SEARCH : LIVE IN ISTANA BUDAYA 2014 : ISTANA BUDAYA - MALAYSIA : 04/12/2014

 

 

Rock & roll legend - SEARCH finally walked into Istana Budaya for the first time. They are goin' to rock the roof off for 4 straight nights. So, this surely cannot be missed. But suprisingly it turned out otherwise.

Frankly, we are not sure what when wrong. We attended the first night. At this scale, it should be a night to remember but there was something missing with SEARCH.

Except for AMY (vocal) who was lively on stage, the others showed no joy and chemistry appeared lacking. We were seated close facing centre stage, so visibility was not a problem. NASIR (bass) looked grim, DIN (guitar) isolated himself and KID (guitar) just can't find his guitar sounds. Are they really ready for the first night ?!

Once the lighting sets in, DIN and KID were seen on stage preparing their gadgets, then came NASIR and the crowds threw a mad cheer once AMY stepped in. SEARCH opened the night with 'Panggung Khalayan' and with no break continued with their classic 'Balada Pemuzik Jalanan'. The sound was heavy indeed ! KID then went limbo with the guitar sound, but still continued playing. But he got the riff of 'Pelesit Kota' done well.

When AMY introduced YAZIT (drum) for the special segment, he was in tears. Despite his worsen health condition, YAZIT insisted to be there since the band played a big part of his life and he was also the founding member. He braved thru the night with 6 tracks (mainly slow numbers) and the crowd gave him a standing oviation.

When "Gadisku" drawing end, marking the exit of one of Malaysia best drummers, KID turned to YAZIT and calmly wrapped up his fretworks, his face expressed great respect, probably deep inside nobody knew the emotion his was holding onto.

While AMY gave his best, trying to connect as closest to the crowds, applause to that. He even jumped down to the isle while singing to "Isabella" and shaking hands.

The sets got more heavier after the special session, with 'Diari Habil & Qabil', "Gothik Malam Edan" and "No Way !!!".

The track "Gothik Malam Edan" was well delivered, tight and heavy, just brilliant.

To us, KID was at his best during the last 3 songs. We initially thought it was a brief guitar showcase when he stood alone in the spotlight and did some solos, and then came the deep riff of "Fenomena" intro before the band exploded at high voltage. The crowds were singing to the chorus and that one caucasian from PALADIN striked a cello solo, giving the song a bigger dimension. That was simply the moment !

Next was "Kereta Merah" and the show ended with "Pawana". All the PALADINs came down to the front stage, bringing the house down with SEARCH. That was just it.

There was no encore, there were no songs from the album 'KARISMA' and 'RAMPAGE'. There were also no meet & greet session for the first night.

SEARCH as a band we all knew all these long can deliver far better than this. Hopefully the following nights will be a blast.

Setlist
1) Panggung Khayalan (Rock 'N' Roll Pie)
2) Balada Pemuzik Jalanan (Cinta Buatan Malaysia)
3) Kejoraku Bersatu (Selepas Banjir)
4) Laila Namamu Teratas (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
5) Gelora Cintaku (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
6) Langit Dan Bumi (Langit Dan Bumi)
7) Menuju Puncak (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
8) Honky Tong Kosong (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
9) Pelesit Kota (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)

Special segment with Yazit
10) Kejora (Cinta Buatan Malaysia)
11) Rozana (Langit Dan Bumi)
12) Fantasia Bulan Madu (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
13) Isi Atau Kulit (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)
14) Isabella (Fenomena)
15) Gadisku (Mentari Merah Di Ufuk Timur)

16) Gothik Malam Edan (Gothik Malam Edan)
17) No Way !!! (Gema Di Timur Jauh)
18) Diari Habil & Qabil (Rock 'N' Roll Pie)
19) Fenomena (Fenomena)
20) Kereta Merah (Rock 'N' Roll Pie)
21) Pawana (Fenomena)

WINGS : VERSI TANPA DISTORTION : PLENARY HALL - PUTRAJAYA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE - MALAYSIA : 08/06/2014

 

Another historical event with WINGS went rockin' on stage without distortion at the prestigious Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). For us, it was a perfect night ! Why ? Now you must read on ...

