Malaysian Speed Metal Band Lobotomy Talks ‘Banish The Posers’ Fest & More

By Andrew Bansal

Hailing from the Malaysian city of Kajang, speed/thrash metal trio Lobotomy began in 2010 and so far they’ve released a demo and a full-length album, appropriately titled ‘Speed Metal Warfare’ and ‘Satanic Speed Metal Ritual’ respectively. This year they put out a split DVD with Surrender Of Divinity. Signed to German label Heavy Forces Records, they continue to work on new music but as of now, they are gearing up for the ‘Banish The Posers’ Fest in Dhaka, Bangladesh on November 16th. A gig put together by Bangladeshi promoters Primitive Invocation, this gig will bring Lobotomy together with the best of Bangladeshi underground extreme metal along with fellow Malaysians in Kathgor, and bands from Thailand and India as well. A few days ago, I caught up with Lobotomy to talk about ‘Banish The Posers’, among other things. Check out the conversation below along with a track called ‘Delusion Of Sin’ off of the full-length. If you’re in Dhaka, make sure you catch Lobotomy at the gig tomorrow.

Your band’s name is awesome. First of all, tell me who came up with that and how did you decide upon it?

Thanks brother. I came out with the name after we used MOTORBREATH as a band name. We immediately changed to LOBOTOMY because I think this name fits more with our music and direction.

You’re playing the ‘Banish The Posers’ Fest in Dhaka on November 16th. Being a band from Malaysia, what are your thoughts on playing an underground metal gig in Bangladesh?

This is so amazing because we did not expect to have been given the opportunity to play a metal gig in a country like Bangladesh. Before that, I only knew about the underground metal scene in your country after I got a copy of WEAPON’s ‘Hijab Violated’ EP years ago. Besides, I’ve heard stories from Eric of INFERNAL CURSE about his live show experiences at Dhaka.

A lot of people aren’t aware of the scene in Malaysia, so I hope you don’t mind me asking you this: what’s life like as a metal band in Malaysia?

There is not much of a difference from other places, and most metal musicians here have a permanent job and some of them view their band as a hobby but not for us. This band is a part of our life and almost every weekend we will meet to hang out, drink and rehearsal at a studio. So far we don’t have much problem with the authority for doing things like organizing a gig or performing a live show.

I like the fact that you released your debut full-length album ‘Satanic Speed Metal Ritual’ on cassette tape. I love tapes, and that’s the medium I grew up listening to. Do you listen to music on tape or try to collect tapes at all?

I’m getting closer to metal using cassette devices and yes, that’s the medium we grew up listening to as well. Until now, I still collect tapes demo tapes.

Talking of your music, it can be described as relentless thrash/speed metal. What makes you play this style of music?

We really like this style because it’s the way speed metal should be… raging, fast and dirty. It’s our heart, and we’re fully passionate for Metal hell!

You’re signed to German underground label Heavy Forces Records. How did you manage to get on their elite 8-band roster?

I was contacted by Stef from Heavy Forces long ago before he opening his dedicated vinyl label. When I was playing for ANTACID, he expressed his desire to released a compilation of ANTACID’s demo as the first output on Heavy Forces after I told him to find a record label. With LOBOTOMY, it’s not difficult for me to deal with Heavy Forces again.

What’s your aim with this band? Do you intend to keep it underground or are you looking to break out and do bigger things?

Hell yeah, we’ll keep LOBOTOMY underground, forever burning flames.

Quite a few international bands play shows in Malaysia on a regular basis. Which are some of the best shows you’ve attended (if any)?

KREATOR are probably the best international band I’ve seen so far, as well as several underground bands like SIGH and IMPIETY.

Aside from ‘Banish The Posers’ Fest, what plans do you have for the future?

Record new songs for the next project and destroy more stage! Cheers!

Visit Lobotomy on the web at:
facebook.com/pages/Lobotomy/269256643104747
lobotomyhatesyou.bandcamp.com

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