: Songs like Polusi and Alam dan Penguasa explicitly called out industrial destruction and corporate greed destroying the archipelago's natural landscapes.
Released in 1993, is the debut and only studio album by the Indonesian rock supergroup
The Gong 2000 album "Laskar" is more than just a collection of songs; it is a powerful artistic statement. It was a bold and successful experiment that proved rock music could be both globally appealing and profoundly local. For anyone discovering Indonesian rock music, "Laskar" is an essential listen—a timeless classic that continues to inspire and captivate new generations of listeners. If you ever find a copy of this cassette, you've found a true piece of musical treasure.
Composers: Ian Antono & Ali Akbar
Upbeat rock tempo with intricate keyboard and guitar interplay.
Mid-tempo rocker featuring a heavy rhythmic groove and sharp social critique. Lyrical Themes and Social Relevance
Ian Antono’s production on Laskar is notably crisp, especially for the time. He succeeded in making the guitars sound massive without overwhelming the rhythm section. Yaya Moektio’s drums are tight, giving the album a solid, driving force. The keyboard work by Abadi Soesman is sophisticated, adding texture to the hard-driving rock base rather than overpowering it. 5. Significance of "Laskar" in Indonesian Rock
. Led by the legendary Ahmad Albar and guitarist Ian Antono (both of God Bless), the album solidified the band’s legacy as pioneers of Indonesian hard rock infused with traditional ethnic elements. Album Background and Sound The "Laskar" Identity
is a fan favourite, showcasing Ahmad Albar's signature raspy yet melodic delivery and Ian Antono's emotive guitar solos. Production Quality : For its time,
Today, the album's reputation has only grown. It is frequently described as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, a "unique masterpiece" created by masters of their respective crafts. Music writers and fans still regard it as one of the best albums in the nation's history, a brilliant piece of work that successfully elevated traditional art within the context of popular and hard rock music without ever feeling forced or pretentious.
: The word Laskar (meaning "warrior" or "troops" in Indonesian/Malay) suggests a possible release from that region. There is a well-known song "Laskar Pelangi" by the band Nidji (2007), but not Gong. Laskar could be a track or album title by a local artist named Gong (e.g., Gong 2000, a dangdut or pop group), but this would be obscure or non-digitally archived.
For nearly a decade, Laskar was out of print. Original CDs became collector’s items, fetching hundreds of ringgit on auction sites. MP3 rips circulated on LimeWire and later on blogs, but the audio quality was poor. Demand for a reissue grew into a roar.
is the landmark second studio album by Indonesian progressive rock supergroup Gong 2000 , released on July 30, 1993 , through Metrotama Records . Positioned as a cultural milestone in Southeast Asian rock history, the album seamlessly bridges fierce heavy metal with the intricate, mystical sounds of traditional Balinese gamelan. The Genesis of Gong 2000
If you know “Laskar” or “Batu Dan Kapak,” you know what real 2000s underground rock sounded like. 🇲🇾🎸