Interview with TASYIM in Issue #4, 2000

There are people who perceive me as not being that supportive towards our own local Malaysian scene, but in fact the truth is I've always make it a priority to do anything I can in order to let more and more became familiar with anything acquainted with the local scene, with one simple condition: they have to be WORTHY. Worthy in the sense that they (I believe) have what it takes to be mentioned, to be exposed, to be taken attention of. Rock stars, ego blind penises, or simply useless retarded pieces of filthy human scum just won't do it for me. Just fukking proove it with your releases, and all will be determined accordingly. Here's the interview with TASYIM back in the year 2000, and no matter what shapes the band has been into these past years, I'm sure you'll all agree that this one is still a good read nevertheless.

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Tasyim is the band that has taken the local Metal scene by storm since their 1998 rehearsal-tape release. Since then they have been very much talked about, moreover with their staunch upheaval of the Malay race. But what's more important is the music they make, excellent dark occult melodic death Metal with that distinct "Kemelayuan" touch, something to be proud of by the local scene, something that's badly needed to boost the local scene. Marching forward is their only choice, and there seems to be nothing that will stand their way. Many things are happening in the band, and I hope this small conversation with Shaman(drums) and Farouk(bass/vocals) should shed some 'darkening' lights on their situation these days. Proceed.....

We should talk about the split-tape first... What's the real purpose behind its realization? How did the deal with Permatha Pathah Records came about? Was it being planned to include free poster and sticker, full color cover, etc.? Satisfied or what? What's the connection of the cover (a Wayang Kulit play) with the songs, or the split-tape's concept?

Shaman: The split-tape with VISITANT was the idea of EGP (Eastern Grandeur Prod.). EGP planned a new release for the future, and the idea is to release a split-tape of these bands from Kuantan. It took way too long for it to be realized, so EGP decided to give this idea to PP (Permatha Pathah Recs.). It's also due to the fact that PP has always looking forward to release something from TASYIM. The deal with PP was only a demo, but the limited budget forced TASYIM to record only an advance tape in a studio here. When the idea flourished that the songs recorded to be released in a split-tape format, TASYIM did not hesitate to release it (a split-tape) with VISITANT. We hope that with this release it will give a boost to the scene of Kuantan and Malaysia. The freedom given by Yusri of PP for the cover layout etc. was fully utilized by me (Shaman). I've worked on a sample cover that potrays a Malay concept, where a Tok Dalang plays the Wayang Kulit as the motive for the cover in full colour, and with the same picture as the background for the thanks list section, or the inlay to be precise. The motive for the decision to make the front cover in full colour is as a kind of a small 'gift' to the buyers, intended to shut their mouth up from complaining about the very obvious crap sound adorning it. The idea of giving free poster and sticker was not even planned whatsoever from our part (the bands), for we don't want this release to become a burden to PP, especially the costs involved; but it's Mr. Yusri himself who insisted on giving away these free merchandises, so we just follow suit. We were actually surprised with the final product as we only asked for the front cover to be in full colour, but then; the front panels are in full colour as well. And that's not for us to interfere if the label think that's the way that release should be produced. If you ask whether we are satisfied with it, I should say that it's quite OK for us, and to say that we are satisfied, that's certainly out of question. So, I could presume that it's a good work after all! About the concept of the split-tape, TASYIM and VISITANT were thinking of putting out a release with Malay theme or somewhat traditional, and the picture picked should act as a connection between the bands. The Wayang Kulit deals with the Malay community in the sense of spirits, legends, myths, etc. It's dead-right suitable for both band's concept, and both parties agreed with that. Don't you think so? (you have some strong arguments there, I presume...-ed.)

Farouk: First of all, the split-tape was supposed to be self-released by either bands, be it TASYIM or VISITANT. But after PP heard about this, he (the label's owner) expressed his interest of releasing it, for it would be a great promotion for his label or production. The free poster, sticker whatsoever was not our plan but PP's. We just work on the cover and the lay-out. The Wayang Kulit represents our culture and the spirits of Orang Melayu. Concept? Yes, I think the cover suits the concept or the songs as they are really about our ancestors, legacy and what we are.

