May 2023 saw the formation of Hand Of Chain, a hardcore/punk group hailing from Cirebon. The band is a collective effort, with members from established bands in the region, namely LOA, Ancy, and Distgard. Their musical style leans into the hardcore/punk genre, with notable influences from bands such as Seed Of Pain, Point of Contact, Statement Of Pride, and No Innocent Victims. Features like double-pedal breakdowns and undulating riffs are prominent in their sound.
The title “Self Devastation” for their debut maxi-single might suggest introspective or somber themes, but the band clarifies that it’s not about personal anguish.
Instead, the lyrics revolve around local narratives, observations about the Cirebon music scene, day-to-day experiences, and the various sentiments and anxieties present in the broader hardcore/punk community.
Some of these feelings, the band notes, are ones they felt weren’t suited for platforms like social media.
For those interested in exploring Hand Of Chain’s debut work, “Self Devastation” is available on Set The Fire Records’ Bandcamp page.
