CROMOK : FOREVER IN TIME 30TH ANNIVERSARY : ZEPP KUALA LUMPUR : 14/10/2023

CROMOK is a household name now. But back then, no one can imagine that a group of Malaysian students from Wollongong University, Australia would send a wave back to Malaysian shore with their brand of Thrash Metal. 'Image Of Purity' would cause a storm and it never stopped. It remained as one important Thrash Metal legacy.

The 30th Anniversary 'Forever In Time' show proved that CROMOK still remained lethal on stage. Sam (bass/voice) was simply legendary. Apis Cropox (drum) left his mark as the rightful heir to Miji. While Karl (guitar) and Shah Ziri (guitar) defined what it meant to be heavy. The venue at Zepp Kuala Lumpur was perfect to channel the powerful sound of CROMOK and the lighting play was outstanding. The fans were also brilliant. 

However, we personally thought that the vibe of 'Forever In Time' was not fully felt. Though the video montage at back screen did touch/talk about the album, the tracks were placed everywhere in the setlist. How we wished that all the tracks from 'Forever In Time' were executed in its entirety at the first hour after "Memories" opened majestically to start the celebration. Yet, we understood, the need to blend and deliver hits from other albums as each fan has their own preferred album.

Just like everybody else who were 'Image Of Purity' graduates, we were also ready for "reach for the sky for the three sun" but it never came. While "Misty" and "Journey" were grandly cherished. Yet, we never got the chance to celebrate 30 years of 'Image Of Purity'. Whereas the band delivered more tracks from 'Yours Truly' and Sam confessed that they finally played "Somewhere Anywhere" for the first time on stage.

The 'metal-lempong' did not contributed much as the band aimed to be 'Thrashditional'. But those traditional elements did stand out and blended really well during "Another You". The 'seruling' also did found some moments especially during the extended solo nearing the end of "Journey". But if given a choice, we would prefer the original version. 

Applaud for the recognition given to the founding member, the late Din, via special appearance of Kamelia, his daughter. He who never got the chance to perform live on his own soil with CROMOK. Al-fatihah. Everybody will remember the track "Farewell" with heartfelt meaning from now on, as it has become the farewell anthem to Miji. Congratulation CROMOK on the 30 years of 'Forever In Time'. Thank you Digent Media and Lampuneon. 

Salam to the Sabahan fans who have adopted (literally) us for the night as one of theirs, you all rule brothers !

SWEET CHARITY : BERITA GEMPA : ARENA LARKIN JOHOR BAHRU : 29/07/2023

Defying age and blessed with good health, the legendary SWEET CHARITY gave a nearly 3 hours of satisfying and memorable musical display, hard hitting, progressively groovy and full of persona. As always, Johor Bahru gave a loud welcome and continuous sing along.

The Ahmad Jaffar/Rosli Mohalim segment was fun with the crowds joined in especially on "Jalan Malam" singing to 'raba-raba'. It took until "Zakiah" that the sound finally felt right. It was distinctive and soulful throughout "Tanjung Puteri" to "Batu". While the track "Ribut 10.59 Pagi" definitely caused a massive 'ribut' at Arena Larkin. The band performed 25 songs including the medley of "Sama-Sama Merasa/Bersenda/Bulat-Bulat" with main selection came from the album 'Pelarian'. Hat off to Megatix, Lampuneon etc for job well done.

The last time the band visited Johot Bahru was during Konsert Dimensi Rockarisma (2013) at the old MBJB Stadium that later had to give way its location for development.

Yet, will this mark the end of SWEET CHARITY long musical journey on stage when age keeps on catching up ? It is not for us to say. Whatever comes, their history will live on ...