There's supposed to be a cover of SLAYER's "Black Magic" from Tasyim included in the split-tape...?

Shaman: Yes, in the original advance tape or the actual recording process we have covered that SLAYER song, but unfortunately VISITANT suffered 'shortages' for their part of the plit, so we have to cut it out in order to have a desirable tape-length for both side of the split. But in case anyone of you would like to hear it, just send us a blank-tape and a SASE.

Farouk: Well, there was supposed to be a cover song of SLAYER's "Black Magic" and one bonus song, in the shape of an instrumental. The songs should've been included in the split. And why it's not there? I don't know it myself. You should ask PP if you want further details.

Lots of people are complaining about the bad sound-production.

Shaman: That's unquestionable because not only them, even us ourselves are not satisfied with the outcome. But what can we do, and the recording process cost us RM100 for nothing. We are also inexperienced to use the tracks accordingly and the studio owner did not have a clue to get the sound we wanted, and as the result is what you could hear from the final product. The amplification for the second guitar was not adjusted properly and if you hear it real close it's very hard to hear the rhythm parts, and a number of people said that there was actually no rhythm guitars in the songs. This should be blamed to the bad recroding-works, and a studio with no proper equipment to record a demo.

Farouk: About the sound quality, well it really sucks; simply because it is the only studio that's cheap down here and... what can I say, it really does sucks!!!

Boring question... can you tell us the formation of TASYIM? I think there's only Shaman left from the original line-up, isn't it?

Shaman: It's true that it's only me left to bring TASYIM back from the dead a while ago. Lack of commitments and understanding forced the old TASYIM formation to fall apart. TASYIM were formed by me, Kutex, Joe, Hafiz and Atan(session). It was formed to strengthen the Kuantan scene back then simply because there's no band from Kuantan that really stood out those days. Ever since our inception we have coined the Malay occult theme, but since the black Metal trend was booming those days, the riffs was based more on black than death Metal. It's undeniable that I'm more into death, but it's not wrong either to say that I've followed the the trend of the day and that's especially to be found on how did the guitars sound back then which is more into the black Metal direction. This is by no mean to say that TASYIM is a black Metal band back then, but the sounds were really close to it.

And I heard, those days TASYIM was a black Metal band?

Shaman: As I've stated above since its formation TASYIM is more into death Metal, but the trend plague is so strong that it affected the band unconsciously, thus sounding more black than death. If someone accused that TASYIM do play black Metal, I have to disagree with that, simply because I'm not a supporter of trendy black Metal...

So how did the concept change to death Metal?

Shaman: TASYIM really is death Metal orientated but because of the trend I composed songs which is more towards black Metal soundwise. When Khairul and Farouk incepted into TASYIM tehy have reshaped those songs into what you could hear now, the real direction of TASYIM. This is what TASYIM really all about and not the earlier creation. Old TASYIM is simply a FRAUD.

Occult dark death Metal, to be precise. Why is the music labelled that way? What's your understanding of the term 'occult dark death Metal'?

Shaman: Occult= defined as what we have been upholding until now and that is everything concerning MALAYS. I've initiated lots of research within the occult terms and I've also practised numerous magick inherited from my ancestors and amongst them comprised of pawang, bomoh, guru silat, pendekar, etc. I'm originated from the Minangkabaus and if we look upon the history of the Minangkabaus in Tanah Jawa they were called as the Padang Tribe. It's all of these that I've incorporated and thus shaped the very essence of TASYIM. Dark= defined as something connected with the darkness and everything related as dark in nature; but it's more into superstitions of the Malay community such as black magick, ghost literature/agriculture, etc. You guessed it right that it fits perfectly into our concept. Death= defined as a musical term that revolves around death, with really heavy-sounding nature and considered noisy nonsense by the meek society. Each and every one of TASYIM listens to death Metal everyday, and it's not exaggerating to say that it's our daily requirements. It's also because of this it became the theme in TASYIM's concept. I've been listening to death Metal since 1989. I sold my soul to death Metal, and also heavy, hard rock, black, etc. I've discovered black Metal in the year 1992/93 from Venom, Bathory, etc. Before that I didn't have a fucking clue that black Metal is actually an already established genre in music. All these evaluation came from everyone in TASYIM, and we intend to create something that suits ourselves and not specifically created for anyone else. We have our own motto, slogan, message, and vision that need to be stressed. It's of course not an easy task for us, but we will do anything for our 'blood' and 'soul'.

