Biography
The Beginning
KI BARAK SELEM was originally conceived around 25 years ago, shortly after its founder, Putra Pande, returned to his hometown of Denpasar, Bali, following his education in Malang and Surabaya. The concept was deeply inspired by his devotion to Balinese spirituality and mysticism, yet the project remained dormant due to limited access to musical instruments and recording equipment at the time.
In mid-2023, the dormant spirit was awakened. With the evolution of digital tools and a renewed creative fire, KI BARAK SELEM officially emerged as a one-man band, giving form to a musical vision that had lingered in silence for decades. Rooted in Indonesia’s underground metal legacy and traditional Balinese wisdom, the project is more than just music—it is a spiritual expression.
The 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.
Musical Characteristics
The sound of KI BARAK SELEM is a unique blend of Balinese traditional music and extreme metal, characterized by the hypnotic resonance of pentatonic gamelan scales and the crushing weight of doom, black, and atmospheric metal.
Each composition is layered with textures that evoke both the sacred and the chaotic. The music is deliberately raw, ritualistic, and minimalistic, often echoing the rhythms of temple ceremonies while embracing the emotional intensity of underground metal. The band's sonic inspirations include Rudra (Singapore), Cult of Fire (Prague), Misty (Bali), and the ancient power of Balinese gamelan orchestras.
Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, KI BARAK SELEM delves into the mystical, mythological, and esoteric aspects of Balinese ancestral teachings. Songs explore themes such as Butha Kala, Kanda Pat, Divine Dualities, the Cosmic Union, and Bhairawa Tantra, often presented through poetic storytelling and philosophical reflection.
The lyrics frequently incorporate Balinese "kidung" (spiritual hymns) and ancient Sanskrit mantras, especially in bridge or outro sections, creating a transcendental quality that connects the listener to the spiritual roots of the island. Rather than dogma, the band’s lyrics are intended as offerings—sacred whispers meant to preserve and reinterpret ancient truths.
About the Band Member
KI BARAK SELEM is the personal project of Kadek D. Putra Pande, a Balinese musician with decades of experience in the underground scene. In the early 2000s, he was the guitarist and founder of Surabaya’s ABETTOR OF SATAN, a death metal band active in Indonesia's extreme music movement.
Now working solo under the KI BARAK SELEM moniker, Putra Pande composes, arranges, and performs all the instruments in his home studio. The project occasionally features guest vocals by Krisna Tedja, whose voice delivers the spiritual and mythological essence of each song with power and reverence.
Despite limited formal musical training, Putra Pande approaches this project not with ambition, but with humility—channeling passion, personal experience, and ancestral memory into every note.
Conclusion
More than a band, KI BARAK SELEM is a sacred vehicle for spiritual expression. It seeks to honor the mystical traditions of Bali while forging a new path in underground music. With its unique fusion of ritual, rawness, and reverence, KI BARAK SELEM proudly defines its musical identity as:
“Balinese Mysticism Pagan Metal"
Framing Time
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."
Kadek D. Putra Pande
Founder, Music Creator, Songwriter, Arranger, All Instruments