Gong 2000 Album Laskar -
Laskar is the second studio album by the Indonesian rock supergroup Gong 2000, released in July 1993. It serves as a significant follow-up to their 1991 debut, further solidifying the band's reputation as a "God Bless perjuangan" (God Bless of the struggle) due to its lineup featuring several members of the legendary band God Bless. Album Background and Sound
Formed by virtuoso guitarist Ian Antono, Gong 2000 blended hard rock with ethnic Indonesian elements. Laskar is particularly notable for its collaboration with I Gusti Kompiang Raka, a leader of Balinese ethnic musicians, which added traditional textures to the band's heavy sound. The album was released through Metrotama Records. Tracklist
The album consists of 10 tracks, totaling approximately 43 minutes: # Kaki Tangan Setan Lagu Tentang Cinta Alam Dan Penguasa Setan Jalanan Menanti Kejujuran Mulut Mulut Notable Highlights
"Menanti Kejujuran": This power ballad remains one of the band's most enduring hits and is a staple of Indonesian rock history.
"Laskar": The title track showcases the band's heavy-hitting rock style and serves as the album's opener.
"Jawa Bali": Likely the track most influenced by the collaboration with Balinese ethnic musicians, reflecting the album's fusion theme. For a closer look at the music video for the title track: 05:26 Gong 2000 - Laskar Gong 2000 - Topic YouTube• Mar 31, 2021 Laskar - lagu dan lirik oleh Gong 2000 - Spotify
Track Populer oleh Gong 2000 * Menanti Kejujuran2.035.941. * Cinta Yang Hilang537.070. * Laskar171.141. * Bara Timur (Live)68.940. Spotify Laskar - Album by Gong 2000 | Spotify
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 album represented a significant stylistic shift for the group. While their earlier work was characterized by hard-hitting heavy metal and intricate progressive arrangements, Laskar leaned into a more melodic, radio-friendly sound. This transition reflected the changing musical landscape of Indonesia at the turn of the millennium, where alternative rock and pop-rock were becoming the dominant genres.
The lineup for Laskar featured the core members of Gong 2000: legendary vocalist Ahmad Albar, guitar virtuoso Ian Antono, bassist Donny Fattah, and drummer Yaya Moektio. Their chemistry, honed over decades of playing together in both Gong 2000 and the legendary band God Bless, remained the backbone of the record. Ian Antono's production on the album was polished and modern, emphasizing clear vocal harmonies and atmospheric guitar textures. gong 2000 album laskar
The title track, Laskar, became one of the album's most enduring hits. It was an anthem that showcased Ahmad Albar's powerful, gritty vocals against a backdrop of soaring guitar melodies. Other notable tracks like Kerinduan and Sesaat demonstrated the band's ability to craft emotional ballads that resonated with a wide audience.
Despite the softer approach, Laskar still retained the technical proficiency that fans expected from Gong 2000. Ian Antono contributed several standout solos that reminded listeners why he is considered one of Asia's greatest guitarists. However, the album was also tinged with a sense of finality. Shortly after its release, the members redirected their focus back to God Bless, effectively ending Gong 2000's decade-long run.
Laskar stands today as a testament to the versatility of Indonesian rock royalty. It proved that a band rooted in the heavy sounds of the 70s and 80s could successfully evolve and remain relevant in a new era. For fans of Indonesian rock, Laskar is not just an album; it is a sophisticated farewell from a supergroup that helped define a generation.
Rediscovering a Cult Classic: The Story of Gong’s 2000 Album Laskar
In the vast, ever-evolving landscape of Indonesian music, certain albums achieve legendary status not through massive radio rotation or television appearances, but through a powerful underground current of word-of-mouth, lyricism, and cultural resonance. One such gem is the 2000 album Laskar by the band Gong.
For those who lived through the chaotic transition of the Indonesian Reformasi era, the name Gong 2000 album Laskar evokes a specific time and place—a moment when alternative music began to speak the raw, unvarnished language of the streets. Two decades later, this album remains a pivotal, if often overlooked, cornerstone of the country’s indie and proto-hip-hop fusion scene.
Production and Sound
- Production tends toward an organic-analog warmth while using modern (for 2000) digital editing to arrange improvisations into coherent suites.
- Effects: Space echo, phasing, tape-delay, and reverb are used to create depth; sax and guitar often sit prominently in the mix.
- Dynamics: A wide dynamic range—from quiet, breathy vocal passages to exuberant, high-energy improvisational climaxes.
Lyrical Themes: War, Identity, and Belonging
The keyword "Laskar" itself translates to "warrior" or "troops." But the Gong 2000 album Laskar is not a glorification of violence. Instead, it uses the metaphor of warfare to explore internal and social conflicts.
- Alienation: Many songs deal with the feeling of being an outsider—a “laskar” fighting for a cause that others have forgotten. This resonated deeply with Malaysian youth who felt disconnected from the mainstream’s obsession with love songs and materialism.
- Nationalism vs. Criticism: The album paradoxically celebrates Malay martial heritage while criticizing modern corruption and hypocrisy. The track Pepatung (Dragonfly) directly references the 1998 Reformasi movement, with coded lyrics about a "dragonfly that drinks from muddy water."
- Spiritual Despair: Unlike the optimistic rock of the 90s, Laskar is steeped in a sense of hopelessness. The final lines of the album whisper, "Tunggu, akhirnya semua menjadi debu" ("Wait, in the end, everything turns to dust").