The first release is in a shape of a rehearsal-tape. Why did you decide to release a rehearsal-tape, instead of a proper demo for example?

Shaman: That rehearsal-tape was aimed to carve a name for TASYIM in the underground. To be known in the local and overseas scene. TASYIM would like to prove that bands from the Kuantan scene really have something to offer with the other scenes in Malaysia such as Ipoh, JB, Kedah, KL, etc. we also intend to make it clear that TASYIM is a 'kemelayuan'-theme act. No imaginary bollocks, just unbriddled focus on the compositions. Lots of the local bands from 1997 (the new era of TASYIM) were into black Metal and praise everything that's not connected with them. TAYSIM tries to change that, after the wake-up call instilled by LANGSUYR and AS SAHAR. That rehearsal was released to simply put out something resulted from the reasons above. So what would it be like? Exactly something that have been put out before by the earlier generation of the local scene, something that's cheap and satisfying. So, we found out that a rehearsal with computer-printed cover, duplicated tape and harsh sound is the definite shape for it. The old heroes back then simply put out a tape release with walkman or mini compo recordings, etc. but they managed to enlighten the underground spirits then and even spread their name to the international scene. RATOR's legendary demo, which was a jamming record with photostated cover might be regarded as crap if it was released today. That's what I foresee before the release of that rehearsal-tape.

Farouk: Well, the rehearsal-tape was for promotional purposes only. We didn't expect such enormous response received from the listeners, 'zines, etc. I'm proud of it, everytime I play the tape it makes me feel the urge to rehearse, play a gig, and it even makes my skin crawl!

Have you noticed that after the rehearsal-tape release, lots of new bands in the local scene are resorting to release just a rehearsal-tape rather than a proper demo as their first step?

Shaman: We are aware of that but we think it's normal though. People always followed anything that's considered good for them, but that's no reason for us to become arrogant in any way, never. But we are quite uncomfortable with bands that's putting out inferior products. If you want your band to gain some respect and so on, then make sure it's worth the money spent by the people who bought it. Can you stand a highly-priced demo with crappy sound and bad cover??!!? I'll never buy such releases myself. Try to react to the overseas bands that's putting out their demo in a highly professional manner. The Indonesians have made their steps and in return is large exposure in the worldwide scene. That's what we expect from them. Try to release it the very best way possible.

From TASYIM's point of view, what have caused this?

Shaman: Probably because the tape is one of the best produced rehearsal ever coming out from the local underground scene. Of course with great opinions surrounding it, the step will be followed by later bands. TASYIM have proved what they can deliver, and something done with the purest of heart will be handsomely paid off. TASYIM never crave for profits from their releases, even if every studio sessions, be it recording or practising surely demands lots of money. It's our own satisfaction that counts most.

Is it because of the outstanding review for the rehearsal-tape by Batara in his xeroxed-era METAL TERUS being one of the most vital reason?

Shaman: Maybe it's the biggest reason why, if we look at it without much thought being made. Batara is an established name in the Malaysian underground scene and whatever opinion he made will have an impact on a great number of people that will just nod to everything he says. If he says that by releasing a rehearsal-tape, TASYIM managed to bring back the old underground spirit into the present scene, then there'll be lots of bands releasing rehearsal-tape after that; for this kind of statements will be look upon by these newer bands as a kind of an encouragement from him. It's an almost sure thing that many will just follow whatever he says. The only thing that we don't like to see resulting from this is when they assume TASYIM as something like an 'enemy' for their bands, if you know what I mean.

