With Malaysia long established as a vibrant hub of entertainment, a new generation of talents is stepping into the spotlight, transforming passion into powerful soundscapes, expressing their artistry and individuality through music.
In this edition, Top 10 of Malaysia shares its list of the nation’s top 10 new-generation homegrown bands (listed in no particular order) that are a dynamic force shaping the modern musical narrative in the country. Driven by originality, remarkable talent and limitless creativity, these artists are crafting contemporary sounds that resonate widely and elevate the local music landscape to new heights.
Midnight Fusic
Midnight Fusic is a Kuala Lumpur–based alternative rock band formed in 2013. Renowned for their electrifying stage presence and emotionally resonant songwriting, the band is made up of Arif Kamarudin and Adrian Danial on vocals and guitars, alongside Firdaus Azmi on bass and Muaz Rabbani on drums. Their sound blends alternative rock with pop sensibilities, highlighted by a distinctive dual-lead vocal dynamic. Garnering millions of streams across digital platforms with standout tracks such as ‘Caramel Cream,’ ‘Under The Weather’ and ‘Time Machine,’ the band has cultivated a loyal and growing fanbase. Beyond streaming success, they have toured across the region, shared stages with international acts and headlined sold-out shows, including their Forevermore concert in 2025 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur.
Late Night Frequency
Late Night Frequency (LNF) is an award-winning electronic-disco-party band from Petaling Jaya. The five-piece group features the mysterious saxophonist Mr Wolf—a werewolf whose unforgettable presence transforms every show into a spectacle myth and musical mayhem. Fusing infectious disco rhythms, EDM intensity, pop hooks and live instrumentation with surreal visuals, the genre-defying powerhouse was crowned Best Electronic Dance Pop Song at Anugerah Muzik 23 and champion of Anugerah Lagu Indie 2022. Since forming in 2021, they have headlined stages ranging from intimate gigs to major festivals including Good Vibes, Art of Speed and What About Kuching? Festival. Following their 11-track debut album Diskografi, the band is set to release their second record in 2026. With kaleidoscopic tracks and melodramatic expressions, LNF places strong emphasis on visual storytelling in their work, as reflected in their creative music videos featured on their Youtube channel.
No Good
Portraying a meaning far from its name, No Good is a straight up punk band exploring popular tropes in the genre sung in the Kelantanese dialect. Known for tracks like ‘Che Using’ and ‘Sek Kito Jange Pecoh (#SKJP)’, the band has built a reputation for explosive live shows. Fronted by underground veterans Abe Yed and Che Ali, both active in the scene since the 2000s, No Good carries deep roots in Malaysia’s music circuit. Following their 2019 debut EP Demo Kawe, they toured extensively before the pandemic, later releasing their first album, Punk Gong and expanding their venues to Borneo and Singapore. Their latest single, ‘Wak Nyaknyo’, channels ’70s reggae influences while appraising Malaysia’s censorship laws. With nearly 90,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, No Good continues to keep it Kelate, political and unapologetically real—offering an authentic, lived-in voice within the country’s punk landscape.
MoneyBag 1327
An acclaimed Malaysian hardcore band from Kuala Lumpur, MoneyBag 1327 has been relentlessly building momentum over the past three years, touring constantly and championing the scene locally and beyond. With no gimmicks—just raw aggression and high-impact energy—the band is known for their intense live sets and tight bond with the hardcore community. Committed to giving back, they often organise affordable shows to ensure younger fans can be part of the movement. Beyond their growing reputation, Moneybag 1327 has taken their sound across Asia, delivering sold-out shows in Japan and China. After releasing their latest promo in January, they continued hitting major festivals and are set to perform at Concrete Jungle Festival (CJF) in Thailand, widely regarded as Southeast Asia’s largest hardcore festival.
Heavëner
Established in 2023, Heavëner has steadily built its catalogue with releases including their self-titled debut (2023), ‘As Suns and Love Retreat’ (2024) and ‘Seasons’ (2025), a four-way split album. Beyond the studio, the band has maintained a strong live presence, touring extensively across Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Based in the Klang Valley, the shoegaze/dreampop quartet comprises Haziq Zulkifli, Izz Zikry, Zahiruddeen Zakaria and Faidil Kamaruddin. This year marks another milestone as Heavëner gears up for the release of their debut full-length album, along with an upcoming split project with a shoegaze band from Baltimore, US. In August, they are set to take the stage at Soundcircus Festival 2026, sharing the line-up with a mix of local and international acts.