'Versi Tanpa Distortion' simply means brilliant different arrangements - a one time rendition that you will never experience elsewhere. So, it should not be missed ! Since this is an acoustic approach, the entire set was filled with those 'blues' vibe. The stage, sound and lighting were the best.

 

The management was also kind enough to allow the fans to record and take photo for the first 3 songs. That appears reasonable and should be kept like that moving forward.

It is impossible that WINGS read our review for 'Rockestra 2013', but oh well, we did got what we asked for - "Dalam Kehadiran Sofiah", "Midnight Blues" and "Rantai".

We were also celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary and it was definitely priceless to celebrate it with the band you grew up with, witnessing WINGS at their best on stage, and your another half close beside. Rockin' romantic !  Hahaha ! 

From our personal favourite album - 'Teori Domino' (1990), WINGS gave us 6 songs and it was just amazing. Our night was completed when we got the 'Teori Domino' album sleeve signed during the 'meet & greet session' afterward.

 

With nearly 45 minutes late, the show started with JOE sitting and riffing  alone onstage to the blues of "Dalam Kahadiran Sofiah", before the rest made their individual way out, starting with the guitar trio of Hillary Ang, Edrie Hashim and Ujang Tukimon. We were grinning with excitement and just kept telling ourselves, this will be a blast !

 

WINGS also pay tribute to old local heroes - LEFTHANDED, BLUES GANG and KEMBARA with a song each. When AWIE brought all of us back to 'Belenggu Irama' (1987), we really hope for "Biarkan Berlalu". Then it came, this time he delivered it with only JOE on guitar. You don't get this version even when you played back your old rusty tape of 'Belenggu Irama'.

Our best moment must be when the band grooved "Midnight Blues", a very rare song which we don't remember WINGS had played it live these recent years. Candidly, AWIE also said that Putrajaya is in need of some blues. The track "Perhentian" was great as well.

While, the best arrangement for the night was definitely "Taman Rashidah Utama" which has turned into this one enchanting piece with the organ/piano, and the song must have touched everyone with AWIE emotional vocal.

 

AWIE also pledged to the fans to fight against record piracy. With nearly 12 years with no album, 'Menakluk Kosmos' fell victim before the album was even released. The crowds were quite silence when the band hit their newest "Peti Pandora Mu" and "Ingatkan Dia". ("Bisa Yang Tertunda" next time please)

The only setback was the show was delayed to nearly 9.30 pm probably due to the late arrival of VIP, perhaps long queue at the entrance or for what other reasons. Everybody just need to be punctual next time please.

Another legendary show. The fans will talk about this for many years to come. So what's next ? An album show in its entirety - starting with 'Belenggu Irama' and 'Hukum Karma' albums perhaps ?! That sounds exciting !

Setlist

  1) Dalam Kehadiran Sofiah (Jerangkung Dalam Almari)

  2) Bujang Senang (Teori Domino)

  3) Perhentian (Teori Domino)

  4) Sayap Illusi (Naga Kramat)

  5) Hikayat Penuh Ranjau (Hukum Karma)

  6) Harapan (Teori Domino)

  7) Ku Dihalaman Rindu (LEFTHANDED)

  8) Ibu (BLUES GANG)

  9) Hati Emas (KEMBARA)

10) Guitar showcase

11) Biarkan Berlalu (Belenggu Irama)

12) Peti Pandora Mu (Menakluk Kosmos)

13) Ingatkan Dia (Menakluk Kosmos)

14) Midnight Blues (Teori Domino)

15) Ameringo (Naga Kramat)

16) Sejati (Teori Domino)

17) Taman Rashidah Utama (Hukum Karma)

18) Rantai (Teori Domino)



ALKIRA (AUS) - INTERVIEW (HAVOK : UNNATURAL SELECTION - SOUTH EAST ASIA TOUR 2014)

We will definitely be coming back, most likely in 2015 with an album to promote - ALKIRA

ALKIRA is a young Thrash Metal outfit from South Australia with 2 self released EPs out. We recently caught them thrashing the stage in Johor with solid and killer set. They were supporting HAVOK for the 'Unnatural Selection - South East Asia Tour 2014'. So we talked to Ryan (drum) to know more about ALKIRA and what he has to say about the tour.