Farouk: Well, I think 70% of them are just licking Batara's butt, while the rest 30% simply because they like it and accept our music.

It's undeniable after that review was published, the interest on TASYIM increased. What's the positive and negative behind this?

Shaman: Positive - TASYIM gained wide exposure from that review and thankfully lots of them are following what we are fighting for, in terms of the 'kemelayuan' and traditional edge. We are really thankful with his review that's being done with honesty, and not because I'm one of his friends. Thanks a lot. Negative - because of that kind of reviews, it seems like TASYIM is being treated as an 'outcast', as an 'enemy' to them. Some of them even try to stab us in the back in order to achieve success for their bands. I've personally contacted 5 different bands from all over Malaysia, to build up a kind of friendship and cooperation between bands; but not even a single reply received. Why? We clearly couldn't find the definite reason ourselves! Do they take TASYIM as a 'serial killer' for their bands, that will crush them down simply because our materials are farily accepted by lots of people? We don't have to be labelled arrogant just because of that review. TASYIM are proud of it, but certainly not to become 'big-headed' or shits just because of that. We try to make friends, but it's enemy that we've got. Whatever those retards think about TASYIM especially those who try to bring us down, just because of this stupid accusation, let me say that TASYIM is TASYIM. If you consider TASYIM as your enemy, TASYIM will raise their swords and shields.....

Farouk: About the positive and negative of this, I don't know how to put it in words. It's hard to explain actually, hmmm..... Maybe our first gig back then in Penang played a big part in the interest too, I think.

Do TASYIM feel that every comment received, be it positive or negative; to be honest? Or there are hidden sentiments behind them...?

Shaman: What we have discovered is that most of them are based from that Batara's review in METAL TERUS. And some of them shamelessly just re-write his review. Until now from what we managed to read, only the reviews in METAL TERUS, RANDOM and HORMALA prove to be honestly done. Most of them possess weird sentiments therein, what appears to be trying to lick his ass over and over again just because he's being regarded as 'cfoo' by some in Malaysia. We hail those who honestly praise, condemn and 'what-have-you' to TASYIM. But we will pursuit those who try to take advantage on the situation. We do heard some bad remarks from a number of people just because they are in bands claimed to be 'oh so great' and innovators of the Malaysian scene. So we asked them whether they're really honest with what they've said, and have they heard our materials... the answer is NO! Ironic huh? Their accusations were based from rumours being spread by mouth. We accept any opinions whatsoever but, if it is based on sentiments such as jealousy, backstabbing, etc., then for sure we will fight against it! TASYIM fear them not... and shall never afraid! TASYIM is the spirit of vintage, yesteryears Malay...

Farouk: To me the positive and negative comments given is a a way to improve ourselves to be better, much more better than we are now. It doesn't matter at all, we accept all comments no matter it's positive or negative. That's how we procreate ourselves to be more creative and it also gives us certain inspiration. By the way, thanks for the comments.

Let's talk about the songs. Is there any differences between those from the rehearsal-tape compared with the split?

Shaman: The biggest difference is TASYIM no longer use clean vocals as in the rehearsal-tape, that some people claimed to bare resemblances with gothic? We do have certain connection with gothic in our lyrics, but the music; I think a bit monotony or a little penchant for repetitiveness might be the right words. I think that our musical orientation now is more like Hypocrisy, Amon Amarth, etc. that deals more with aggressiveness and technicality rather than before which is more 'mellow' and melodious. Teh 'feel' is still there, just not as much as before. I have a friend that has a very sharp hearing on our songs. According to him in the rehearsal-tape, the songs are aggressive and mellow but there's something amiss in the drums, guitars, etc. But the heat of traditional element was there. TASYIM split is compact and fuller-sounding, but the mellowness are declining because of its heavier and more aggressive nature. It's not wrong to say that TASYIM has lost some of the rehearsal-tape characteristics, but the moods and the feel are broadening if you give it a thorough listen. We try to feature both of these old and new characteristics in our newer songs ("The Tormented Kingdom of Bunian", "Blood In My Vein", "Tasyim", etc). We welcome these kind of comments from anybody out there.

