Voidnaga Conjures Malay Black Metal Magick on ‘Demo MMXVI’

Malaysian black metal doesn’t have quite the same cachet as its Norwegian (or Icelandic) counterparts, but it’s only a matter of time. Despite the fact that the Malaysian government straight-up banned black metal back in 2001, and that the island nation’s repressive regime seems to have made something of a hobby out of banning metal bands from its shores, clearly the message has made it through anyway. Voidnaga is proof enough of that.

The product of one man, Adlan (who is also active in Impious Blood and Thorns of Hate), Voidnaga’s debut for Iron Bonehead is strengthened by unusually strong songwriting—yes, songwriting—that’s often absent from this breed of black/death extremity. Adlan’s command of the style is faithful to the classics, but is far from derivative; sure, it’s distorted to high heaven and there’s plenty of chaos to be found, but there’s nothing “primitive” about this demo. Just try to get that devastating mid-song headbanger riff on “Those Who Dwell in the Halo of the Sun” out of your head—it’s impossible.

Voidnaga’s Demo MMXVI tape is out March 11 via Iron Bonehead Productions digitally and on cassette. Follow the light towards chaos below…