For collectors, owning an original Laskar tape is akin to owning a rare punk 7-inch. The cover art—a rough linocut print of three shadowy figures holding a banner against a blood-red sky—has become iconic in Indonesian graphic design history.
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.
Released under in 1993, Laskar was the band's second studio album (following their self-titled debut in 1991). The album Laskar is a testament to the band’s maturity, blending the progressive elements of early Gong 2000 with a more direct, heavy rock sensibility. 2. Laskar Album Overview: A Journey Through Sound gong 2000 album laskar
Although it did not reach the same immediate commercial saturation as their first album, Laskar is highly regarded by collectors and fans of 90s Indonesian rock. The tapes have aged well, with fans noting the high-quality recording that still provides a satisfying audio experience today.
(Soldier/Warrior) erupt. The story shifts to a dusty battlefield where the "Laskar" are not soldiers of war, but soldiers of life. They are the common people, the workers, and the dreamers standing firm against the changing tides of a modernizing nation. Ahmad Albar’s gritty voice acts as their rallying cry, demanding strength and integrity. 3. Trials and Honesty For collectors, owning an original Laskar tape is
In a brilliant and ambitious move, the band enlisted the help of authentic Balinese musicians from the , a traditional ensemble led by the respected I Gusti Kompiang Raka. This was not a mere token gesture. The gamelan is not just a background ornament in Laskar ; it is an integral component that walks hand-in-hand with the electric guitars and pounding drums.
If you ever find a dusty, worn-out copy of the Gong 2000 Laskar cassette at a pasar loak (flea market), do not hesitate. Buy it, play it loud, and let the battle cry of the laskar jalanan remind you that music can still change the world. It did not chase the trends of 2000; it set its own course
: The progressive/psychedelic rock band Gong was active, but their discography around 2000 includes albums like Zero to Infinity (2000) and OK Friends (1999), not Laskar .
The album's most famous track is the powerful, socially conscious ballad (Waiting for Honesty), which became "the most popular song from Gong 2000 throughout its career". Its lyrics touch on universal themes of justice and hope. The song was so impactful that it was later covered by notable singers Nike Ardilla and Nini Carlina .
When discussing the giants of Indonesian rock music, the name Gong 2000 stands out, particularly for its ambitious fusion of progressive rock and ethnic elements. Formed in the early 1990s, Gong 2000 was effectively a "supergroup" and a spin-off project from the legendary God Bless, featuring master guitarist Ian Antono and iconic vocalist Ahmad Albar.
The album cover features distinctive Balinese ornaments , red-and-black tones, and masks designed to ward off evil.