Don't you think that the songs have somewhat become 'mellower'? No plans whatsoever of getting more aggressive, for example?

Shaman: Mellow? I think TASYIM today is more orthodox and Farouk himself told me that I'm going way too far with the drums. There's lots of the same patterns than the skillful ones. I agree with that as TASYIM is becoming more aggressive than before. If you think that our songs in the split are mellower, it seems pretty odd to me! (well, that's what I found out, and of course every single human is different from each other-ed.). We are not quite sure how it all happened, probably due to the change of 'seasons' in the band that's more towards the aggressive Swedish bands. As for the other members, they try to improvise their skills on guitar to make TASYIM even better than before. TASYIM for me is a heavy sounding band like BAPHOMET, HYPOCRISY(old), SINISTER, SADISTIC INTENT, etc. But the direction of Khairul and Farouk which is more into melodic has changed TASYIM, but I do welcome this more than the old TASYIM which is more into black. Whatever it is, be sure that TASYIM will be heavier than before.....

Farouk: Yes, there are some differences between the old songs and the new ones. The new songs are a bit more aggressive, melodic kind-of like AMON AMARTH. Khairul is a person who's directly influenced and inspired by the music that he's listening to. For example, if today he's listening to Amon Amarth then the song he composed will eventually evolved in the same mould. And when there came a day that he's been listening to DARK TRANQUILLITY, the music will have another kind of approach. That's why they're different. Personally for me I like the old songs more. The new songs in the split have a certain link with each other, kinda like the same all three of them. There's not much of creativity-variations and the style is a bit like the same to me.

And even composing more of the short but great songs, like "Descendant Ritual" perhaps?

Shaman: "Descendant Ritual" was created by me and during that time, I've been listening to LANGSUYR's "My Oath For Thee", so more or less I was haunted by some of its riffs. Fizan (VISITANT) and Nazwan (NAGILEUM) helped me out to complete the song, especially the riffs for the middle part. Both of them are also LANGSUYR fans, therefore it's not surprising to see some similarities between them. Whatever it is, just look at it as a tribute song to TASYIM's #1 influence (what I could recall as the similarities between TASYIM and LANGSUYR in that song is only in its aggressiveness though...-ed.). In fact I really like short and heavy songs like "Descendant...", it's just that I feel a bit awkward to strike a chord again after concentrating on drums these couple of years. Maybe in the future. Be sure that there will come more riffs in the future by me, and it'll be short but heavy.....

Farouk: About short songs like "Descendant...", we will make more song in that vein. Eventhough it's a bit short, it's also a good one nevertheless. To make a song like that or any other songs, it takes some inspiration and a lot of thinking to do. I myself prefer to make a short one if I could.

In my opinion, it's like a trademark in TASYIM's songs with that distinct drum-rolls in the middle of almost every song. What's your comment?

Shaman: Hahaha... I don't realise it myself. Khairul tends to make songs in patterns of repeating the early riffs to the middle parts, so as you can see in songs like "Rain Dwell...", "The Hole...", "The Blessing...", etc. are treated with drum-rolling to change the tempo of the songs. You got me with this question here, I don't know how to answer this. Great observation. I'm not really sure if it's a trademark, maybe it is (and will still be), if Khairul keeps on composing such songs. You'll notice that this is also influenced by LANGSUYR, if you listen to it real close...

Farouk: Hahaha... Well, the rolling drumskills are really Shaman's idea since that he's the drummer. Trademark? Well, yes perhaps. TASYIM is TASYIM.

And of course the 'kemelayuan' feel in the songs, which is deeply felt,...? But what about the overseas listeners (or outside of Asia), can they sense this eastern-like 'feel', and how do TASYIM try to explaun this to them?

