Noise From Hell Compilation Vol.20: A Wild Ride Through Malaysia’s Underground Metal Scene
If you’re into heavy music that punches you in the face and then laughs at your pain, Noise From Hell Compilation Vol.20 is probably right up your alley. Released back in 2015 by a bunch of Malaysian maniacs under the Not On Label and Noise From Hell banners, this album is an absolute beast. It's got everything from thrash to black metal, crust, grindcore—you name it. Basically, if you like your music loud, fast, and kinda angry, this one’s for you.
One thing I gotta say about this compilation is how chaotic yet oddly cohesive it feels. With tracks like “Fuck GST” (which, yeah, we all know what GST stands for) and “Pray For Nuclear War,” it doesn’t take itself too seriously—but it also doesn’t hold back when it comes to delivering pure sonic aggression. These songs are short, sharp bursts of rage, clocking in at just a couple minutes each, but they pack more punch than some full-length albums out there.
Let me tell ya why two tracks stuck with me. First off, there’s “Possessed To Play Fast.” Man, this tune lives up to its title. The riffs are relentless, the drums sound like machine gun fire, and the vocals? Well, let’s just say whoever screamed their lungs out on this track wasn’t kidding around. It’s the kind of song that makes you wanna grab a beer, crank up the volume, and headbang until your neck hurts. And honestly, isn’t that what good metal’s all about?
Then there’s “Fuck Society”—a banger with a name that says it all. This track hits hard with raw energy and pissed-off lyrics that feel like a middle finger to… well, society. It’s not exactly subtle, but who needs subtlety when you’ve got breakdowns that could level buildings? Every time I hear it, I can’t help but think, “Yeah, screw ‘em!” You know those days where nothing goes right and you just need something to scream along to? This is THAT song.
What really stands out about this compilation is how diverse it is. Sure, every track shares that same DIY ethos and love for chaos, but each band brings its own flavor to the table. Some lean harder into black metal vibes, while others go full-on grindcore insanity. It’s like a buffet of brutality, except instead of food poisoning, you walk away with ringing ears and a newfound appreciation for Malaysian underground metal.
Now here’s the kicker—this album came out almost a decade ago, and yet it still feels fresh. Maybe it’s because these genres never really go out of style, or maybe it’s because anger and rebellion are timeless themes. Either way, Noise From Hell Compilation Vol.20 proves that even in 2015, halfway across the globe, people were making music as ferocious as anything coming out of Europe or the US.
So, if you’re looking for something new—or should I say old—to add to your playlist, give this one a spin. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album might make you question whether you’ve been living life wrong all along. Or maybe that’s just me.