WELCOME RYAN ! HOW'S EVERYTHINGS BACK IN AUSTRALIA ?

Hey there Pitt ! Things are swell down under. The weather has been crazy and weird (47 degrees one day, cold and raining the next). It's back to reality with work and study after a solid month touring in January. But we've got SOUNDWAVE, KREATOR, DEATH ANGEL, TOXIC HOLOCAUST and SKELETONWITCH hitting our hometown to look forward to !

 

HOW DID THE BAND GOT TOGETHER ? ANY PARTICULAR THRASH BANDS THAT INSPIRED THE BAND TO KICK START ?

It actually started as a SEX PISTOLS cover band, haha ! Kyle (guitar) and I (Ryan, drum) started jamming punk songs in the garage when we were 17/18 and it all just went from there. Right from the start, we loved our Thrash Metal (particularly METALLICA, TESTAMENT and EXODUS) and everything progressively got faster and faster. Sean (bass) and Greg (vocal/guitar) had been jamming together for a few years as well and it all kinda fell into place in late 2010. We certainly don't just consider ourselves a straight up Thrash Metal band, but it is the genre we closest associate with and definitely our influence. 'Ride The Lightning' is our collective favourite album of all time !

 

ALKIRA HAS RELEASED 2 EP - 'DOWN FROM THE HILLS' (2012) AND 'RED DEVIL' (2013) TODATE. TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR DEBUT EP AND HOW WAS THE RESPONSE ?

'Down From The Hills' was very low budget and a very drunken process. We did it with a good mate of ours two summers ago and every session involved copious amounts of alcohol. So the end product wasn't exactly what we envisioned at the start (though it was a pretty good representation of our drinking habits, haha !). We only ever printed off 150 odd copies of that EP and they are all poisoning some unlucky peoples music collections as we speak. I think one drunk dude somewhere said he liked it ...

 

WITH IT NO LONGER AVAILABLE, IS THERE ANY PLAN TO RE-RELEASE IT SINCE ALKIRA IS GAINING MORE AND MORE ATTENTIONS THESEDAYS ?

There are a few tracks from 'Down From The Hills' that we have toyed around with the idea of re-recording as we still play them live quite regularly. But I don't think we will re-release the EP as it is. You never know, we might get our asses into gear and release the whole thing one day. I think there are a few songs on there that really deserve it.

 

WHAT ABOUT THE LATEST - 'RED DEVIL' ?

We spent a lot more time and money on our second release - 'Red Devil', which I think is pretty clear from first listen. We recorded the drums with Andy Kite at Against The Grain studio in Adelaide and recorded everything ourselves before getting it mixed and mastered by Darren 'Jenk' Jenkins (MORTAL SIN, DEPRIVATION) in New South Wales. We were really happy with how that turned out and the response has been amazing. I think it really helped getting us on the tour with HAVOK, considering we are unsigned, self-managed and don't even have a full length release.

 

'RED DEVIL' HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MAN UNITED RIGHT ? HAHAHA !

Hahaha ! Well I am a avid United supporters (though I wouldn't say that too loud at the moment), but unfortunately no. It actually refers to our beer of choice - Cooper's Sparkling Ale. It gets you drunk as fuck very quickly, so the next day it can make you feel like you did a deal with the devil

(Hahaha ! So, this is the answer to the Coopers shirt 'Deal With The Devil' - ed)

 

HOW DO YOU MANAGED TO JOIN HAVOK FOR THE 'UNNATURAL SELECTION - SOUTH EAST ASIA TOUR 2014' ?

I saw on Facebook that HAVOK tour had been announced so close to home. So being a huge HAVOK fan I just emailed the booking agent and sent him the 'Red Devil' EP on the off chance we could score a support slot. I never thought we would actually get it.

