Kekal | |
|---|---|
 Kekal in concert at Alter Gasometer, Zwickau, Germany in 2004 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Jakarta, Indonesia |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | THT, Whirlwind, Fear Dark, Majemuk, Hitam Kelam, Yes No Wave, Persetan, Elevation, Eastbreath, Open Grave, Clenchedfist, Sonic Wave, HROM, Rock Express |
| Past members | Jeff Arwadi Azhar Levi Sianturi Leo Setiawan Harry Newin Atmarumeksa "Newbabe" Yeris Didi Priyadi |
| Website | kekal |
Kekal (sometimes stylized as KEKAL)[1][non-primary source needed] is an Indonesian heavy metal and electronic music band formed in 1995 in Jakarta, Indonesia. According to AllMusic, Kekal was one of the first heavy metal bands from Indonesia to make international inroads,[2] and according to sociologist of heavy metal, Keith Kahn-Harris, was one of the few extreme metal bands from Southeast Asia to ever make more than a minimal impression on the global scene.[3] Founded by two musicians known simply Yeris and Newbabe, the band underwent some shifts in lineup in its early years, but emerged with a consistent lineup of three key-members, guitarist/vocalist Jeff Arwadi, bassist Azhar Levi Sianturi, and guitarist Leo Setiawan. Frequently labeled as black metal, progressive metal, and avant-garde metal, Kekal plays a very diverse range of music styles within the frame of metal and rock, incorporating many other music genres such as ambient, electronic, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. Over the course of its career, Kekal has transitioned from a heavy metal-based style to a more experimental and electronic sound.
Throughout its entire career, the band has released thirteen full-length studio albums, four EPs, several compilations and contributions to various collaborative albums, and in 2004 engaged in a successful European mini-tour. As of 12 August 2009, all key-members have officially left Kekal, but continue to contribute material. Though the band currently has no official members, former members of the band contributed to six more studio albums so far, sometimes anonymously, including their twelfth studio album Quantum Resolution in 2020, and their thirteenth album Envisaged in 2022.
- ^ Kekal (15 August 2010). "Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) about Kekal". Facebook. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Kekal". AllMusic. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
- ^ Harris, Keith Kahn (2007). Extreme Metal: Music and Culture on the Edge. Berg. ISBN 978-0-85785-221-2.