PRECIOUS METAL

ROCK KLASIK BELANTARA..dikau yang berbeza (1990).flv

2010-08-01T00:08:00.002+08:00

thanks to abangcantik. This music video is from a Musik Musik entry from the third album. Done at TV3 studion in Bangsar.

2010-05-08T01:52:00.002+08:00

yesterday while having a conversation with Zaid---we were wondering----what's the diff between ROCK KAPAK and ROCK KANGKANG? Is it in the posing while performing? KAPAK tu sebab bentuk gitar ke?

Siapa siapa yang tahu the origin dan definasi sebenar antara KAPAK dan KANGKANG, tolong perjelaskan!!!

update

2010-02-02T00:35:00.002+08:00

the past few years, the group was mostly on dormant mode. But 2009 we're a bit active musically. Zaid and me (shuk) (plus a few others)helped in putting out an album for a solo singer. The mini album consist of message songs in relation to teh environmental cause. That prompted Zaid to again work on the Belantara demos. Lets see where this will take us time-----

BELANTARA @ FACEBOOK

2008-10-31T13:11:00.001+08:00

For your info we have a Facebook a/c @ Belantara ZAS and also Facebook Group: Belantara FC.

Come and join us there!!!

BUDAK KELANTAN

2008-10-24T02:03:00.002+08:00

22nd Oct
Cineleisure, Curve

we were at the movie preview.
finally the movie will be released on the 30th.

"Lena yg Biru" is in the movie.
The producers are working on music videos to promote the movie. soon the songs will be on the air. so you people, watch out------

Not sure on how the video will look like, or how far will we be involve in the music videos. apparently it's a last minute decision to use the song as part of the promotional parcel---- so keep your eyes and ears open!!!

and go and watch the movie-------not perfect but it's still a good movie.

two thumbs up!!

EID UL-FITR

2008-09-29T20:14:00.000+08:00

selamat menyambut hari raya aidil fitri.semoga bergembira dan di rahmati Allah.Terutamanya semua Belantarayans, dan pelawat-pelawat blog ini.

have a safe trip--- may god bless you always.

movie release

2008-08-04T16:50:00.004+08:00

for your information, people!

the movie that was mentioned in a post earlier (about 1 year ago if i'm not mistaken) will soon be released probably sometime in October. You know,the movie that we had done a song for it.

If you still had not listen to the song---- go HERE for a listen. I've also uploaded a few other songs from the "blue" album.

Oh, the movie---- the working title was "Koya Best". the last i heard it's called "Budak Kelantan". wow!

The 25 Most Rockin' Guitar Riffs

2008-05-30T12:05:00.005+08:00

This blogger list of most rockin' guitar riffs, I list out his top 10:

The 25 Most Rockin' Guitar Riffs
Posted Thu May 29 11:17am PDT by Rob O'Connor in List Of The Day

I'm told that the good folks over at Rolling Stone.com have launched a list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs as a feature at their site to coincide with their Guitar Gods Issue that--like most great things in this world--is FOR SALE.

Click here to check it out.

As I write this, I haven't seen it, but I'm sure it's going to include a few listings that make me think "Oops, I left that one out." Because that's what this list business is all about. I write it up and then YOU remind me of the obvious ones I SHOULD'VE included. And I thank you for pointing out my stupid omissions. It won't improve my grade, but it makes me a better person and that's what this is all about.

According to the calendar hanging in my room, Keith Richards, the semi-living guitarist of Rolling Stones, Ltd., came up with the guitar riff for "Satisfaction" in a hotel room on May 6, 1965 and then fell back asleep. How Keith Richards could actually remember the exact date is a little suspect. If he hadn't played the riff into a tape recorder in the first place, it might've been lost forever.

But to celebrate, List of the Day undertook the task of picking out 25 infamous guitar riffs that depending on your era were among the ones you mangled when you joined your first band. I often got stuck on the organ, so I was always pushing for a little "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" action. Because, believe me, "Kick Out the Jams" sounds lame on the organ.

Some picks were for variety's sake. I could've picked 10 Hendrix tunes without pause. Or 10 Zeppelin. And the Ramones played mostly chords, so that sent them to the back of the line.

I haven't yet seen what RS.com picked. And I'd really like to see what your lists would be like. So feel free to throw your faves in the comments!

10) "Voodoo Child"--Jimi Hendrix:
Another great riff remembered as much for how many other people screw it up. Stevie Ray Vaughan could pull it off note for note, but the guys who show up to woodshed at the local open mics need to stop murdering this legendary lick. It's like a game of "Are You Serious?"

