Bunuhdiri: Local Death Metal Shattering Boundaries And Eardrums

By Lara Kramer  •  27 Jan 2025 in Features

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Some bands exist to entertain; others, like Bunuhdiri, are here to carve open your chest cavity, reach inside, and make you feel every ounce of their rage, resilience, and reinvention.

Hailing from the depths of Malaysia’s extreme metal scene, Bunuhdiri is an existential reckoning—a fiery sonic rebirth that obliterates the old and ushers in the new.

Before you ask, the name Bunuhdiri (translating to “suicide” in Malay) is a deliberate choice—heavy, unapologetic, and in-your-face. But beneath the surface lies a far more profound philosophy: A metaphorical death of the toxic self, a slaying of past mistakes and bad habits, paving the way for a renewed, empowered existence. The band’s music is a relentless reflection of this ethos—raw, brutal, and, surprisingly, precise.

“We’re about eliminating the old self and embracing reinvention,” the band shares.

Bunuhdiri isn’t just a name, but a mission statement. Their music is less about destruction and more about cathartic transformation. You can think of it as burning down an old temple to build something even more monumental in its place. Arson with a cause, if you will.

From their inception, Bunuhdiri set out to hit hard—not just musically, but emotionally.

Benchmarking their craft against international brutal death metal heavyweights, the band has mastered a sound that’s as ferocious as it is technical. “We wanted to create a brutal sound that hits hard but stays precise,” they explain.

Dermatillomania (2016), their debut single, introduced listeners to their bone-crushing style, while their latest EP, Cosmic Rebirth (2024), wraps that brutality in technical finesse with unexpected twists—like the addition of saxophone solos to their death metal onslaught.

Their discography reads like an evolutionary roadmap, each release digging deeper into their potential.

Dermatillomania (2016) marked the beginning of their journey, a raw, slamming brutality that caught the attention of the underground scene. Bunuhdiri (EP, 2016) solidified their place within Malaysia’s heavy music landscape, cementing their presence in the local underground. By the time Cosmic Rebirth (2024, and our personal favourite) was released, the band had reached the apex of their evolution, blending slam, technicality, and even jazzy experimentation, showcasing their diverse musical prowess.

“If you’re new to us, start with Cosmic Rebirth,” they recommend. “It’s got everything we’re about in one track—slam elements, technical insanity, and even a touch of unexpected jazz.” Bunuhdiri’s music isn’t just heavy for the sake of it—it’s designed to make you feel like you’re “water rafting through the canyon of death.”

Long story short, it’s visceral, it’s intense, and it’s unforgettable.

For a band steeped in brutality, Bunuhdiri’s lyrics are anything but one-dimensional.

Their themes stretch far beyond the gore and death metal tropes, delving into cosmic horrors, extraterrestrial invasions, and apocalyptic battles.

“Our lyrics are metaphors,” they explain. “An alien invasion could symbolise the occupation of soldiers in a country at war. It’s about using the extreme to express something deeply human.”

Growing up surrounded by eerie folktales, sci-fi movies, and mysteries passed down by elders, the band members channel those experiences into their music. With Bunuhdiri, they pull listeners into a cinematic world where every note and lyric is a portal to something otherworldly. “We want people to feel like they’re right there in the scene of the song,” they say. And they succeed, turning every track into a vivid, almost tactile experience.

The metal and punk scenes have always had their fair share of rules, but Bunuhdiri isn’t interested in playing by them.

“What’s missing in today’s scene is unity,” they say. “Too many rules and judgments have divided the community, especially in Malaysia.” Bunuhdiri stands out by breaking those barriers, playing shows across genres and introducing new listeners to extreme metal.

“We’ll play any gig or show we’re invited to,” they declare. It’s this openness and willingness to embrace diversity that sets them apart. Bunuhdiri isn’t just about music; they’re about fostering a stronger, more inclusive scene—one mosh pit at a time.

What’s Next for Bunuhdiri?

With a full-length album in the works and tours lined up in Japan and the Philippines later this year, Bunuhdiri is gearing up for their most ambitious chapter yet. “Fans can expect a full-on brutal sound mixed with technical madness at our shows,” they promise. These upcoming performances mark their first time playing in both countries, and the band is buzzing with anticipation.

But what’s most exciting about Bunuhdiri isn’t just what they’ve done or what they’re about to do—it’s how they do it. Whether it’s shredding boundaries or reinventing themselves with every release, Bunuhdiri is a band that refuses to stay static.

Fans quip that they pay tribute to the power of transformation, proving that destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin.

Finally, to the readers of JUICE Malaysia: Bunuhdiri has one final piece of advice…

“Keep exploring, support your local scene, and stay passionate. And, seriously, stay away from drugs. Life’s brutal enough without them.”

You heard it here first! If you haven’t yet been baptised in the chaos of Bunuhdiri, now’s the time. Prepare yourself for the purge.