Shaman: Yes, it's hard to describe these kind of 'easternity'feels to them, so we have to elaborate or interpret our lyrics to them, in order to make them sense it, at least a little bit. Even though it's hard to channel this 'kemelayuan' feel to them, today more and more of the overseas 'zine has opened their door towards the bands from Asia, most of them referring our scene and music to be something exotic. It's just a matter of time before these kind of 'feel' strike through their souls. What's clearly evident is, we try to interpret it through the song titles and the lyrics. That 'kemelayuan' feel comes straight from the heart of us, the members. Moreover we are all Malay and even if the music originated from the outside world, we are incorporating the Malay elements into the music of TASYIM.

Farouk: To me this is not a problem. The message can be channelled in many ways like speeches, letters and songs. We spread our legacy of our belief through our songs, and from the music itself that kind of 'eastern Passion' will be released. Explain? If explanations are needed we will provide it if necessary.

And perhaps the characteristics of TASYIM's songs is where the slogan "Orang Melayu Wilt Conquest" came about...

Shaman: Absolutely! We are Malay-themed and envisioning the Melayu Wilt Conquest. We would like to make it clear that the Malay race is also a great one, just like what people talk about the Vikings, Sumerian, etc. This vision is also intended to fire-up the spirit of our scene, which is more locally-orientated than of world-basis. They seems to lost hope even before trying. What we try to achieve is to be accepted by the outside world, even if it means lots of hard work and perseverence.

What do you really mean by "Orang Melayu Wilt Conquest"? There certainly is lots of dissillusioned people who mistakes TASYIM as a racist/fascist band...

Shaman: There'll certainly more and more people that/will mistake us as a racist/fascist band because of that slogan, but the real meaning of it is...... Orang Melayu= is a civilised race, but most of them are counting on other races in almost everything they do. Possess great historical traits, but only to be kept as some kind of memory and not to become something like a guidance to survive, or benefactor for great achievements. A race that's always being left out, even in its own country because of the reluctance to join forces with each other. Each and everyone of them (well, most of them) think that they're better than anyone else but as a matter of fact they're all the same. Lack of togetherness, lack of kinship. We, as a Malay are trying to uphold all the great deeds and achievements of the ancestors, to become the guidance and wisdom to ourselves. What more that we could have craved for, other than the glory of our race; to become a race that's greatly civilised, be it physically and mentally. Wilt Conquest= we try to conquer the minds of the outsiders that the Malay is a race that's also clever, good and creative enough to play this kind of music, and do possess great histories just like them. 'Conquest' from this vision is interpreted as the conquering of the mind and the hearing of the outsiders. TASYIM tries tomake them becoming a listener of local (Metal) music, to become one of their playlist. we have shitloads of overseas material in our collection, but have you ever think of whether they keep even a single stuff by our race? This, the conquering of minds; should be taken seriously by the local bands in order to put our country in the Metal-map. All of these act as a stimulant for us to reach further in the underground scene, not to become one of those who repeatedly sunk into the Pacific Ocean. TASYIM tries to liven up the spirits of all the Malay bands in Malaysia to make this vision a reality. Don't give up hope, try harder, never surrender.

But personally for me, it's not a crime for a band to praise its own race; without being too extreme or political...

Shaman: Hmmm...... Is the slogan proved to be too extreme to most of you? Maybe I'm becoming more tired of these slogans from Scandinavian bands who praise their own race, that even people fromo my own race are praising them. I'm not trying to 'vaporise' these or anything, I'm just trying to bring something new to them, something to be realised, somethin to think about, to accept it as a kind of knowledge. If anybody ever considering this vision as too political and extreme, it's their own way of thinking; way too far from what TASYIM tries to make clear upon.

There's a pair of 'keris' (serpent-sword, or something like that in English I think-ed.) on your logo. What's the point? And what do you think of other bands that also include the 'keris' on their logos? And what do you think of THE ELYSIAN FIELDS' second album's cover? One of them is holding a 'keris'...