9) "Another One Bites The Dust"--Queen:
I didn't include any bass guitar riffs because I didn't want to make things more confusing but I had to include this one. It gave bass players a reason to live. And as readers of this fine column know, I'm well aware that bass players frequently suffer from low self-esteem and feelings that the other people in the band don't think very highly of them. This isn't paranoia. This is usually dead on.

8) "Born To Run"--Bruce Springsteen:
I don't usually associate Bruce Springsteen with great guitar licks. He has a few decent ones here and there, but for a guy with a band that now features FOUR guitar players, it's a wonder why. Then again, he also carries two keyboardists (RIP Danny Federici) and sticks Clarence with a tambourine when he doesn't have a sax solo lined up. In all that racket, can anyone actually hear the tambourine?

7) "Back In Black"--AC/DC:
It's a tad sad and ironic that AC/DC are considered to be a legendary band with their singer Bon Scott. Yet, the album for which they are most noted is the one made in tribute to him after he died. So, in a sense, most people are more familiar with the less legendary edition of the group, the one that went on to become massively more successful and has lasted many times longer than the original incarnation. Me? I like Brian Johnson as a singer just fine. He sounds like my cat when you step on his tail. What's not to like?

6) "Layla"--Derek and the Dominoes:
Eric Clapton has made many regrettable albums and it's easy to forget that he was once a fiery player who could reach true dynamic heights. Duane Allman, on the other hand, died before he could do any damage to his legacy. For practical reasons, I'll always choose living over dying, but immortality is better than anything Clapton's done in years.

5) "Iron Man"--Black Sabbath:
Black Sabbath are another band chock full of great riffs for aspiring guitar players. Guys who can't sing love to play Sabbath tunes because they know as the guitar player they get to be the real focal point of the band. So whether it's "War Pigs," "Paranoid," "Sweet Leaf," "Children Of The Grave," "Hole In The Sky" or "Iron Man," the guy holding the guitar controls the destiny of the band. Such power!

4) "Whole Lotta Love"--Led Zeppelin:
Just had to sneak one last Jimmy Page riff in here. His tone alone is shivering. The tension of the little snap-back you hear weirds me out. How many notes are actually happening here? It counts out as two, but feels like five.

3) "Purple Haze"--Jimi Hendrix:
I've heard hundreds of people play this lick. No one sounds like Hendrix. And it isn't just a matter of tone. It's a matter of feel. The word genius gets thrown around pretty carelessly. "Oh, look, Jim parallel parked the car today. He's a genius." No, that's luck. This is genius.

2) "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"--The Rolling Stones:
Here's the proof that sometimes what is simplest is best. Occam's Razor as it applies to music. The extra fuzztone helped, but really writing this lick must now feel like discovering water or having written "Happy Birthday." It's that obvious.

1) "Smoke On The Water"--Deep Purple:
I was never in a band that actually played this song. I've never known anyone who's been in a band that's played this song. But I've never met a guitar player who didn't play the opening lick for hours upon receiving their first electric guitar. It's so prevalent, it's more like a catchphrase than a riff.

You people agree or not? You have your own list? Maybe Malaysian version--- ada ka?

click here for the original posting

USHERING THE YEAR 2008 A.D.

2007-12-31T23:47:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2007-12-20T01:00:00.000+08:00

SELAMAT HARI RAYA HAJI (KORBAN), EVERYBODY!!!

2007-11-19T17:12:00.000+08:00

Reposted from the "comments" so that everybody is aware of this...

Guys,

Sorry.. a promise is still a promise.. I owe you guys a tea/coffee function. I should have arranged something for November but got caught up with hal-hal duniawi.. hehehehe.. My apology.

Anyway, now I am back with a suggestion:

Date: 8th December 2007

Venue: Corus Hotel, Jln Ampang, KL (sori le sedara yang kat KT tu.. can't organise anything far away from KL for the time being..)

Time: 12.30 - 4pm

Price: RM39.50 nett

It's a standard high tea served by the hotel. If we have a big group, I might be able to arrange for something with the hotel. No promises at the moment, but anything is possible, kan?

We can always opt for a different venue and date if needed. But as of now, let's plan around that date, shall we? Kalau Belantara happy nak mainkan satu dua lagu, I kena carik tempat lain lak.. I know of a place, tapi kena ada 45 pax min, and the price is RM55++.. So what say you? ;)

Please let me know if you are coming. I need to make the reservation. It's once in a lifetime chance to meet THE Belantara!! I've met them, that's what I can tell you guys lah kan.. Jangan jeles!! They are great, guys! Don't miss this chance. Pasni, korang tatau bila lagi boleh jumpa Belantara, kan? ;)

See you guys there..