 

 

BUT IT WAS ONLY FOR THE SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA (JOHOR & KUALA LUMPUR) SHOWS, WHY NOT THAILAND (BANGKOK) AS WELL ?

I'm not sure why we weren't offered the Bangkok show, we definitely would have been interested in playing it as well. It just wasn't part of the agreement for some reason. We definitely enjoyed and made the most of the 3 shows we were offered though and we would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

THE CROWDS TREATED ALKIRA WELL AND WILD IN SINGAPORE ?

The Singapore show was crazy ! Definitely one of the highlights of the tour. A full house packed into a tiny club with everyone going nuts made it feel like we were living in the 80s Thrash movement. You honestly don't get the same energy and passion for the music from Australian crowds. Even though no one knew us and everyone was hanging out for HAVOK, they all still went crazy and wanted an encore. It was an indescribable feeling.

 

 

HOW DO YOU FIND THE JOHOR-MALAYSIA SHOW ? A SMALL SHOW INDEED BUT WITH SUPPORTIVE CROWDS ...

We had a blast at the Johor show as well. There were a few minor technical issues but all the punters went off again and seemed to dig it. It was crazy having people from a country we have never been to chanting our name while we were setting up to play. Everyone treated us like royalty after we finished.

 

ALKIRA live in Johor-Malaysia

WE HAVE THIS KILLER SPONTANOUS MOMENTS WHERE THIS ONE DIEHARD BANGER AT THE FRONT ROW GOT HIS HAIR TANGLED INTO GREG'S GUITAR. REMEMBER THAT ?

Hahaha ! Yes, I remember that very well. I was chuckling to myself behind the kit as Greg was riffing out and everyone was trying to untangled that guy hair from the headstock. Them the perils of Thrash Metal !

 

WHILE ANOTHER JUST TOOK THE MIC AND OPENED TO THE SEPULTURA'S COVER ...

He did a killer rendition of "Inner Self" as well. We always encourage people to get up and steal the mic for a verse or chorus if they know the words. (Hail KUKUBESI ! - ed)

 

HEARD THAT THERE WERE SOME SETBACKS AT THE KUALA LUMPUR-MALAYSIA SHOW, BUT ALKIRA STILL MANAGED TO THRASH 'EM ALL RIGHT ?

Ahh ... Kuala Lumpur, the dark horse of the tour. Yes, we rocked up to a disco venue which supplied only half a drum kit and no guitar amps, so we immediately thought for the worst. But everyone pulled together and we managed to get hold of some more drum stands and some guitar/bass combos and we hit the stage fucken hard. It actually turned out to be a really good show as well, and HAVOK absolutely killed it that night !

 

 

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS YOU MIGHT APPRECIATE HAVING PLAY HERE IN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA ? WILL YOU COME AGAIN ?

Those three shows were three of the best sets we have ever played. The hospitality and the enthusiasm from the fans, promoters (Eric we love you !), the venues, the local bands and everyone else involved made it a great atmosphere. We will definitely be coming back, most likely in 2015 with an album to promote.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE BAND - HAVOK ? YOU JOINED 'EM FOR ONE MORE SHOW BACK IN AUSTRALIA ...

HAVOK are absolutely killing at the moment. They are the tightest band I have ever seen live, and Pete Webber is the best thrash drummer in years, maybe ever ! It was an honour to share the stage with them over there and in Melbourne, and even more of an honour to hang out with them everyday (and a couple all-nighters on the beers as well). Given their status in the metal scene at the moment, they are still four of the coolest, most down to earth dudes you will ever meet. I haven't got anything but good words for (and some even better stories with) those guys.

 

HOW'S THE PROGRESS WITH YOUR DEBUT ALBUM ? WILLING TO GIVE US SOME HINTS ?