Shaman: TASYIM is a band that's upholding the glory of the Malay, and injecting a fresh breath to the traditional elements. TASYIM, or me act as a warrior of our race by creating lyrics that evolve around the Malay, especially the spirits of our ancestors. With the vision "Orang Melayu Wilt Conquest", it is very similar with marching into war, and fight for the honour of the Malay.'Keris' acts as a symbol of defence and the fighting spirits of the Malay. The pair of 'keris' links directly with our concept. All the other bands that are also using the 'keris' in their logos, are probably becacuse of their concept which is not too far from that of TASYIM's. I have no right to condemn since all these are up to them to decide. Every band certainly have messages to be expressed in their songs, be it occult, dark, black, etc. It's an individual rights. I'm also surprised myself when I saw that album cover of THE ELYSIAN FIELDS, it seems that the Greek also used the 'keris' as a weapon. I don't know how to explain this.....

The band pictures. Most of them are a bit 'blurred'. What could have resulted this kind of hesitation in revealing yourselves to the public? Any hidden motives?

Shaman: Each and every single one of TASYIM doesn't really like to pose in photos and they also hate to be judged by their appearence rather than the music they play. They have no certain image, and absolutely do not like the music to be linked with the image. So it's natural that the structure of the photos will be 'blur' or 'blurred'. 'Blur' is one of our way to make people concentrating on our music rather than the image, because that's what important to us...

Farouk: About the band photo issue, we are not afraid of taking photos. But we like to be known by our music, not by our face. Not by our figures. For example, I'm reluctant to expose myself in 'zines, covers or whatever.

This one seems pretty straight, but there're not that many who knows it. Where did you find your band's name?

Shaman: TASYIM means Hell. It's taken from the religion of the Malay that is Islam. It's from the Nabi Musa AS period of time. Then it's said that there're lots of witches during that era, and most of the magick are still being practised until now. I took this name because of its link with our concept, which is 'orang Melayu'-based. Every Malay believe in what they've been taught of, and more or less it's etched in the mind and thinking of them.

Anything you can say about the booming Kuantan scene?

Shaman: In Kuantan, we have the bands TASYIM, VISITANT, NAGILEUM, LARKH-NAT, SANTUBONG, ANGUISH, S.T.O.R.M. and a couple more. Most of them are still busy with studies and work, so the commitment is nto as strong as TASYIM. Most of us (in TASYIM) are working and no one are still in their studies anymore. Be sure to check out ANGUISH and S.T.O.R.M. that will make their first appearence in a gig on the 4th of June 2000 in Kuantan.

Farouk: The scene will explode with the reforming of NAGILEUM, VISITANT back in action, the brutality unleashed by ANGUISH, S.T.O.RM. with their own brand of death Metal. LARKH-NAT is still in the shadows for the time being.

What about label interest? I heard a lot, you know. But isn't it better if you reveal it yourslef? Thanks for your time.

Shaman: We have a number of label interest from the local and overseas. We are not signed to any label so far, we don't want any restriction for now, even though a couple of them are interested to produce the album of TASYIM. We don't want any ties, not yet; and seeing our songs to be their property. TASYIM is still fighting for the underground scene, we don't want any transformation of becoming a mainstream band like some of the bands in Malaysia. we are still standing strong, and will release the materials ourselves including album if there's no label interested in signing us. There's no need to reveal the labels' name since we don't sign any contracts so far. Just wait for the right moment to come, we shall inform you about it. The most important thing is TASYIM will still spearheading the Malaysian melodic death Metal (Malay element) scene and will not turning our backs and wimping out...

Farouk: Well, thanks RANDOM 'zine (the best 'zine in Malaysia) for this great interview. Be sure to give me a free copy, huh? For all of you who have supported TASYIM throughout the years since the very beginning, thanks and thousand hails for you guys. Death, Roll and Dead!!!

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