Nuruz

Any takers. Lets see how the response from fellow Belantaryans

new song...in the oven

2007-11-10T04:10:00.000+08:00

it's 4.00 a.m.

We've just finished a session, working on a new song. Well, not exactly new, but reworking on the arrangement of "Adik Muslim".

It's now mark 4.0 version...We're pretty excited to the sound of this one. It's.....Keep watching. We might upload the goods once done!!!

Artis Minggu Ini @ Sinar FM 96.7, starts today

2007-11-07T14:15:00.000+08:00

I was informed by our goood friend, Bapps, that Belantara is "artis minggu ini" on Sinar FM 97.6 (Klang Valley) today. So, tune in. The station will spin Belantara songs during this week. I have tuned in when "Pelagi dan Nafiri" was spinned @ 1.16 pm.

Bapps also mentioned that the station got some facts wrong....according to them Benson is the bass player, while I'm the drummer.

Oh well maybe they should have done a search on the net...and get the facts right from this here blog.

Anyways, thanks for the little bit of spotlight...Sinar FM

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI

2007-10-13T01:24:00.000+08:00

Selamat hari raya aidil fitri to all.
Everybody is baliking kampong!!!
MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATIN. SEMOGA DI RAHMATI ALLAH DUNIA-AKHIRAT.

p/s
How about the meeting that has been suggested by Nuruz before?

ATTENCION!!! NEW SINGLE - Lena yg Biru

2007-09-10T14:22:00.000+08:00

We are pround to present to the people our new single "Lena Yang Biru". Enjoy!!!!

(that's me and Zaid. Must remember to get picture w/ Aziz on the next trip to Kuantan)

BELATED CONGRATULATIONS

2007-09-10T12:53:00.000+08:00

Suppose to put these pictures up way back couple of months ago. Sorry.Took quite some time. To the "mempelais" I apologize.

Congratulations to Mohd Rezwan and Nuruzzatulain. The wedding was on 31st March 2007 in Seremban while the 2nd reception in Setiawangsa was on 7th April 2007.

The story was -- inviting us was to be a surprise to the groom courtesy of the bride.

So...Thank you. Glad to be invited and we did have a good time meeting you guys and others esp. (Belantarans ler..) Keep in touch, yes?

LOOK WHAT THE CAT DRAGGED IN.....

2007-09-10T12:48:00.000+08:00

These photos were during the days in Washington State Univ. Pullman; our formation years. The pictures also includes our friends Zai and Sham in some of them.
THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

Lena Yang Biru

2007-03-08T01:30:00.000+08:00

We've finished putting on track a new number, "Lena Yang Biru". I know, I've mentioned earlier that we're not doing any music for the movie "Koya Best" (a.k.a. K.B, K.K., Amerika). Well, this song is for the movie soundtrack, and we've engaged Josie Thomas to put down the guitar parts, which we think is phenomenal. We'll post it when the time comes, in the meantime please be patience.

Got some photos which I captured during the session.

Josie laying down the track

The song was written by Zaid, and we hope to include it in the new album as well.

Josie and Zaid after the session.

Tony Royster Jr. Drumsolo

2007-01-29T19:00:00.001+08:00

Check this out.Like to share this with everybody... Tony Royster Jr. is now 21 years old. Been playing drums since the age of 3. Often referred to as a "prodigy" by his fans, he has participated in numerous drummer events and contests worldwide including the 1995 Guitar Center National Drum-Off competition in Hollywood, CA which he won at the ripe old age of 11! Tony is becoming accustomed to high-profile performances that include TV's Nickelodeon House Band (lead by Paul Shaffer of the David Letterman show), the Jenny Jones show, the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards show, and an international tour in 2001 as the drummer for #1 selling Asian artist, Hikaru Utada. Additionally, he is regularly invited to perform at prestigious events worldwide such as PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention), Modern Drummer Festival, the Montreal Drumfest, and the Florida Drum Expo.
Proficient in numerous styles, Tony excels at Funk, R&B, Latin, Rock, and Jazz. He has performed alongside such notable drummers as Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Steve Smith, Sheila E., and veteran drummer Chester Thompson. He has also graced the stage with legendary musician's Branford Marsalis, Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, among others.

