“Energetic-Charge Punkrock Trio”

2006–2014
Maul Skiba and Yudhi WarMan were the foundation of this punk rock band from Tangerang. Their introduction to the 90s California punk scene—bands like Bad Religion, Pennywise, Rancid, The Offspring, Total Chaos, Operation Ivy, and NOFX—brought a distinctive influence to the birth of Rhetoric States’ music.
Both members experienced firsthand the turmoil of Indonesia’s social, economic, and political landscape during the Soeharto regime, inspiring the name Rhetoric States as an act of personal resistance—refusing to be swayed by political promises.

⚡FACTORY OF HELL

In 2007, Rhetoric States—consisting of Maul Skiba (guitar, vocals), Yudhi WarMan (bass, vocals), and Bima Sky (drums)—released a live demo titled “Factory of Hell”, independently produced in a limited run of 100 CDs. The single “Di Bawah UMR” (“Below the Minimum Wage”) was a dedication to supporting the struggle of the working class in Indonesia.

⚡FIRST BLOOD

In 2011, Rhetoric States released an EP album titled “First Blood”, a collection of songs depicting the stories of activists from Indonesia’s 1998 Reformasi era, wrapped in themes of change, resistance, love, and revolution. The song “Pemuda” (“Youth”) became their debut music video. Mixing and mastering were handled by Yoni Gayot in Bandung—a sound engineer known for his work with renowned bands such as Superman Is Dead, Rocket Rockers, and Koil.

⚡HAI – WE ARE RXS!

In early 2012, Rhetoric States received a golden opportunity from Hai Magazine to open for Anti-Flag, the political punk rock band from the United States, during their concert in Jakarta.
In February of the same year, their song “Bungaku” (“My Flower”) was selected for Hai Magazine’s compilation CD “Independent Love Song”, alongside Last Child (Jakarta) and several other bands.
Then in January 2013, they set foot abroad for the first time, touring Malaysia on the “Semenanjung Malaysian Tour”, performing in two cities—“Pesta Hantu Violence Vol.3” in Shah Alam and at Rumah Api, Kuala Lumpur.

2015–2023
The continuity of Rhetoric States saw a change in lineup when drummer Bima Sky was replaced by Luffy DC in May 2015. Later that year, Rhetoric States confirmed their second Malaysian tour, performing in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, under the banner of Yunnies Sinatra Management, with the tour titled “Semalam di Malaysia” (“One Night in Malaysia”).

⚡BALADA KISAH BINATANG JALANG

In 2021, while Indonesia was still under pandemic status, Rhetoric States released the album “Balada Kisah Binatang Jalang” in digital format. It contains ten tracks with a diverse musical character, including songs such as “Balada Kisah Binatang Jalang,” “Kita Guncang Dunia,” “Time is Ticking,” and a memorable ballad track titled “Goodbye Fellas.”

2023-2024
On August 1st, 2023, Rhetoric States officially announced its new lineup, placing Reza Azer in the drummer position, replacing Luffy DC. Rhetoric States is planning to release a new album once again.