Gothic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines the dark and melancholic atmosphere of gothic rock with the aggression and power of metal. Gothic metal originated in Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but it has also found a loyal fan base in Indonesia, a country with a rich and diverse musical culture.

One of the most popular and influential gothic metal bands in Indonesia is Batu Nisan, which means “tombstone” in Indonesian. Batu Nisan was formed in 1995 in Bandung, West Java, and has released four albums so far. The band is known for its distinctive style of blending traditional Indonesian instruments and melodies with heavy metal riffs and drums.

One of the band’s most famous songs is Gugur Bunga, which means “fallen flower” in Indonesian. Gugur Bunga is a patriotic song that was written by Ismail Marzuki, one of the most prominent composers of Indonesia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs. The song was originally composed in 1958 as a tribute to Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, who died in 1970.

Batu Nisan’s version of Gugur Bunga is a gothic metal adaptation that adds distorted guitars, double bass drums, and growling vocals to the original melody. The song was released in 2020 as a single and has gained over 466,000 views on YouTube. The song has also been covered by other gothic metal bands in Indonesia, such as Anueta and Gothic ID.

Gugur Bunga is not only a song that honors the history and heroes of Indonesia, but also a song that showcases the creativity and diversity of gothic metal in Indonesia. By mixing traditional and modern elements, gothic metal bands in Indonesia have created a unique and powerful sound that appeals to both local and international audiences.

If you are interested in exploring more gothic metal bands in Indonesia, here are some of the most popular and influential ones:

• Mistis: Mistis is a gothic metal band from Yogyakarta, Central Java, that was formed in 1997. The band’s name means “mystical” in Indonesian, and their lyrics often deal with themes of spirituality, mysticism, and folklore. Mistis is known for their use of female vocals, keyboards, and violins in their music.
• Beside: Beside is a gothic metal band from Bandung, West Java, that was formed in 1997. The band’s name is derived from the phrase “be side”, which means “to be on someone’s side”. Beside’s music is influenced by various genres of metal, such as thrash metal, death metal, and black metal. Beside’s lyrics often address social and political issues in Indonesia.
• Kekal: Kekal is a gothic metal band from Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, that was formed in 1995. The band’s name means “eternal” in Indonesian, and their music is inspired by various styles of metal, such as progressive metal, avant-garde metal, and experimental metal. Kekal is also one of the first gothic metal bands in Indonesia to incorporate electronic and industrial elements in their music.

Gothic metal in Indonesia is a vibrant and diverse scene that reflects the country’s rich and diverse culture. By listening to gothic metal in Indonesia, you can discover new sounds, new stories, and new perspectives that will enrich your musical experience.