Formation VOB formed in the West Javan town of Singajaya,
Garut, in 2014, after the members, who were school friends, were introduced to heavy metal by their counselor, who saw music as an outlet for their proactive, rebellious nature, which had gotten them in trouble with teachers. They generated numerous views on YouTube with a cover of a
Rage Against the Machine song in 2015. The trio continued to produce videos of cover songs by artists such as
Red Hot Chili Peppers,
Metallica, and
Slipknot. The band presented a seemingly contradictory image, with their heavy style of playing, in contrast to their modest Islamic attire, including the
hijab, worn by all three members. This has caused them to receive criticism from some conservative Muslims in their hometown of Garut. They have also received support, however, from various quarters. All three women had been learning to play musical instruments at school and were encouraged by their theatre coach to sign up for band competitions. Their coach went on to become their manager as well as lyricist.
First single and recognition In 2018, VOB signed a deal with Jakarta-based booking agency Amity Asia. Not long after, they released their debut single, "School Revolution". The single gained the band significant traction, and they received a number of invitations to perform at international music festivals. When American rock band
Guns N' Roses played at the
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta in November 2018, guitarist
Slash invited the trio to meet him backstage. They received further endorsements on social media from Rage Against the Machine guitarist
Tom Morello and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist
Flea, as well as
Living Colour guitarist
Vernon Reid.
Second single and live EP In early 2021, VOB returned to the studio to work on "God, Allow Me (Please) to Play Music", a response to the conservative criticism they faced. They also announced the upcoming release of their debut album, entitled
Retas, on 13 July 2023, via 12Wired. The band issued the first single from the album, "What's the Holy (Nobel) Today?", on 15 June. In June 2024, VOB became the first-ever Indonesian musical act to play at the
Glastonbury Festival. ==Band members==