Conclusion: A Timeless Call to Arms
Twenty-four years after its release, the Gong 2000 album Laskar remains as potent and relevant as ever. Its themes of identity, resistance, and existential weariness have not aged a day. If anything, in today’s fractured world, the cry of the laskar—the forgotten warrior—rings even louder.
This album is not for everyone. It is for the restless, the angry, and the nostalgic. It is for those who believe that rock music can still be a weapon, a shield, and a diary. Gong may have disappeared into the mists of time, but Laskar ensures they will never be forgotten. Listen to it loud. Listen to it with purpose. And then, listen again.
Long live the Laskar.
Have you listened to the Gong 2000 album Laskar? Share your memories of hearing it for the first time in the comments below. If you’re looking for original CDs or vinyl, check specialized Malaysian vintage music groups on Facebook.
Released on July 30, 1993, Laskar is the second studio album by the Indonesian rock supergroup Gong 2000. Formed as a more modern, grander alternative to the legendary band God Bless, the group used this album to solidify their signature blend of hard rock and progressive elements. The Sound and Vision of Laskar
Following their 1991 self-titled debut, Laskar (meaning "Troops" or "Warriors") expanded the band's sonic palette. Led by the technical guitar work of Ian Antono, the album features a "wall of sound" production that was considered massive for the Indonesian music industry in the early 90s.
The album is notable for its diverse influences, ranging from high-energy rock anthems to introspective ballads. While primarily a hard rock record, it also includes experimental tracks like "Jawa Bali," which incorporates traditional Indonesian cultural themes into a modern rock framework.
The original release consists of 10 tracks, including several that became staples of their live performances: Laskar Duniaku Kaki Tangan Setan Lagu Tentang Cinta Jawa Bali Alam Dan Penguasa Polusi Setan Jalanan Menanti Kejujuran Mulut Mulut
The album featured the classic Gong 2000 lineup, consisting of some of Indonesia's most respected rock musicians: Achmad Albar – Lead Vocals Ian Antono – Guitars, Backing Vocals Donny Fattah – Bass Harry Anggoman – Keyboards Yaya Moektio – Drums
Laskar helped Gong 2000 maintain their status as a "stadium rock" act, enabling them to perform massive tours across Indonesia with production scales (lighting and sound) that were unprecedented at the time. Tracks like "Menanti Kejujuran" remain popular today, often cited as essential listening for fans of Indonesian classic rock. Gong 2000 – Laskar – Cassette (), [r9452180] - Discogs
Key Feature: Incorporation of traditional Balinese Gamelan music, specifically featuring the Gamelan Gong Kebyar ensemble. Band Lineup
The album features legendary figures from the Indonesian rock scene, most notably members of the iconic band God Bless: Achmad Albar: Lead Vocals Ian Antono: Guitar & Backing Vocals Donny Fattah: Bass & Backing Vocals Harry Anggoman: Keyboards Yaya Moektio: Drums Tracklist Laskar is the second studio album by the
The album consists of 10 tracks, often blending hard rock with ethnic and social themes: Laskar (Title track) Duniaku Kaki Tangan Setan Lagu Tentang Cinta Jawa Bali Alam Dan Penguasa Polusi Setan Jalanan Menanti Kejujuran Mulut Mulut Cultural and Artistic Impact
Traditional Integration: The album prominently utilized the Gamelan Gong Kebyar Laras Pelog Panca Nada (a traditional Balinese orchestra). Musicians such as Kompiang Raka and Nyoman Weja provided traditional instrumentation including kendang, reyong, and cengceng.
Visual Presentation: The album cover is noted for its Balinese-inspired aesthetic, featuring red and black tones and traditional masks designed by the Megapro production house.
Themes: Many songs, such as "Polusi" and "Alam Dan Penguasa," reflect social and environmental concerns prevalent in Indonesia during the early 1990s. If you'd like to explore further, I can help you:
Find lyrics for specific tracks like "Menanti Kejujuran" or "Laskar."
Compare this album to the band's self-titled debut or their later work like Prahara (1998).
Learn more about the Balinese musicians involved in the recording. Gong 2000 - Laskar
Line-up and Personnel
- Daevid Allen — guitar, vocals (founding member and key creative force; presence varies across later-era Gong recordings)
- Gilli Smyth — space whisper, vocals
- [Other contributors specific to Laskar era] — typically include keyboards (e.g., synthesizers, organ), saxophones/flute, bass, drums, percussion, and occasional guest instrumentalists. (Note: exact credits vary by release edition; consult the album liner notes for full personnel & guest lists.)
Gong 2000 Album "Laskar": The Definitive Nostalgic Masterpiece of Malaysian Rock
In the sprawling, vibrant history of Malaysian rock music, certain albums transcend their era to become cultural landmarks. Among these, the Gong 2000 album Laskar 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.
Overview
Laskar is a 2000 studio album by the progressive/psychedelic rock band Gong. It continues the group's exploration of space-rock, jazz fusion, and whimsical avant-garde compositions that Gong are known for, combining extended instrumental passages, layered textures, and surreal lyrical themes. The album reflects Gong’s evolving line-up and incorporates both electric and acoustic timbres, blending improvisation with composed frameworks. Rediscovering a Cult Classic: The Story of Gong’s