Pohon Tua Creatorium (PTC), Bali’s dynamic music incubator, has taken a bold step into uncharted territory by signing its first-ever metal act: Trojan. Known for fostering some of the most innovative musical talent in the Indonesian archipelago, PTC is now turning its focus to the raw, visceral energy of the metal scene, bringing a new dimension to its already eclectic roster.
“Trojan has shown impressive consistency,” remarked Dadang SH Pranoto, known as Pohon Tua, the mastermind behind PTC. “Their lineup is solid, and I felt compelled to dive deeper into Bali’s metal scene. Trojan offers a unique opportunity to explore what’s relevant in metal today while pushing creative boundaries. They’re our first ‘victims’ in this genre, and I’m thrilled to be involved.”
This collaboration is not just a milestone for PTC but also a statement of intent—an effort to elevate Bali’s metal scene to new heights while helping Trojan sharpen their sound and industry acumen.
Trojan’s Journey: From Death Metal Roots to Experimental Horizons
Formed in 2007, Trojan is a collective of young, driven musicians, featuring Reo (lead guitar), Michael (rhythm guitar), Oink (bass), Gus Botak (vocals), and Gus Cilik (drums). Over the years, they’ve carved out a name for themselves with two full-length albums: Metamorphosis as the Phenomenon (2010) and Archaic Dimension (2015).
While their roots lie firmly in old-school death metal, Trojan’s musical journey has been anything but static. The band has embraced modern influences like Djent and Thall, infusing their arrangements with intricate rhythms and progressive structures. Yet, they’ve never strayed far from the aggressive, guttural foundation of death metal that defines their identity.
“We’ve grown musically, experimenting while staying true to our core,” says guitarist Michael Prawira. “Partnering with PTC feels like a pivotal moment. It’s not just about releasing music but learning how to navigate the industry effectively.”
A Bold Experiment: Released the Beast
For their latest single, Released the Beast, PTC challenged Trojan to take a risk few bands would dare: recording the track in a single take.
“This wasn’t just about making a song,” explains Pohon Tua. “We wanted to capture the raw essence of their performance—one take for the single, the video clip, and the audio-visual elements. No edits. This approach is almost unheard of, especially given the complexity of their arrangements. It’s a high-risk, high-reward challenge, and Trojan rose to the occasion.”
The single itself is a powerful commentary on the modern world’s technological anxieties. It explores the terror of humanity becoming enslaved by the very digital tools designed to liberate us. Set for release on December 12, 2020, Released the Beast promises to deliver a sonic gut punch, leaving listeners both shaken and exhilarated.
A Band’s Perspective: Trojan’s Leap Forward
For Trojan, signing with PTC has been transformative. “It’s the first time we’ve had guidance that goes beyond music,” says Michael. “Pohon Tua has helped us see the bigger picture—how to run a band within the industry, balance our artistry with practical strategies, and reach new audiences. It’s a perspective we hadn’t considered before.”
The collaboration with PTC marks a turning point, not just for Trojan but for Bali’s burgeoning metal scene. The partnership is a testament to PTC’s commitment to nurturing diverse talent while Trojan’s willingness to embrace new ideas signals their readiness to break new ground.
The Launch Event: Hallien Fest 2020
To celebrate the release of Released the Beast, Trojan is hosting the second edition of Hallien Fest. The festival, set for December 12, 2020, at Hard Rock Café Bali, is more than just a launch party—it’s a declaration of Trojan’s vision for the metal scene.
With a lineup that includes Stormhour, Ludicia, Heretic, Instankarma, and Trojan as the headliners, Hallien Fest is shaping up to be a must-see event. The festival aims to unite Bali’s metal community while showcasing the island’s talent on a larger scale.
Michael is optimistic about the festival’s potential: “Hallien Fest isn’t just about us. It’s about creating a platform for all metal bands in Bali to connect with fans and each other. We want this to be a barometer for where the scene is heading.”
PTC’s involvement has added a layer of professionalism and ambition to the event, ensuring that Trojan’s latest chapter is both celebrated and amplified.
Pohon Tua’s Vision: A Metal Milestone
For Pohon Tua, Trojan represents a new frontier. “This collaboration is important because it challenges the status quo,” he says. “With Released the Beast, we’ve turned a decades-long silent narrative into a visceral experience in just over four minutes. That’s the power of music.”
As the producer, Pohon Tua has been instrumental in shaping Trojan’s sound for this release. His approach balances artistic integrity with a clear focus on what resonates with today’s audiences.
“Music should have purpose,” he adds. “Released the Beast isn’t just a song—it’s a statement, a piece of cultural commentary wrapped in blistering riffs and thunderous drums. It’s the kind of work that reminds us why metal is more than just a genre; it’s a voice.”
A New Era for Bali’s Metal Scene
The collaboration between Trojan and PTC signifies a turning point for Bali’s metal community. By combining Trojan’s raw talent with PTC’s expertise, the partnership has set a new benchmark for what metal can achieve in Indonesia.
Trojan’s willingness to experiment and PTC’s focus on innovation create a potent combination. Together, they’re pushing boundaries and expanding the possibilities for Bali’s music scene.
Looking Ahead
As Trojan prepares to unleash Released the Beast, the anticipation is palpable. The single, coupled with Hallien Fest, promises to be a defining moment for the band and a catalyst for the metal scene in Bali.
For fans, the message is clear: Trojan is not just another band. They’re a force to be reckoned with, a virus of creativity and rebellion that’s spreading across the Indonesian music landscape.
For PTC, this is just the beginning. As Pohon Tua reflects on the collaboration, he remains focused on the bigger picture. “We’re here to help artists find their voice, to create work that matters. With Trojan, we’ve taken a step into the unknown, and the results speak for themselves.”
Trojan’s Released the Beast
- Release Date: December 12, 2020
- Concept: A one-take recording capturing raw, unfiltered energy
- Themes: Digital dependency, technological terror, and human resilience
- Collaborations: Produced by Pohon Tua Creatorium, with Hallien Fest as the launchpad
With Released the Beast, Trojan and PTC have redefined what’s possible for metal in Indonesia. It’s more than a single—it’s a manifesto. And for those ready to hear it, the beast is about to roar.