The album is coming together very nicely. We have almost finish writing all the music and have got all the lyrics down for a few as well. Looking at an August/September '2014 release at this stage. Those who caught our Singapore show were privy to a brand new song which called "Land Of The Sodomite Damned", which is very thrash. Without giving too much away, there is a lot of very fast shit, some really heavy shit, some groovy shit and some melodic shit to break it all up. We think everyone will dig it.

 

THANKS RYAN & ALKIRA ! SOME LAST WORDS TO ALL THOSE ASIAN ALKIRA DIEHARDS ...

Thanks for having me Pitt, it was a pleasure. All I want to say is thanks to everyone for all your support. Those who were there at the show(s), bought merchs, took photos, like us on the Book. All that crap helps fuel us to keep going. We will definitely be back soon, if you will have us ?!

Johor Setlists

1) Red Devil (Red Devil)

2) Power Trip (Down From The Hills)

3) Hell's March (Red Devil)

4) Down From The Hills (Down From The Hills)

5) The Nightmare (Red Devil)

6) Inner Self (SEPULTURA - Beneath The Remain)

TRIBUTE : BEHEMOTH : ASIA WORLD TOUR 2013 : SINGAPORE : 01/11/2013

Here we pay tribute to our brothers Nergal and Baal (ex-drummer) of Polish finest - BEHEMOTH !

LORD : DIGITAL LIVE TOUR 2013 - ASIA : STOP ZONE JOHOR BAHRU - MALAYSIA : 13/09/2013

LORD is a veteran Aussie Epic Power Metal band (originally known as DUNGEON). Frankly, we knew quite a little about LORD but when it comes to Power Metal, the guitar harmony and catchy choruses are always a threat to listen to. So we headed out to STOP ZONE to check them out.

 

If memory served us well, the last time we were in touch with Aussie Power Metal band was many years ago with Johnny Stoj & PEGAZUS.

 

Small turnout since it was Friday (working day), yet salute to TFHM PRODUCTION for still having guts to put up the show.

 

Opening band was DEMORFORESSUS (Johor Bahru), and they stand with potential. Blending a mixture of modern metal etc (they even have didgeridoo on stage), the band kicked ass with good song writing, heavy riffs (we sense element of Drone there) and strong vocal as well. They have an EP out somewhere, and we do need to check them out. Highly recommended !


DEMORFORESSUS

Next was NIRRAJIM (Muar) - a 3-pieces Eastern Black Metal band with melodic parts here and there, something that remind us strongly to early AS SAHAR. A good set with killer drumming.

NIRRAJIM

 

LORD then came on stage and blew everyone away. The crowds were extremely supportive, cheering the band continuously. Their set was tight and they nailed the numbers well. The band consist of Lord Tim (guitar/vocal), Andy Dowling (bass), Mark Further (guitar) and Simon Batley (drum). We are not sure whether Damian Costas still drums for the band.



 

 



The Digital Live Tour was to promote the band latest album 'Digital Lies' (released in Feb '2013). Check them out at : www.lord.net.au

 

We are unable to catch DETHREVAWAR (Kulaijaya) since we need to leave the venue early. Nevertheless, thumbs up to TFHM PRODUCTION !

 

Johor Setlists
1) Incipio (Digital Lies)
2) Betrayal Blind (Digital Lies)
3) Netherlife (DUNGEON - A Rise To Power)
4) Set In Stone (Set In Stone)
5) 2D Person In A 3D World (Digital Lies)
6) The Last Encore (Digital Lies)
7) The Power Within (DUNGEON - One Step Beyond)
8) Final Seconds (Digital Lies)
9) Through The Fire (Ascendance)
10) Footsteps In The Sand (A Personal Journey)
11) I Am Death (DUNGEON - Resurrection)
12) Creeping Death (METALLICA - Ride The Lightning)

METALLICA : ASIA TOUR 2013 : CHANGI EXHIBITION CENTRE - SINGAPORE : 24/08/2013

 

Total madness ! The Singaporean maniacs at the front row were the craziest ! The crowds were the loudest ! Even the official METALLICA - 'Tour Journal' stated - 'I believe we have a new leader for loudest crowd on this tour ! Singapore was singing along with 'Ecstacy of Gold" loudly and it just got louder from there !'

