Biography

Ki Barak Sělěm of Ki Barak Selem traces its roots back 25 years ago when its founder, Putra Pande, returned to Denpasar after completing his education in Malang and Surabaya. Despite its inception decades ago, the project faced instrumental constraints, leading to its revival in mid-2023.

Ki Barak Sělěm, a one-man band led by Putra Pande, delves into the realm of Metal music infused with Balinese folk elements, predominantly featuring the pentatonic tones of traditional Balinese gamelan along with hints of doom and atmospheric influences. This unique fusion characterizes the genre as Balinese Folk Metal. Lyrically, the project explores themes of Balinese mythology, ancient mystical teachings, and the reverence for deities. Inspirations for Ki Barak Sělěm include bands like Rudra (Singapore), Cult Of Fire (Prague, Czech Republic), Misty (Bali), and Balinese gamelan music.

MEANING:

  • KI is one of the titles known in Javanese/Balinese society to designate men who are old or elders and have excellence or knowledge that is recognized by the community.
  • BARAK is a Balinese term for the color Red, which means violence, wisdom and courage.
  • SÉLÉM is a Balinese term for the color Black, which means compassion, gentleness and calmness.

So the meaning of KI BARAK SÉLÉM is an old man who is hard-hearted, wise and brave but still has a heart full of compassion, gentleness and calm in conveying 'DHARMA' through his songs.

On December 2, 2023, Ki Barak Sělěm released its debut single titled "महाकाली, You're the True Protector". This single aimed to introduce the musical concept of Ki Barak Sělěm, characterized by a blend of traditional Balinese gamelan instruments and melodious distorted guitars, a hallmark of Metal music. The lyric video for the debut single is available on the YouTube channel @kibarakselem and various digital music platforms.


On January 15, 2024, Ki Barak Sělěm welcomed Krisna Teja as its new vocalist, marking an exciting phase of expansion for the band. Krisna Teja, known for his background as a spiritualist and as a vocalist/lyricist for REGICIDE, a prominent hardcore band from Bali, brings a wealth of experience to the project. United by a shared vision and mission, Krisna Teja collaborates with Putra Pande to enhance the commitment to Ki Barak Sělěm's thematic essence, focusing on the "Unrevealed Mystical Secrets from the Land of the Gods."





About Putra Pande can be read at - https://www.metal-archives.com/users/brutalsick