Interview with DRAUGR
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about DRAUGR (Members, Starting Year etc).
DRAUGR was formed in 2018 as "PSALM" with Rizky Aulia on vocals, Ega on guitar, Iik on drums, and Rizky on bass. They emerged in the hardcore punk scene in Kuningan, a small town in West Java. PSALM was an old project that had some recordings and shows in our city. After a long recording process, Ega left the band, and Fahrul took over guitar duties in early 2023. That's when the band changed its name to DRAUGR, which means "undead" in Old Norse mythology - fitting for a band rising from the dead. Now, DRAUGR's preparing a new mini-album with fresh tracks and a re-recorded song from 2018.
You have recently released your demo ''Demo 2025''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
We've been getting awesome feedback from folks like Dag Record, and they're stoked for our upcoming release - we can't wait to share it with them!
The cover artwork has a killer atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
This entire affair is a celebration of the end, a Symphony of the Severed, where Death reigns supreme and the living are merely a matter of historical record. It's gloriously grim, perfectly miserable, and an absolute triumph of darkness.
And what about the lyrics?
"Throne Of Decay" is about the rot and decay of power that's happening right now. When those in power prioritize their own interests over accountability to the people, it destroys credibility. "The Abyss Beckons" is a call from the darkness, a cry of despair from the suffering masses caused by corrupt and rotten power. Follow the path of destruction as atonement for your sins - there's no turning back, only eternal damnation.
Are you in searching for a record label? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
We're currently looking for a label for our upcoming mini-album, but for now, we're collaborating with a local DIY label for promotion. We've already released cassette tapes and merch, including t-shirts.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
We've had plenty of funny moments during recordings and live shows, but one thing that's pretty common is the arguing between our drummer and guitarist - and that's just because they're siblings! They're always debating everywhere, all the time!
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
We prefer physical formats like cassette tapes, vinyl, or CDs. Vinyl's hard to come by and pricey where we're from, so cassette's our go-to - it's affordable and easy to produce. That being said, digital's got its perks, especially for promoting our music. But for us, physical formats will always be our first love.
Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Celtic Frost is definitely one of our influences - they're legends in the death metal scene.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
We're not really concerned about success if it means becoming annoying - no thanks! For us, it's all about contributing to the scene and making friends. If that means sacrificing time, energy, and money, we're down.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
For us, the perfect show is all about having the right gear and tone, but let's be real, great sound engineering is what really makes it happen, haha!
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
AI has grown a lot these days — it’s got both good and bad sides. But honestly, it all depends on how people use it. If you use it to support creative work, it can turn out really cool.
What attributes do you think that a new Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
A stage performance that grabs the audience’s attention and shows each member’s skills — that’s what we think really helps a band build its identity and get recognized by more people.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Digital platforms really help a lot when it comes to promoting new bands like DRAUGR. For us, the ideal way is to be available on platforms like Bandcamp, since it’s super easy to access — you just search for the band’s name and the album or demo title, and listeners can play it right away. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our stuff on Bandcamp: https://draugrheim.bandcamp.com/album/demo — here’s the link, hahaha.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Metal band to avoid or what to do?
There’s nothing you have to avoid or have to do. Just do whatever you want — but make sure you always keep your attitude with you!
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Indonesia (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
That’s a great question, and honestly, it’s really hard for us to pick which albums to mention. But most of the music we listen to leans toward metal and punk subgenres. Still, that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy mellow songs too — we’ve even cried listening to some, hahaha.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
“ESCAPE HOUSE” is a collective that takes part in our city’s music scene. We regularly organize shows and also host friends who are on tour — whether they’re from other cities or even other countries. Basically, ESCAPE HOUSE is a space to build connections with friends from outside our city and beyond.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Not too many, but “Rotting Christ” is definitely one of the great Greek pioneers in the metal scene to this day.
What are your future plans?
We’re working on recording our upcoming EP, and we’ll be going on tour soon — just like every band should! Wish us luck, hehe.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work. The closure is yours.
SAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANG
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
DRAUGR CONTACT:
https://www.instagram.com/draugrheim._/
https://draugrheim.bandcamp.com/album/demo