Combining traditional Southeast Asian instrumentation with extreme metal, Karina Utomo, Rama Parwata and Mike Deslandes have come together to form the incredible Rinuwat.
Their debut album, ‘Dua Naga’ (released just last week), is an atmospheric and enthralling 40 minutes. There are moments of somewhat unsettling calmness, with traditional Javanese elements giving the music a transportive property. It’s beautiful, but pregnant with tension. And then the tension is release.
When the moment is right, Rinuwat erupt into an immense mix of sludge, post, black, and just about any other label you want to throw on this monstrous sound. Vocalist, Karina Utomo (best known for her work with High Tension) is a commanding presence. After unleashing a terrifying roar that readily matches the ferocity of the music behind it, Utomo effortlessly switches to much gentler vocals, following the music in its dramatic ebbs and flows.
Rinuwat’s powerful fusion of the traditional and the extreme is both unique and exciting. In fact, this is the most excited I’ve been about an Australian act in a long time. I’m now just waiting for my Dua Naga vinyl preorder to arrive.
Rinuwat is truly something special.
a band a day. 