Gong 2000 Album Laskar

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 gong 2000 album laskar

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

Line-up and Personnel

The Mysterious Disappearance and Cult Status

Here is where the legend of the Gong 2000 album Laskar takes a strange turn. Shortly after the album’s moderate success, Gong disbanded abruptly. No press release. No farewell tour. No explanation. Rumors circulated: lead singer Lan had emigrated to Australia; guitarist Eddie had joined a religious sect; the band had been blacklisted by a major label for refusing to sign a contract. Released on July 30, 1993 , Laskar is

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.

In 2012, a small indie label, Luncai Emas Records, secured the rights and released a remastered vinyl edition of the Gong 2000 album Laskar. It sold out in 48 hours. A 2020 digital remaster finally brought the album to streaming platforms, where it gained a new generation of fans—young Malaysians discovering the album through TikTok edits and metal reaction channels on YouTube.

Musical Style and Lyrical Depth

The gong 2000 album laskar is sonically sparse by today’s standards. The production is raw, built on heavy, looping bass lines, simple yet powerful drum machine patterns, and occasional samples from old Indonesian films and TV news broadcasts. Line-up and Personnel

What sets this album apart is its lyrical architecture. The band acts as a Masyarakat Seni (artistic community) rather than just a performing act. Tracks on the album are divided into "sermons" and "anthems."

  1. The Title Track: "Laskar" – This is the album’s centerpiece. The chorus, which chants "Kami laskar, laskar jalanan / melawan lupa, melawan setan" (We are the warriors, the street warriors / fighting forgetfulness, fighting demons), became a rallying cry for student activists and street artists in Yogyakarta and Jakarta. The song critiques the rise of new consumerism post-Reformasi, warning that the revolution had been hijacked by greed.
  2. "Bisikan Hati" – A slower, melancholic track that deals with personal disillusionment. It contrasts the collective energy of the title track with the solitude of an activist returning to a broken home.
  3. "Panggung Sandiwara" – Perhaps the most political song on the Laskar album. It directly attacks political elites who changed their jackets (from Golkar to PDI-P, etc.) but kept their old habits. The line "Mobil mewah rumah megah, rakyat melarat" (Luxury cars, lavish homes, the people are destitute) remains painfully relevant today.

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.