Tony Royster Jr. was voted #1 Up and Coming Drummer by Modern Drummer magazine 2000 readers' poll and has been voted #2 in the UK 2001 readers' poll. He has appeared on the cover of the millennium issue of Modern Drummer magazine with Dennis Chambers and continues to receive high marks that earn him endorsements with companies such as DW Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Evans drumheads, LP percussion, Drumframe, Shure microphones, Warner Bros. Publications, HQ percussion products, Drumometer, and Specialty Cases. Tony's talents have carried him across the globe to Europe, Japan, and Asia but in 2001 he achieved substantial international acclaim with the Warner Brothers video release of, "Common Ground", featuring Tony with his mentor, and favorite drummer, Dennis Chambers.

Enjoy!

source: http://tonyroysterjr.com

I Hear

2007-01-26T03:16:00.000+08:00

I am hugely envious of my comrade in rock, Mohd Shukri Mohd Salleh aka Shuk...for posting a colllection of an interesting reads, sorta keeping the torch burning, and most importantly, inviting comments that are ever inspiring, encouraging and nostalgic. The Belantara Years is indeed the best days of my live. And I am thankful for every minute of it. Our life, then was truly without the preasure of dateline and deadline,.. such little responsibility yield huge amount of energy to be creative. Every passing of the lyric and song that we wrote, was sincerely driven by it and only it, never and not,by the promises of money or fame. Unfortunately, right after Infinity, somehow, I buckled under preasure of starting a man's life, so much so that meaningful word has chosen to abandon me!And I've become creatively, for lack of better word, bankrupt!I look long and I quest hard throughout the lost and confused years....and there was and still is, Shuk!His loyalty to Belantara knows no boundry, acting like a glue that binds us; me, Aziz and all of u Belantaryan out there!There's also the music that encapsulate all of us in time, preserving certain chapter and passage of our youthful story with it, echoed in the distant,and I hear much support for the band. And I sincerely wish for Belantara to remain. For the first time after a very long time, I was exposed to a glimps that is all seems very familiar to me, so vivid that we were convinced to trace the route to Belantara's origin, hence the trip to Kuantan to see Aziz late last year.His trademark sound and color are still pointing to that musical direction that had started it all. I had a realization....... Borrowed as it is,the time is drawing nearer, and I hear that gentle purr of engine of creation running deep within, and somewhere between my heart and my mind there are still plenty of things to tell, to share and of course, to sing......Insyallah.

happy new year....though a bit belated or rather selamat tol baru!!!

2007-01-09T22:26:00.000+08:00

ya..all you people living in the klang valley driving is gonna cost you more. But what to do. Bising-bising pun, will they listen?...Guess we have to find other means to show how dissatisfied we are.

The other day me and Zaid was talking, since its a new year.... usually people will come up with whole bunch of list or charts of -- well almost anything. We came to talk about list of our favourite songs....the songs that you feel worth having with you if you're stranded on a desert island!!! Of course, its difficult to list out because there're so many, and every bit of them means something to you...but here goes MY top 10 list (but not in any sort of order of favourite and of course our albums are in a separate basket all together......)

1. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zepplin
2. Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
3. Heaven and Hell - Black Sabbath
4. Us and Them - Pink Floyd
5. Don't Stop Believing - Journey
6. Dreams - Van Halen
7. Rain Song - Led Zepplin
8. Start me up - Rolling Stones
9. Still of the Night - White Snake
0. Rock of Ages - Def Leppard

Guess the list really showed what an otai I am....(actually there are some more songs, but the list will be endless la....)

Thank you guys....

2006-11-25T10:11:00.000+08:00

Wow, I'm overwhelmed. Finally some response. Thank you for posting your comments. We SALUTE and we're proud that you guys still believe in our music.

The question from most of you out there is where can you get those 3 albums.

We'll try to figure out a way to get the albums, and will post here once we have a clue. In the mean time you can try contacting Universal Music. Maybe if there are enough of you, it might convince them to release a box set or something....or maybe that's what we should do...a box set of those 3 albums plus freebies, what do you think?

p/s: any of you out there has the 3rd album. I am looking for a scanned picture of the cassette cover.

2006-10-16T18:04:00.000+08:00

Just returned from Kuantan early this morning.

It's been 20 years since the time when Zaid first approached Aziz in Hotel Moscow, in Moscow Idaho. Then was when the initial seed of inspiration being planted to later become Belantara and subsequently the release of the first album. Of course there was also the boring story of recruiting the bassist at the college cafeteria, but the significant of the first approach is what that started it all.

Twenty years later when the fire had stop burning, seems like it is the end of the group but in actual fact there are still amber of the original fire keeping the dream alive. Now, at the exact moment twenty years later, the same journey begins again and a new hope is alive. Zaid had driven to Kuantan to meet Aziz and again laying down the foundation of a new begining.

