The period between the 90s to mid-2000's was a time commonly described as the "musical holocaust", where O2 Jam prevailed over actual instrument playing and boy bands were topping the charts and gripping the hearts and minds of crazed youth. MTV got its sense caught in a latrine and spawned some of television's worst outputs, turning pretty much everybody with a sophisticated ear away from the mainstream scene. However, trouble was brewing in the backwaters of the American music industry and in the most unexpected of places; Metal bands were making waves in their own communities, hailed as revivalists of the 80s Thrash Metal scene. These bands are collectively referred to as the New Wave of American Heavy Metal (NWOAHM), a term coined to mirror its predecessor, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and we all know about the shit that storm started. But exactly how far-reaching is the influence of NWOAHM?

Across the Pacific Ocean, more than 15,000 kilometres away, Metalheads in sunny Malaysia are walking proof that NWOAHM is a global event. Malaysia is not one of those countries that welcomes with open arms and wide smiles "Western influences". Sure, the people love it, but the government seems almost disgusted by it. But it is common knowledge that the heavier the restrictions, the more aggressive the rebellion, and this philosophy is manifested in a melodic Death Metal quintet by the name of SACWRATH. Perhaps it's the humidity, perhaps it's the haze, but something in our polluted air is turning up SACWRATH'S aggression, and the band generously lets that energy spew out in their second official single, "A Haven for Heathens". The song is described as a dedication to their fans, a love letter of sorts sanctifying and exhorting the Metal community's spirit of kinship. But upon examination of the lyrics, it proves to be more than that. It isn't just a "thank you" piece made for their fans, it's a labour of love written to glorify the one thing that they live and breathe - Metal. SACWRATH was wearing their hearts on their sleeves in the chorus with the melodically sang lyrics: "Throughout the times they have lied to themselves / It saved me / And all the times that they put you through hell / It saved me." One does not have to wonder for long to conclude what "It" refers to.

The song opens with a sound clip of gun battles and thunderous noises of war - preparing listeners for the pure grit that was to come later. The riffs and lead work were incredibly well-crafted, with a very strong LAMB OF GOD influence, complete with perfectly-timed vibratos and incendiary harmonies. With that, the band has the guitar parts covered in full blast, and over in the rhythm section, bassist Muhammad Asri Ashari joins the madness, thickening the crunch of the song and packing the guitar parts full. Drummer Izhak Ibrahim has a unique style that brings diversity to the archetypal Melodic Death Metal sound of SACWRATH, with jazz and hard rock hints that result in a classic quality, somehow still managing to stay earthy - a phenomenon I attribute to production, which kept the band's natural, audacious garage tone. Over on the vocals, Justin Lim rips through the lyrics with a vengeance and a heated passion, bringing resolute aggressiveness and gutted emotion to the song. You can tell how much the band takes after their idols from the NWOAHM scene, and with such quality early on in their career, SACWRATH certainly has the potential to go far.

With this song, SACWRATH has imprinted their fiery, aggressive music in my mind. "A Haven for Heathens" is incredibly catchy - it's the kind of song that's always on replay, and I do not exaggerate when I say SACWRATH is of an international calibre - the standard they have set so fresh into their career is wildly impressive. It is uncanny for a band to be able to churn out something so catchy yet so raw. It is an impressive ability to have; it is realistically, a recipe for success. I say this not just because I enjoy their single, but because as far as I can tell, this band has determination of steel. And the best thing is you can hear it boiling over in their music. The Malaysian scene is small, but there are definite signs of growth with a string of prolific and talented bands dominating regional festivals. What is lacking is simply international recognition, but as the forefathers of NWOAHM have shown us, time and location are only passing factors. In Iowa, SLIPKNOT gained traction with their unique take on performance and their gloomy, emotional form of Metal. In Texas, PANTERA reinvented Thrash Metal and built their own form of gritty, riff-heavy, crunch-tastic Metal. In Virginia, LAMB OF GOD took the foundational characteristics of Death Metal and introduced groove sensibilities and melody - two factors that were rarely seen in early and old school Death Metal. In Malaysia, SACWRATH is proving their worth, showing us that even in the most unexpected of places, Metal will thrive.

Malaysia has seen a pretty good year for metal in 2013. METALLICA, LAMB OF GOD, and BRING ME THE HORIZON are just some of the acts confirmed to Rock Kuala Lumpur this year. However, I foresee even brighter times in 2014, with the shadow of SACWRATH'S first album around the corner. Surely that would be a head-splitting kick starter to a new year.