D.R.I. — one of the legends and pioneers of hardcore/crossover — played Hammersonic Festival last weekend. I didn’t go, but it got me thinking about where “Atur Aku” came from. Not many people know the full story. It’s longer than you’d expect.
It starts with a D.R.I. song.
1992
Puppen covers D.R.I.’s “Acid Rain” live. It’s usually played alongside a few songs from Prong and Sacred Reich, plus “This is not a Puppen Song,” to fill a typical three-to-four song set.
1993
“Atur Aku” is written, inspired in part by “Acid Rain.” At this point it’s fast — thrash metal tempo. Arian writes the lyrics and titles it “God Loves Man Kills.” The song never gets performed live because I’m never satisfied with parts of the arrangement.
1994–1995
“God Loves Man Kills” goes on hiatus while Puppen focuses on the seven songs that become our debut, Not a Pup EP, released at the end of 1995.
1996
Puppen starts writing for the next album. The song never makes it to rehearsal. I think the song sucks.
1997
I borrow Cro-Mags’ Alpha Omega from Arian, looking for inspiration. Sitting in Marcell’s room, I hear “Eyes of Tomorrow” and immediately know what “God Loves Man Kills” should sound like — a danceable beat. Marcell and I experiment, loop the verse section until it locks in, and then track a demo: me on lead guitar, Ajo on rhythm guitar, Prima on bass, Marcell on drums. Arian rewrites the lyrics and renames the song “Atur Aku.” It becomes an instant Puppen favorite and gets played at every show. The song is catchy enough that audiences can sing along even though it hasn’t been released and no one knows the words except Arian. We go back into the studio for Puppen MK II, and “Atur Aku” is the first song tracked to set the mood. Arian brings in Yadi “Behom” from Jasad to shout “keparaaaattt…!!!” in the refrain.
1998
Puppen releases a promo cassette demo called Injak Balik, containing “Atur Aku” and “True.” The song becomes a radio hit around Bandung and Jakarta. Puppen MK II is released — 10,000 copies sell out in three days. “Atur Aku” becomes the set opener from that point on. Andry replaces Marcell on drums and plays the song harder.
1999
“Atur Aku” appears on the Indonesia Best Alternative compilation alongside Pas Band, Koil, Netral, and Kubik. Each Puppen member receives Rp 500,000. I spend mine on a Yamaha acoustic guitar. We go back into the studio for the third album, and the idea comes up to re-record some new songs and remix some old ones. We bring in Otong from Koil as co-producer (alongside me) to remix several tracks, including “Atur Aku.”
2000
Puppen (S/T) is released exclusively on cassette. Side A is new songs, Side B is remixes — including the “Atur Aku” remix. (If you have a copy of this file, please drop a link in the comments. Update: done — uploaded to SoundCloud by Erlangga Mohammad. Thanks!)
2002
Puppen officially disbands. At the farewell shows in Jakarta and Bandung, “Atur Aku” opens the set.
2004
Puppen plays one reunion show at Pangudi Luhur Fair, Jakarta. “Atur Aku” opens. It turns out to be Puppen’s final show.
2006
Ebenk from Burgerkill asks permission to record “Atur Aku” for their album Beyond Coma and Despair. We love Burgerkill, so yes. The album comes out and “Atur Aku” becomes a hit again — over 80,000 plays on Burgerkill’s MySpace.
2009
“Atur Aku” is included in Rolling Stone Indonesia’s list of the 150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time, at number 106.
2012
Burgerkill performs at Radioshow on TV One. It’s the first time “Atur Aku” is played live on national television — as the show closer.
2013
I join Burgerkill as guest guitarist for their final two shows of the #SpitTheVenom2013 tour, playing “Atur Aku” in Majalengka and at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. This article was later featured in Rolling Stone Indonesia in November 2013.
Takeaways: Puppen stopped being active in 2002, but people still remember “Atur Aku.” As the wise say — start a band by writing good songs. Proven. And sometimes, despite the impatience, don’t release a song until it’s right.
Credits: Music by Robin Malau. Lyrics by Arian 13. Original lineup on Puppen MK II: Arian 13 (vocals), Robin Malau (guitar), Prima Mulia (bass), Marcell Siahaan (drums), Yadi Behom (backing vocals). Remix by JAV aka Otong. Cover version by Burgerkill.