Gong 2000 | Album Laskar
The production on Laskar is raw and unpolished compared to Western rock albums of the same era, which works to its advantage. It gives the record a live, garage-band grit. The rhythm section—driven by the legendary drummer Uce Haryono—is relentless, providing a thunderous foundation. The guitar work is a mix of punk-style power chords and melodic, almost anthemic leads that invite crowd singalongs. There are no ballads here; the album maintains a consistently high tempo, driving home its message of struggle and perseverance.
is the critically acclaimed studio album by the Indonesian supergroup Gong 2000 , released on July 30, 1993 , under DPM - BENS Record . Serving as a monumental release in the golden era of Indonesian rock, the album showcases a unique fusion of heavy, western-influenced hard rock rhythms and traditional ethnic elements.
When we talk about landmark albums in the history of Indonesian rock music, one name that deserves a top spot is by the supergroup Gong 2000 . Released in 1993, this album stands as a testament to creative brilliance, pushing the boundaries of hard rock by seamlessly integrating it with the rich, spiritual tones of traditional Balinese gamelan. More than three decades later, "Laskar" remains a beloved and highly influential work, often hailed by critics and fans as one of the finest musical works ever produced in the country.
Progressive experimentation incorporating regional ethno-musical nuances. gong 2000 album laskar
: "Kaki Tangan Setan" (The Devil's Henchmen) serves as an aggressive rebuke of corrupt figures and political sycophants destroying the country's social fabric from within.
While Albar, Antono, and Fattah were the core architects of God Bless, Gong 2000 allowed them to explore a more aggressive, modern hard-rock sound inflected with traditional Indonesian musical textures. Following their explosive 1991 debut album Bara Timur and the massive success of their subsequent live performances, the band entered the studio to record a follow-up that would surpass the expectations of a highly demanding rock fan base. The result was Laskar . Tracklist and Musical Architecture
The lineup reads like a list of legends, and it's no wonder Gong 2000 was immediately dubbed a "sempalan" (splinter group) of God Bless, as most of its members were key figures in that iconic band. This connection generated massive hype, and their debut album, Bara Timur (1991), was a resounding success, establishing their signature sound. The production on Laskar is raw and unpolished
Two decades after its release, the legacy of Laskar endures precisely because it refused to compromise. It did not chase the trends of 2000; it set its own course. While it may not have achieved the massive commercial footprint of pop-rock bands like Search or Wings, it garnered a cult following and critical acclaim that has only grown over time. It proved that Malay rock music could be a vehicle for high art and philosophical discourse.
In the sprawling, vibrant history of Malaysian rock music, certain albums transcend their era to become cultural landmarks. Among these, the stands as a towering monolith of raw energy, lyrical depth, and sonic experimentation. Released at the turn of the millennium—a period of significant transition for both the Malaysian music industry and global rock trends— Laskar was not just another record; it was a declaration of identity. For fans of underground grit and mainstream hooks, this album remains a holy grail. This article dives deep into the making, the music, the legacy, and the enduring mystique of the Gong 2000 album Laskar .
Laskar was the final studio album by the Indonesian progressive rock supergroup Gong 2000, released in 2000. It served as a definitive closing chapter for a band that had dominated the Indonesian rock scene throughout the 1990s. The guitar work is a mix of punk-style
For many, the name Gong 2000 conjures memories of a supergroup born from the legendary Indonesian band God Bless. But while their debut album established them as a force to be reckoned with, it was their second album, Laskar , released in 1993, that truly cemented their place in music history. More than just a collection of songs, Laskar is a landmark of cultural fusion, blending the raw power of hard rock with the intricate, pentatonic melodies of traditional Balinese gamelan.
Following their 1991 self-titled debut, Laskar (meaning "Troops" or "Warriors") expanded the band's sonic palette. Led by the technical guitar work of , the album features a "wall of sound" production that was considered massive for the Indonesian music industry in the early 90s.
The album functions as a sonic journey across two sides of a cassette tape, bracketed by sacred traditional incantations. Side A: The Charge
Laskar proved that Indonesian rock bands could produce music that was commercially successful without compromising on complex, progressive arrangements and heavy socio-political lyrics. The success of the album set up their legendary massive live concert recordings, including the Gong 2000 Live (1994) album, before the group eventually disbanded on December 31, 2000.