CHAOS INCARNATE: ARIF ROT ON WORMROT'S RETURN & THE ART OF SONIC BRUTALITY By Mark Jenkins.
CHAOS INCARNATE: ARIF ROT ON WORMROT'S RETURN & THE ART OF SONIC BRUTALITY By Mark Jenkins.
Devil's Horns Zine catches up with the multifaceted mastermind as the original lineup tears through Australia
Today marks a seismic moment in Australian grindcore history. As Wormrot kicks off their nationwide tour with Pig Destroyer at Perth's Amplifier Bar, the underground is buzzing with an electricity that's been building since the Singaporean legends announced their original lineup reunion. At the centre of this maelstrom stands Arif Suhaimi—better known as Arif Rot—a creative force whose artistic vision extends far beyond his throat-shredding vocals into the visual realm through his graphic design work under the Rotworks banner.
Our recent sit-down with Arif revealed a man whose artistic DNA is woven from the same chaotic threads that have made Wormrot one of grindcore's most essential acts for nearly two decades. The interview, diving deep into the questions that matter to the underground, painted a picture of an artist whose creative process seamlessly bridges the gap between auditory assault and visual violence.
THE REUNION & TNT: CAPTURING LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE
The conversation immediately gravitated toward the elephant in the room—or perhaps more accurately, the three-headed grindcore beast that's been dormant for over a decade. The reunion of Arif, guitarist Rasyid Juraimi, and drummer Fitri Hamid has culminated in 'TNT,' a blistering live album recorded on Halloween night 2024 at TNT Studios in Singapore.
Arif's passion for this project was palpable as he discussed how the original chemistry immediately reignited. The *TNT* sessions weren't just about nostalgia—they were about proving that the raw, unfiltered energy that put Wormrot on the global map remains undimmed. The album serves as both a celebration of their roots and a declaration that their best days aren't behind them.
ROTWORKS: WHERE GRINDCORE MEETS GRAPHIC GENIUS
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of our conversation centred on Arif's dual identity as both vocalist and visual artist. Through Rotworks, he's crafted an aesthetic that's become synonymous with Wormrot's brand—grimy, chaotic, and instantly recognisable. His approach to design mirrors his vocal delivery: no compromise, maximum impact, and an unflinching commitment to authenticity.
Arif revealed how his graphic design process channels the same raw energy as his vocals, creating artwork that doesn't just accompany the music but serves as its visual equivalent. The distorted, intense, and unapologetic nature of Rotworks pieces functions as a 30-second blastbeat assault translated into visual form. For many tours and in between, he's crafting special pieces that capture the lean, mean aesthetic the band shares through their bass-less configurations.
SINGAPORE TO THE WORLD: DIY ETHOS IN ACTION
The discussion inevitably turned to Singapore's underground scene and how its small but fierce nature has shaped both Wormrot's sound and Rotworks' visual language. Arif spoke candidly about carrying Singapore's flag globally, from their breakthrough Abuse album to their unlikely Glastonbury 2017 appearance. The city's DIY ethos isn't just background—it's the foundation of everything both Wormrot and Rotworks represent.
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What emerged from our conversation was a portrait of an artist who refuses to compromise on vision, whether wielding a microphone or a design program. Arif's diverse influences—ranging from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to Napalm Death—create a unique creative palette that sneaks into both his vocal delivery and visual work in unexpected ways.
THE AUSTRALIAN ASSAULT BEGINS
The tour that begins today in Perth will continue through Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, and Brisbane, bringing together two of grindcore's most uncompromising acts. The pairing makes perfect sense—both bands strip metal down to its essential elements, creating that razor-sharp sound that defines the genre.
Arif's excitement about connecting with Australia's grindcore scene was evident throughout our chat. He spoke about the potential for Rotworks collaborations with local artists and his respect for Australia's vibrant extreme music community. The tour represents more than just performances—it's a cultural exchange at the underground level.
THE CREATIVE FORCE UNLEASHED
What became clear through our extensive conversation is that Arif Rot represents something increasingly rare in extreme music: a true renaissance artist whose creative vision spans multiple media without diluting the intensity of either. His ability to translate Wormrot's sonic brutality into compelling visual narratives through Rotworks demonstrates an artistic depth that extends far beyond typical band merchandising.
The fact that this creative powerhouse is back with the original Wormrot lineup—the very configuration that first shocked the global grindcore scene—feels like a correction in the universe. The TNT album proves they haven't lost a step, and if today's Perth show is any indication, Australian audiences are about to witness something truly special.
As grindcore continues to evolve and fragment into countless subgenres, Wormrot's return to their roots feels both nostalgic and revolutionary. With Arif's Rotworks providing the visual framework for this new chapter, the band is positioned to remind everyone why they became legends in the first place.
The Australian tour with Pig Destroyer isn't just a series of concerts—it's a statement that the underground spirit that created both bands remains unbroken, uncompromised, and ready to level venues across the continent.
*Watch the full interview at: https://youtu.be/SgZckfg0d04
Photo of Arif in interview video and this page by the super talented:https://www.instagram.com/poochymedia/
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Reviewed by Mark Jenkins for Devil's Horns Zine
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