Doomed Confessionary: Dinar, Widi, Boinx & Angga (Ssslothhh)
Ssslothhh is an atmospheric sludge/post-metal band from Bandung, Indonesia.
Heavily influenced by Neurosis, Russian Circles, Mouth Of The Architect, and Cult Of Luna, Ssslothhh has been around since early 2010. The name itself referred to Sloth as the animal, but they changed it to Ssslothhh to add gimmicks to it.
Ssslothhh are Dinar (drums), Widi (guitar, vocals), Boinx (bass) and Angga (guitar).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Dinar: Originally, Widi had the idea to start a band with a slower, heavier tempo. At the time, he was in a d-beat band called Kontrasosial. Eventually, he met Boing and then invited me to join. After about six years as a trio, we decided to add Angga on guitar, and his presence really strengthened us in various aspects, like songwriting and sound selection.
Angga: I think SSSLOTHHH is the first sludge/doom band that I know of in Bandung, Indonesia. I was the last member to join. I really like their music, which I hadn’t played before in my previous bands.
Boinx: The band originally started with three members, playing doom metal. Due to the need for more musical references, we added one more member, Angga Kusuma.
Widi: SSSLOTHHH was formed in Bandung, Indonesia in 2010. The original lineup included me on guitar and vocals, Syahroni on bass, and Dinar on drums. We play post/metal/heavy music. In 2016, Angga joined to fill the guitar spot. Our discography includes: 2 albums (»Phenomenon« 2013, »Celestial Verses« 2019), 1 EP (»Infinite Fracture« 2012), and 1 single (»Eulogy To The Passing« 2020).
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Dinar: We all have day jobs, so the band is more of a side project for us, especially as we’re also heads of households. Despite that, we want to be active in releasing music and touring, so balancing our time is always a challenge.
Angga: Maybe in our country, this kind of music isn’t very big in the community, but the fans are very dedicated.
Boinx: The challenge lies in the creative process, from coming up with ideas to choosing a recording studio and going through the mixing and mastering process.
Widi: Time management and distance have been our biggest challenges. Since the four of us work and have families, finding time for face-to-face brainstorming and discussions about song ideas is limited. Additionally, our genre isn’t as popular as hardcore or metal in this region.
Photo by @darkofmoist_
What can you be most proud of so far?
Dinar: Personally, there are two standout moments. The first was opening for some of our favorite bands, including Kylesa, EyeHateGod, and Tragedy. The second was creating our live session, »Celestial Verses Live Session With Kuntari«, which you can find on YouTube. That session was really special because it was our first collaborative project and we were able to realize our dream lighting concept.
Angga: I’m proud that we were able to release an album despite our busy schedules and the difficulty of getting together. SSSLOTHHH has also started playing at some pretty big festivals in Indonesia.
Boinx: Since the band’s formation, we’ve managed to stay together despite everyone’s busy schedules. We’re always trying to improve and grow as a band.
Widi: We’re proud that we’ve been able to dedicate time and energy to the band for over a decade.
What was your biggest regret?
Dinar: In my free time, I regret not being more productive in writing new songs. It would save us the trouble of trying to find time to workshop new material.
Angga: We recorded some new songs with a different tuning, and it turned out that the vocal range didn’t match the previous tuning (B Standard) that we used.
Boinx: No regrets!
Widi: We should have released a single or EP last year. Due to various reasons, it’s likely to be released this year instead.
What was the best concert/tour experience so far?
Dinar: Opening for Kylesa and EyeHateGod.
Angga: In 2022, we toured two cities in Indonesia (Semarang and Solo) with the band Rounder from Bandung. It was a great experience because our genres are different.
Boinx: Sharing the stage with Kylesa and Tragedy was amazing, and of course, EyeHateGod too. These bands were always on my playlist during my school and college days.
Widi: Our collaborative concert with Kuntari. It was a unique experience because we delivered a different kind of musicality.
What was the biggest surprise in the music scene for you?
Dinar: How well received our releases have been. Especially when we release merch, it often sells out quickly.
Angga: Probably the number of new genres.
Boinx: The biggest surprise for me personally is that there are new bands popping up every day, which keeps SSSLOTHHH motivated to stay creative.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Dinar: Henrik Palm – »Nerd Icon«, Shellac – »To All Train«, Quicksand – »Interiors«.
Angga: I listen to almost all genres of music, but lately, I’ve been listening to Cave In a lot.
Boinx: Scott Kelly and Pelican.
Widi: My classic favorites are still Godspeed You Black Emperor. Currently, I’m listening to The Body & Dis Fig, and Julie Christmas’ solo album, »Ridiculous And Full Of Blood«.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Dinar: Anyone can create something, so just create in whatever form or spectrum you prefer.
Angga: Keep making music to stay sane.
Boinx: Personally, Widi, Dinar, and Angga told me, “Just keep going for the band and your family.” That’s what keeps me going.
Widi: Never stop creating, whether you’re happy or sad.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Dinar: Watching MLB games!
Angga: No guilty pleasures!
Boinx: Yeah, guilty pleasures.
Widi: Drinking coffee and doing nothing.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Bandung / Indonesia?
Dinar: In our country, there’s almost a new heavy metal or hardcore punk release every month. The scene is really vibrant and never dies down. Plus, music is so accessible now, so there are countless options and new forms of expression.
Angga: There are so many bands in Indonesia, so there are always new bands and releases.
Boinx: In my city, the music scene is growing rapidly and there are many new bands with various genres. The creativity is never-ending.
Widi: Bandung has a diverse music scene. You can find almost every genre here, from pop to death metal.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Dinar: Unfortunately, we don’t have any upcoming shows at the moment, but we’re currently working on our next release.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Dinar: We dream of playing at Roadburn Festival, so hopefully we can make that happen.
Angga: We’re going to release a new album and want to tour Europe.
Boinx: Personally, I always want to keep making albums and tour Europe! Hopefully, you can help SSSLOTHHH play there. Haha!
Widi: We want to keep things organic and hopefully tour places we’ve never been before.
How can people best support your band?
Dinar: Besides buying our releases and merch, you can also stream our music on various digital platforms.
Angga: You can listen to our music on digital platforms and buy our merch.
Boinx: Come to our shows and buy our releases, whether it’s songs or merchandise.
Widi: Come to our shows, buy our merch, and if you like our music, spread the word.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Dinar: Stop listening to Black Sabbath. Haha!
Angga: Stay healthy everyone and keep supporting your favorite bands by buying their original merch.
Boinx: To our friends out there, thank you for always supporting us in any way. I personally enjoy connecting with everyone. Stay happy always!
Widi: Life is short, so use your time for something meaningful.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well