TOP PRIZE: The Federated

The Federated has won the Global Battle of the Bands! Their next stop? Representing Malaysia on the world stage for the title of “Best new band in the world” in London come Dec 13.

After a grueling four hours, over 200 fans had to succumb to the torture of waiting for the judge’s decision at the GBOB Challenge Malaysia finals at Titanium Super Dance Club last Saturday night, and it was definitely a wait which was not in vain.

The Federated, which plays a mix of funky punk and rock n roll took the top prize, while Kyoto Protocol (alternative) clinched the first runner-up spot and Hyper Act (rock) landed second runner-up.

One of the judges, Jason Lo, said that it was a very close competition.

"Only one to two points separated the top three winners! We were very surprised that it was that close!" said Jason.

To top it off, GBOB Challenge Malaysia National Director Issa Rodriguez announced that next year, Malaysia will be hosting the world final for GBOB.

METAL: It was a great night at Titanium Super Dance Club

"We have been offered exclusive rights to host the world finals next year, so all the best bands in the world will be in KL in 2010!" said Rodriguez.

Ecstatic about the sponsored trip to London and the chance to perform on the stage where the likes of Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Suede and Joss Stone have played, The Federated is determined to do what they do best on stage – play music.

Another one of the judges, Nasir from Malaysia's legendary band Search quipped that this is by no means the end to The Federated's journey.

"London would be an even tighter competition. All the best to the champions, and they have a lot of work to prepare for London," he said. The other two judges for the night were Koko Asia CEO John Thubron

For the past few weeks, four qualifying heats have been held nationwide in search for the Malaysian leg champion for GBOB. A total of 12 bands were picked and they have been brought together at the Titanium Super Dance Club to compete for the title champion.

The other bands battling out on Saturday night were, Tashya’s Ink (acoustic pop rock), Benchmarx (pop rock), Pure Vibracion (reggae), Coda (pop rock), Revenge (‘80s hard rock/ heavy metal), Forty Winks (punk ska), Car Crash Hearts (power pop), Arabella (modern rock/funky) and Khalfah (rock).