The Indonesian crossover/metallic hardcore band NYCTO sees them as foundational — embedded in authority, relationships, and the everyday machinery of recognition. Their new single “Crowned of Lies” featuring Ramadhan of Ratel Beast cuts through the polite acceptance of deception that most people treat as background noise.
“The song explores lies that have been normalized and often justified,” the band explains. “It is rooted in our own experiences and observations of everyday life within our circles, among friends, and from people who are seen as influential or authoritative.”
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The track doesn’t limit its scope to political theater. NYCTO pushes into closer territory — social environments, families, the micro-hierarchies people navigate daily. They’ve watched validation handed out like currency, always with strings attached, always concealing personal interest beneath claims of truth.
“Many forms of recognition and validation appear truthful on the surface, but are actually built on deception and personal interest,” they say. “Through our music, we challenge any form of recognition, validation, or claimed truth that is wrapped in lies.”
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It’s a broad target, but NYCTO’s position comes from direct observation, not abstract theory. Operating out of Makassar’s hardcore scene — a space built on DIY ethics, solidarity, and resistance — the band works within a community that exists far from any spotlight. Local bands, small venues, independent collectives moving forward on their own terms. That context shapes how they write.
“For us, the Makassar hardcore scene is a space to speak freely, express frustration, and remain honest through music,” they note. The band pulls from hardcore and extreme music that prioritizes message over polish, intention over aesthetic comfort. Personal conflict and the realities surrounding them fuel the writing process more than any desire to fit a template.
“The creative process in NYCTO begins with shared unrest,” the band describes. “It usually starts with a strong idea or emotion, which is then developed collectively. Everyone is given space to contribute their perspective.”
The result is music that balances aggression with purpose. Heavy and intense, yes, but always serving a clear message rather than relying on volume alone. Ramadhan’s contribution from Ratel Beast adds another layer to that approach, sharpening the attack without diluting the focus.
“We aim to balance aggression with intention,” NYCTO states. “The music is heavy and intense, but it always serves a clear purpose and message.”
“Crowned of Lies” pushes listeners to question rather than accept. It’s not interested in offering comfort or resolution — just a direct challenge to stop treating deception as inevitable. Whether that lands depends on how willing you are to examine what’s actually holding up the structures around you.
The single is out now on all platforms.
