Born in Fire, Raised in Reverb: How The Panturas Confronted the End Times in “Knights of Jahannam / Soma Gospel”

Bingkai Karya – Contemporary surf-rock unit from Jatinangor, The Panturas, has returned with a bold new breakthrough in the Indonesian and international independent music scene. On Friday, July 11, 2025, they officially released their latest maxi-single titled “Knights of Jahannam / Soma Gospel” under their own label, Los Panturas Records.

This release features two tracks that mark the beginning of a new era of sonic exploration for the band, formed by Surya Fikri (drums), Bagus Patria (bass), Abyan Zaki (guitar, vocals), and Rizal Taufik (guitar), who have long been known for their surf rock style infused with local flavors and Nusantara roots. The two tracks in this maxi-single, “Knights of Jahannam” and “Soma Gospel,” are not mere continuations of their previous works.

According to Surya Fikri, also known as Kuya, the entire material was written from scratch and served as a “music exploration laboratory” for The Panturas. “We really challenged ourselves. The music, lyrics, and concept are all brand new, born from an intense workshop process. Even I was surprised at how the final result turned out,” said Kuya.

One of the main inspirations behind these two songs is the spiritual experiences and collective chaos they’ve undergone over the past few years. “These songs are inspired by many things that have happened around us lately. It’s like a reminder of the end. About the apocalypse, folks. Remember the apocalypse,” added Abyan Zaki, also known as Acin.

Musically, this release continues the experimental spirit that began with Galura Tropikalia, but now taken to a deeper level. The song compositions remain organically driven, not created to simply feel exotic or culturally ornamental. “We don’t want the music to come off as overly exotic or like we’re ‘selling culture’. The Sundanese elements here serve more as artistic textures than gimmicks,” emphasized Acin.
This maxi-single marks the return of The Panturas following the success of their mini album Galura Tropikalia. Yet instead of recycling old formulas, the band digs into new possibilities. From the use of English lyrics and touches of 70s reggae layered with Sundanese tones, to more progressive compositions that remain enjoyable for fans of garage and surf rock alike.

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