBeast and Carnivored. There’s a lot of aggression here and Hurt ‘Em doesn’t really want listeners to enjoy its songs as much as pummel them with it.

Formed merely two years ago, the band went through some crucial personnel changes before and even during the production process of Condolence. The band lost its drummer before entering the studio and, more significantly, they lost its vocalist, Adul, formerly of the band Ancaman (Threat), during the mixing process — after everything had been put down to tape. It should be noted that there’s no bad feelings, as Adul’s exit was due to logistical distance rather than any dramatic tension between the band members.

It matters little though, according to the band. Guitarist Caki (sometimes written as Chucky) said the band was not deterred and didn’t lose any momentum; the band has moved on with additional vocalist Reza (from the band Last Action Hero).

“Adul left during the mixing and mastering process, which took a year. We reacted fine, since we know that personnel changes in a band are nothing new,” explains Caki. “Eventually, we’ll get a new permanent vocalist.”

Along with drummer Oces and bass player Epan — the band’s not into using its complete name — Caki finished the production of its debut without being too concerned about how it was going to be released.

Fortunately the band’s friends encouraged them to send their album to independent record label Lawless Records’ Arian 13, known as the vocalist of popular rock act Seringai.

Arian liked what he heard, and soon enough got in touch with the band, offering to release the album on his label (Lawless is also a big bike and clothing store in Kemang). The record itself is intense.

Condolence is filled with short, straight-to-your-guts tracks that mix modern metal and hardcore with violent intent. The guitars sound sharp and geared with aggressive riffs that reveal a strong sense of melancholy.

Indeed, standing front-and-center of off its tight rhythm sections (syncopated yet with a punkish looseness), the guitars are Hurt ‘Em’s strength. Caki’s riffs move with shadows of 80s thrash and death metal, but bend in various directions, creating welcome dynamics. This gives the songs a strong identity.

The single(s) “Deceit/ Patronage” start off with speedway drums more-than-reminiscent of old-school hardcore bands if they were to try their hands at death metal. While some have compared the band to US legends Converge, Hurt ‘Em modus operandi is a little less cerebral and more caveman-like in its primal hardheadedness.

At 16 songs, Condolence feels just right. It also helps that the tracks are incredibly short, mostly running at an average of two minutes each.

“It’s not intentional. Whether it’s the song length, the lyrics or the song titles — It’s not on purpose,” says Caki, referring also to the 16 one-word song titles. The band’s motto, he says, is “We are trying to hurt ‘em with the truth but not confront them with a lie [sic]”.

“We try to make music as honest as we can — and follow out heart without being somebody else,” says Caki. “There are a lot of bands that have influenced us, like Converge, Nails, Raised Fist, NOFX, Lagwagon, Millencollin.”

The album’s release — and the accompanying support from a label trusted by local rock fans — has ensured a lot of attention. With its still-raw but promising live shows, the band is eager to get more people to notice it.

“We’re going to go on tour some big cities around the country,” Caki says. “And hopefully we’ll get to make a new music video soon.”

Popular

Govt eyes September for mass relocation of civil servants to Nusantara

Govt claims 'mudik' 2024 traffic management a success

Public hopes swell ahead of election dispute ruling