TUMENGGUNG – Back on the Streets

Heavy Metal is good. At least that’s what it says on Indonesian heavy metal band Tumenggung’s Facebook page. Originally formed in 2007 as a quartet, they are now a ferocious trio proving that sometimes three players are enough. As long as the music is good and loud, why not? In short, Tumenggung’s sound is a mix of traditional heavy metal, like Judas Priest, and classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal, like Saxon. Them being Indonesian, however, there’s an exotic feel to their music, at least through Arif Ramadhan’s raw vocals, which is a nice touch.

Their first official release was their 2014 EP titled, Heavy Metal is Good. Unfortunately, Tumenggung didn’t release a full-length studio album, Soul of Steel, until 2020. Five years later, they are back with their second studio album titled, Back on the Streets (2025).

New Wave of Indonesian Heavy Metal

With only nine songs and under 35 minutes total, the album is concise and straightforward, which is necessary in a world where certain bands are obsessed with putting too many songs on their albums to make up for lost time. The title track takes listeners back to the ‘80s underground metal scene in the UK. Or in Tumenggung’s case, if there was an ‘80s underground metal scene in Indonesia, that’s what “Back on the Streets” sounds like. It’s fast and furious speed metal, with blistering guitars everywhere. “Living on the Edge” is heavy, but also melodic in spots, more so during the chorus. The pounding drums sound great on that track.

“In the Dead of Night” has a thick and thumping bass line that’s a major highlight in the song. The gang backing vocals go perfectly with Ramadhan’s no nonsense lead vocals. “1,000 Tons of Metal,” strangely enough, resembles Black Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell,” despite both tempos being slightly different from each other. It’s a midtempo, doom metal track with lots of attitude and a great guitar riff. “Symphony of Hate,” like the title track, has an underground feel, but it’s an anthem for the underground scene. Not that a symphony of hate is worth celebrating, but it’s a topic that people can relate to. Another killer bass line and the kick drum work is excellent. “Soul Reaper,” another wicked speed metal track with classic New Wave of British Heavy Metal vibes, closes the album on a high note.

Final Assessment

The instrumentation is solid, proving that everyone is working hard to master their craft. As mentioned earlier, Ramadhan’s raw and no nonsense vocals work well for the band’s sound. Nothing screams old school heavy metal more than raw vocals, heavy distortion, blazing guitars, loud drums, and unpolished production. Tumenggung checks off all of those. A slight criticism would be the song, “Deja Vu,” sounds like a cliché power ballad that doesn’t fit the rest of the album at all. Also, the opening track, “Wall Breaker,” a one minute instrumental, shows a lot of potential, but once the drums and the rest of the band come in, building up the anticipation, that’s when it ends. That track would work better as a four minute song with vocals, actually. All that fire and energy, and they go to waste. Despite the negatives, however, Back on the Streets has enough for old school heavy metal fans to enjoy and it’s an album worth taking a chance on.

Album Tracklist

1. Wall Breaker
2. Back on the Streets
3. Living on the Edge
4. In the Dead of Night
5. Deja Vu
6. 1,000 Tons of Metal
7. Symphony of Hate
8. Strangers
9. Soul Reaper

Band Lineup

Arif Ramadhan – lead vocals and guitars
Anindita Bramasto – drums
Ardhy Dwiatmoko – bass guitar