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Malaysian rock is popular locally and overseas. Malaysian youth are typically into the punk culture (including hardcore and emo) and this is reflected in the music they write. Most of the Malaysian rock music scene is centered in Terengganu which has a thriving punk/hardcore scene.

Punk rock [edit]

Late 80s [edit]

Some early punk bands include Mallaria; they started out in 1986 in the city of Kuala Terengganu and in 1987 they released a four-song demo mix, the sound of which has been described as crossover thrash. The band never released an album on a major label but their drummer Shahlan went on to form another early Malaysian punk band called The Stone Crows, and their guitarist Ku Yie went on participating (without ever recording anything) in various bands such as PROV, DPSA, and Zink. Bands from this early period had a considerable impact on the local punk scene but very limited mainstream success.

Early 90s [edit]

During the early 90s, the punk rock scene was underground in Kuala Lumpur. Bands which are currently popular, such as The Pilgrims, Carburetor Dung, The Bollocks, Formation Bee, Stoink & The United and A.R.T were playing in the underground gig circuit during this period, along with other bands from different musical genres. The Oi! scene made popular the streetpunk music thanks to bands such as A.C.A.B., The Official and Roots 'n' Boots that adopted the style of mods and skinheads subcultures. This time period was a blend of different music genres and diverse cultures (often reviewed in Joe Kidd's column 'Blasting Concept').

From mid 90s to late 00s [edit]

Since the mid 90s and onwards however, plenty of punk rock music have emerged and shows are on frequently. Though most Malaysian rock bands have a tendency to sing in English, lately more bands have begun singing in their native language, Bahasa Malaysia. Contemporary bands such as OAG, Butterfingers, MARIONEXXES, Estranged, Pop Shuvit, Bunkface, and Paku have all become popular not only in Malaysia, but also in Indonesia (since Indonesian rock bands and their sound had previously greatly influenced the Malaysian market), Singapore, and Japan, due to their frequent collaboration with internationally renowned artists.

Hardcore / post-hardcore / metalcore / speed metal [edit]

Notable hardcore bands include Devilica, and Kias Fansuri. Since the early millennium, Metalcore became popular in Malaysia as well with renowned underground bands such as Forsaken, Amarah, Dewata, Furion Escalada, Dominator (early), Tyrant (screamo), Dead Eyes Glow, Mad Monsters Attack, Restraint and Love Me Butch (post-hardcore) supporting the local scene. One of the most noted underground indie-bands of all-time, The Matrix (metalcore/speed metal) or simply better known as (The 3 Mates) to their fans, which hails from Berkeley Garden of Klang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, played gigs all-over the Klang Valley during their earlier days & most of their inspirations came from metal bands especially from Metallica to the sultry Bon Jovi.

Rock / post-rock [edit]

Notable rock groups include Crossing Boundaries (rock), Hujan (indie rock), Meet Uncle Hussain (prog-rock) & Deepset (post-rock).

Pop rock [edit]

Pop Rock became highly popular during early 90s, such as Terengganu rock band Iklim.

See also [edit]

• Music of Malaysia