 

We were fortunate to be able to stand in the 2nd / 3rd line fronting the centre stage. Everybody were extremely excited, singing along to the intro - "Ecstacy Of Gold" yet still calm. There was this young fan that has already became uncomfortable. We asked him - "are you okay ?", and he gave the thumb up, but the plastic cup he was holding looked shaking.

As soon as METALLICA kicked off with "Hit The Lights", the ground shaked as everybody went berserk with fist held high, singing their heart out. But the worst is yet to come. When the band hit the 2nd song "Master Of Puppets", the madness began. The front row was really cramped and intense, and you have this terrible human wave came crushing from left, right and back. Totally sandwiched ! It was the craziest moment but the feeling inside there was priceless. A sudden glimpse of the book - 'Murder In The Front Row' (by Harold Oimoen & Brian Lew) about the San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Scene flashed before our eyes.

 

Everybody was cool despite not knowing each other, yet clingin' and hangin' onto one another. We believed everybody was looking out for each other. By then, that young fan has already fainted standing, yes, standing, and we shouted loudly to the security and everbody helped to get him out fast. Several others were lifted out of the barrier during "Master Of Puppets" from the ground we stood. It was the best moment. The energy was enormous, the crowds were running wild, singing along to the chorus, even doing the 'wowowo' to Hammet's guitar solo when Hetfield gave the cue - "together".

 

It might gave shiver to the spine, but those tough and fast security personnel were always on alert, looking out for those in need. Plain water in plastic cup were passed out continously, and splashing of water came in once a while. The situation continued with "The Shortest Straw".

 

Then after, Hetfield started to connect with the crowds - "So you all have been waiting 20 years ? Thank you so much for waiting, that's some dedication ! We appreciate you waiting and we are grateful to be here. Finally after 20 years Singapore, this one goes out to the dedicated family member of Singapore. This is some old stuff ..." and then the killing riff of "Ride The Lightning" exploded and all hell broke loose again. It appeared a bit calmer during "Fade To Black". If you want the luxury, get the 'Unforgiven Pass' instead, where you can see METALLICA comfortably from the lounge area.

 

We left the front row to the middle during "The Memory Remains" to get the taste of reactions from the other crowds. Another highlight of the night, especially the never ending sing along towards the end.

 

What do you want ?" - Hetfield asked the crowd. A big response for "The Four Horsemen" came shaking. Are we goin' to get a sudden change in the setlist ? METALLICA only belted out the track once during the Tokyo show (10/08/2013). They didn't played it in Osaka (11/08/2013), Shanghai (13/08 & 14/08/2013), Seoul (18/08/2013) and Kuala Lumpur (21/08/2013). We do not know what will happen in Jakarta (25/08/2013) either. But it turned out to be "Sad But True", hence dissapointing many.

The magical moment for the younger fans (or perhaps all fans) must be during "Nothing Else Matters" and "Enter Sandman". The 'Black Album' as it is known to the fans had this more commercial touch and the band built their younger fanbase from there. Everybody was singing, jumping and doing whatever they felt like enjoying.

The 'encore' was even classic, its "Creeping Death", "Battery" and "Seek & Destroy".
 

Setting out of the event by LAMC Productions was top notch. The stage was brilliant and the location was perfect. Earlier, we have 'Metal On Metal' Canadian veteran - ANVIL on stage. From the look of their faces, they were really having fun despite their age. While, opening act - local band SACRILEGE managed to built up the momentum, as the crowds impatiently await for ANVIL and METALLICA.

There are a few artworks for the official shirts. The dated Singapore shirt (with the Merlion head) has long gone when we reached the booth. So, we get the shirt with the awesome 'The Four Horsemen' artwork instead with Asian countries printed at the back. The artwork was done by John Dyer Baizley - a painter and musician (vocal/guitar for BARONESS - American Progressive Metal band)

Getting to see METALLICA live, belting out our good old days favorites like "Master Of Puppets" (total madness !), "... And Justice For All" (where are the crowds ?), "Welcome Home - Sanitarium" (classic !) and "Creeping Death" (the crowds were loud ! Die ! Die ! Die !) was a life time experience. Everything was simply outstanding ! Thanks LAMC Productions !

