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Since 1997, the underground scene has been blessed with the white faces, blood, leather and black metal of Zhalim. Previously named Cremation Ceremony, the band is also known for its bombastic stage antics. Inspired by international acts like KISS and Marilyn Manson, the members of Zhalim perform wearing thick makeup and flamboyant outfits.

Zhalim consists of vocalist Bayu, guitarists Alex and Sigit, bassist Wanted and drummer Leo — the band declined to reveal their last names because they want to preserve a certain mystique.

But these are working-class black metalers, and each member has a day job and real life obligations. The band’s driving force is a passion for black metal.

“We enjoy playing the music we love,” Bayu said, adding that the band has never strived for commercial success.

“We don’t think we should follow the trend. We like this music, so we play it. If you want to be famous and rich, you shouldn’t make a black metal band,” he said, laughing.

While black metal is not especially popular in Indonesia, guitarist Alex thinks the music is something people can actually enjoy. “This is an exclusive music genre that shouldn’t be underestimated,” he said, pointing out that foreign black metal bands have helped shape music trends worldwide.

He also disagrees with the perception that black metal is easy to play. “It’s not as easy as it looks. It requires a high level of skill to be able to play good black metal music,” Alex said. “I don’t think that even the most famous bands in this country can perform black metal.”

Zhalim released its first album, “I am You,” two years ago, and is currently preparing for its second studio album. Alex said the band was in the process of writing some “great” new material. “We want our second album to be much better than the first. We are really taking this project seriously.”

After over a decade in the genre, Zhalim has been involved with compilation projects as well. As a band, Bayu said Zhalim had been influenced by other black metal bands, including English bands Cradle of Filth and Hecate Enthroned .

Bayu admitted that it has never been easy for the band to find a major label because industry types don’t think that black metal sells. “It’s very hard to get a label that’s interested in producing our albums,” he said. “That’s why we always look for the indie labels.”

Bayu stresses the allegiance of black metal fans, even if their numbers don’t compare to pop enthusiasts. “Although there are not many black metal bands out there, the music has loyal fans,” he said.

Black metal has typically been regarded as music for bad people, or misfits, Bayu said, acknowledging then dismissing the perception.

“It’s still music,” he said. “You can’t just judge people because of the music they like.”

Bassist Wanted said that dedicating their time to the band has always been a challenge, because of their busy jobs. Zhalim said there have been long stretches of time when the band didn’t perform at all — but they’ve managed to rise again in the last few years. Wanted said the band has a renewed determination to record and perform.

“We are thankful that we have performed at so many concerts in the last two years. And we want to perform more year.” Most of Zhalim’s concerts have been in Java, and Wanted said they were hoping to play outside the island and abroad, if possible.

Bayu said that the greatest reward is the crowd. “Metal fans are just the best,” he said. “It always feels great when our fans can just go wild while we play our music. That kind of experience is priceless and it always makes you want to go back to the stage.”

In fact, recently more black metal fans have emerged, Alex said, adding that the band’s concerts were always packed with young fans.

“It’s great to see that young people also like this music. I think it’s because they can get information about the music so easily with the help of today’s technology.”

With the emergence of new bands, Bayu said that more concerts need to be held in Jakarta and other Indonesian cities. “People need to take black metal more seriously,” he said. “This is a great music genre.”