Aurumn
“Our songs often explore the space between romance and emotional burnout — we’re simply documenting real experiences with love and mental health as they unfold,” stated Hazim, Aurumn’s primary songwriter. Formed in 2023, Aurumn is a Petaling Jaya–based shoegaze band made up of four friends. The current members feature Nisha Anggun on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Hasif Zainurin on lead guitar and Hazim Fitri on bass and backing vocals. Taking inspiration from both local and international bands, the band has released two singles called ‘you.’ and ‘Lie’ and their debut EP called ‘Close To Me’ on major streaming platforms and even getting played on hitz.fm. Steadily paving their way into the Southeast Asian underground music scene, Aurumn has and will continue delivering exceptional performances across Malaysia and the region.
Ramayan
Ramayan is a homegrown neo-psychedelic pop/rock band formed by four young talents: Pi’e, Omar, Que and Izzat. The band is signed to Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd, the respected independent label founded by Dato’ M. Nasir. Their sound channels the spirit of 60s to 80s psychedelic pop and progressive rock, infused with funk, disco and electronic influences. Drawing inspiration from global legends such as The Beatles, Bee Gees, Michael Jackson and ABBA, alongside Malaysian greats like Alleycats and Sudirman, Ramayan crafts a distinctive blend of Western and Nusantara influences, elevated by poetic Malay lyricism. The band has achieved notable milestones, including national TV performances, appearances at sold-out international festivals and sharing stages with acts such as The Temper Trap and Barasuara. Their award-winning music and nomination at Anugerah Industri Muzik mark a significant contribution to Malaysia’s psychedelic movement.
Empty Page.
What do you get when brutal honesty collides with emotional avoidance? Empty Page.
A Malaysian alternative pop-rock band fusing melancholic melodies with deeply personal storytelling that explores themes of loss, longing, guilt and emotional growth. Fronted by Hezza-Ezzickry, the band has earned a devoted following for its honesty and vulnerability. In 2026, Empty Page. entered a new chapter as a Spotify Radar artist, releasing Punca Kecewa; a seven-song album cementing their emotional, introspective sound. They supported it with a nationwide university tour, collaborating closely with campuses and connecting with a new generation of listeners. Alongside the tour, Empty Page. remains active on the festival circuit, performing across Malaysia and strengthening their reputation as one of the country’s most compelling rising alternative acts.
Golden Mammoth
With curiosity and constant reinvention, Golden Mammoth has been shaping their own sonic universe since 2015. From psychedelic beginnings to a progressive-pop evolution, the band has released three albums, one EP and composed the OST for Astro’s Generasi: Perfect10. Founded by Syabil, who originally wrote and built every track solo, the band has grown into a tight creative unit with Hadeef (bass / sound engineer), Ojay (keys) and Hao (guitars / engineer), now fully collaborating in the studio. From Malaysian stages to Pentaport Rock Festival, Korea 2024 and Singapore’s largest free alternative music festival; Baybeats, Golden Mammoth continues to expand louder, braver and more ambitious than ever.
Pasca Sini
Branded “too punk for pop, too pop for punk,” the Damansara-based quartet operates entirely DIY, with four self-released EPs and an album, four self-booked tours and consistently sold-out merchandise. Continuing to champion Southeast Asia’s independent scene, Pasca Sini has grown from intimate packed venues to major stages. Exclusively represented by Hit Maker’s Guild Entertainment, they performed at Kejora Surfing Cup 2025, Monora Fest (Medan) and Tokyo Music Bridge Festival, alongside shows such as Northern Music Fest, Atas Angin Fest, Loka.Suara Batam and Room526 Singapore. With a loyal cult following built on authenticity and fan connection, the band now eyes new collaborations, bigger festivals and cross-border ventures, solidifying their place in the Southeast Asian rock scene.