"You kicked our ass !" - Hetfield said ! Yes, Singapore did !

 

Setlists

intro : Ecstacy Of Gold

1) Hit The Lights (Kill 'Em All)

2) Master Of Puppets (Master Of Puppets)

3) The Shortest Straw (... And Justice For All)

4) Ride The Lightning (Ride The Lightning)

5) Fade To Black (Ride The Lightning)

6) The Memory Remains (Reload)

7) Broken, Beat & Scarred (Death Magnetic)

8) Welcome Home - Sanitarium (Master Of Puppets)

9) Sad But True (Metallica)

10) ... And Justice For All (... And Justice For All)

11) One (... And Justice For All)

12) For Whom The Bell Tolls (Ride The Lightning)

13) Blackend (... And Justice For All)

14) Nothing Else Matters (Metallica)

15) Enter Sandman (Metallica)

Encore

16) Creeping Death (Ride The Lightning)

17) Battery (Master Of Puppets)

18) Seek & Destroy (Kill 'Em All)

 
No photo as we came to see it, hear it and feel it ...
 

For official photo, video & live download, visit Metallica.com

WINGS : ROCKESTRA 2013 : ISTANA BUDAYA - MALAYSIA : 26/04/2013

 

Malaysia's legendary rock band - WINGS returned to ISTANA BUDAYA with National Symphony Orchestra and we excitedly attended the first show as always.

 

It was a grandeur opening when it opened with this one guy (Mohar) on stage playing the 'seruling' (Malay's traditional flute). Then with grand applause from the audience, the orchestra was lifted up onto the stage, followed with WINGS, each one dressed in suit.

 

The band then hit the haunting track "Amok" and with no break, continued with "Bujang Senang". We tried hard to guess, as the beginning part of "Bujang Senang" has really transformed into this one gigantic orchestral piece and when AWIE finally hit " ... ketenangan air halus manja ...", we just can't stop cursing ourselve for not able to figure that out. While, the 3rd track "Pengabdian Ku Kekasih" started with this one very 'bluesy' moment, with JOE and AWIE battling one another with the riffing and singing.

 

AWIE only started to communicate with the crowd after the 3rd song, thanking ISTANA BUDAYA for allowing them to return.

 

When IAN ANTONO (GOD BLESS - Indonesian veteran rock band) and HILLARY ANG came out for the guitar showcase - "Illusi Intonasi", the following set later turned really heavy especially the mid part of "Dari Tuhan", followed by the fast track "Ameringo" and "Julang Timur Tengah". IAN then left and HILLARY continued on stage until the end.

 

Our best moment must be when they belted out their rare tracks like "Hikayat Penuh Ranjau" and "Kota Kemusnahan" which you don't really get to hear during most of the usual shows.

 

Yes, WINGS might have heard us the last time, and "Harapan" was mesmerizing when blended with piano and orchestral strings. With AWIE hitting the high note perfectly, that was simply our climax. Thanks for "Bujang Senang" too.

 

It was then "Sejati" that wrapped the night up. The guitar intro alone sparked massive screams from the crowds. Everything was brilliant and AWIE (vocal) was simply top notch. It looks that all their hard works really paid off.

 

We are definitely ready for their next rockestra show if they somehow plan for their 3rd, but only if they promise us "Midnight Blues", "Rantai" and "Dalam Kehadiran Sofiah".

 

No picture ? Yes, none ! 'Seeing is believing' is crap if you need photo to justify that. By the way, camera is a big no in Istana Budaya. Just be there at ROCKESTRA 2013 instead and WINGS will ensure that you get this one mind blowing experience. Legendary show !

 

Setlist

  1) Amok (Bazooka Penaka)

  2) Bujang Senang (Teori Domino)

  3) Pengabdian Ku Kekasih (Bazooka Penaka)

  4) Suara Kita (Bazooka Penaka)

  5) Hikayat Penuh Ranjau (Hukum Karma)

  6) Anugerah (Hukum Karma)

  7) Sayap Illusi (Naga Kramat)

  8) Alam Barzakh (Teori Domino)

  9) Awang Thrasher (Jerangkung Dalam Almari)

10) Misteri Mimpi Syakilla (Hukum Karma)

11) Illusi Intonasi (guitar showcase)

     (with Joe Wings/Ian Antono/Hillary Ang)

12) Dari Tuhan (Belenggu Irama)

13) Ameringo (Naga Kramat)

14) Julang Timur Tengah (Mr Barbarik)

15) Taman Rashidah Utama (Hukum Karma)

16) Ranjang Mawar (Orang Asing)

17) Kota Kemusnahan (Belenggu Irama)

18) Harapan (Teori Domino)

Encore

19) Opera Hidup (Hukum Karma)

20) Sejati (Teori Donimo)

 

BACK FROM THE GRAVE : 10/02/2013 : SNAPSHOTS : MOC (MASTER OF CHAOS)

'BACK FROM THE GRAVE' - it spelt out well the return of Johor's Death Thrash legend MOC (MASTER OF CHAOS) as the headliner. Previously known as MANIPULATION OF CRISIS, the band has been inactive for quite a long time. Thanks to MUZIK BOX PRODUCTIONS & SOUTHERN METAL SQUAD for getting them back on stage. It was definitely one rare moment to those who were there. For us, the last time we were able to see them live was 18 years ago on 1st July 1995 at 'SYMPHONY OF THE EVENING BREEZE' gig.  

For old time sake, the pit was in chaos with fists flying high when they belted out 'Master Of Puppets" from METALLICA - "... come crawling faster, obey your master, your life burns faster ..."
 
So, here is the MASTER OF CHAOS ! They are back from the grave !

 

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE (Aus) - 'Almighty Arcanum' Album Preview

This is the official album preview for DENOUNCEMENT PYRE up-coming album - 'Almighty Arcanum'. Here is the track "An Extension Of The Void" ! Have a taste of darkness !

 

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE (Aus) - 'Almighty Arcanum'

 

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE (Aus)

'Almighty Arcanum'

HELLS HEADBANGERS RECORDS

Release Date : 22/01/2013

 

Finally, the long awaited 'Almighty Arcanum' is here. Salute to Hells Headbangers Records !

 

If all have been warned about 'Darkness Manifest', now behold 'Almighty Arcanum' - the album that will set the world on fire. It celebrates the band glorious return after more than 2-years since 'World Cremation' (2010). It appears conceptual this time and marks their darkest and strongest materials ever. The band stood at its best Black Death Metal ground, sheding away much of the Thrash drive from its earlier phase - 'Hells Infantry' in particular. DENOUNCEMENT PYRE forged darkness in metal with killer punishing riffs and epic song writings. This is why they fuckin' stands out !

 

This also reminds us of their new hoodies - Melbourne : Black Death Holocaust ! Yes, that should sum it up somehow. Killer production and cover artwork too !

 

There are 9 tracks here with intro ("Breath Of Tehom") and one instrumental/sampling piece ("Drakon : All Is One"). The album opened with "An Extension Of The Void", a 7-minutes long track that crushed everything you have heard earlier. While, the tracks "Almighty Arcanum" and "Circle Of Serpents" are ripping outstanding. Another highlight is the track "He Who Conquers All" - a mid-pace epic that erupted into full aggression and prompted us to join helplessly on the final part with fist held high - "Fire ! Fire ! Set The World On Fire ! Crush ! Crush ! Light The Funeral Pyre !" Those who have heard the short promo of the track "Darkness Manifest" will have a taste of the full version, mesmerizing more than 6-minutes.

The best album for 2013 definitely ! It will not goin' to be easy for other bands/labels to match this, or even dream to surpass 'Almighty Arcanum'. So, move away !

This is a must have ! A must have ! Should we say more ?!