The ignition being turned, and the engine is revving. As if playing from the same script, this time we're hoping that the amber will turn into a bigger fire and by that time a new album will be completed.

p/s : we will not contribute to the "Koya best" project.

GOOD NEWS

2006-04-05T14:43:00.000+08:00

Belantara will be working on the music for a movie -- now in production -- under Monsoon Pictures titled "Koya-Best". The band will be going into the studio once the shooting's completed. In conjunction, Belantara will also release THE new album containing the materials that they will be working on for the movie. God willing, the new album should be finished before the year ends. We might consider going on the road too!! Hope for the best.

Supposedly 2005 was the year to release our new album.

2006-02-07T10:19:00.000+08:00

But its not to be. We have been very busy w/ less or no time and space to work on the album.

1. Zaid's moved the studio to a new place. He also had been working on numerous movie projects (live sound & music) which takes a lot of his time.

2. I also am involve in a retail business that needs supervision.

3. Aziz is living and working in Kuantan...

So...we HOPE that by February we can again start work on the album. I'm also trying to get hold of some photos or articles from the past so that I can post them here but it seems that we were not the kind of people that take lots of pictures, so not many "Kodak moments" are in my possession or any one else either. Until I can get hold on some.....

Last night was the beginning of a new session.

2005-07-06T13:43:00.000+08:00

Yep. The band is starting to move. Finally after recording the last demo Adik Muslim on Sept. 11, 2001. With the help of Roots n Boots guitarist, Am, we'd recorded a new song (as yet to be titled) last night w/ me putting on a bass guide. Still in demo form but I really feel that the song have a lot of potential. Rest assured, if we have anything new...will be posted here tentatively until we put up "THE" web site especially news on "THE" album. The song & words are written by Zaid.

Hopefully we will have a new album released by 2005.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: INFINITI ALBUM

2004-09-14T20:51:00.001+08:00

The group took time before going into the studio to record the 3rd album. After coming home, Zaid and Aziz took a break before the group settled in KL and start writing the materials for the new album. Belantara recruited an additional guitarist -- Benson Lee -- after holding a private audition.
The band manage to write 5 songs before taking a break due to financial constraint. Our project of building our own studio halted and everybody seems to be going on their own directions though we occassionally meet at Booty Boys Studio in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng where Zaid worked during that time. We tried recruiting a lead vocalist as Zaid felt that he wanted to concentrate on producing and writing but to no avail and "disaster" (the story some other time, maybe) we were not able to find one that "clicks". One notable singer turned us down due to other commitment (or was that a polite no? maybe).

When Zaid completed the vocal parts on "Telefon", everybody was convinced that the band was now ready to go back into the studio. He also recorded a demo - slow number "Airmata" with the help of Is Wow. But there's still a few more songs short. Zaid then came up with "Mereka", Aziz w/ "Pelita Ketenangan", Benson "Lautan Cahaya" (w/ no title and words yet) and Shuk "Jalan Pulang".

Finally when everyting was ready we then again set for Lion Studio in Singapore. This time we were driven in a van and settled in a rented apartment for a week to record and mix the album. The way we work this time were not glamourous either, like working in a factory shift. First two days : record click, drum parts and bass w/ basic guitar or piano track as guide. Then all the guitar parts, then keyboards and lead and background vocals. Imagine going into the studio @ 9.00 or 10.00 a.m. then working till 3.00-4.00 a.m. for a week.
But we manage to finish in time. Problems arises but solved or compromised for the sake of the album. But overall we were glad that the record company never interfere in our writings and music. In fact for all 3 album the record company does not question on our materials at all. (I guess there are good and bad things about their non-interference). But this also educate us on what works and what not for any future music recording works. It is just an expensive lesson in the School of Hard "Rock".

We tried and compromise to the market with our ballad especially "Airmata" but put an edge a bit on the lyrics as the song about love & death. Something different.

PASAL BELANTARA 3 ORANG

2004-07-14T23:51:00.000+08:00

Ada terbaca komen di dalam forum cari.com. Kerana ada yang bertanya -- "Kenapa ahli kumpulan Belantara 3 orang??" Pada asal penubuhan sewaktu di kolej dulu ahli kumpulan Belantara adalah 4 orang, vokal, 2 gitaris dan bass. Seorang gitaris menarik diri sebelum rakaman album pertama. Keadaan juga memaksa kami tanpa drummer yang tetap kerana pada waktu itu sukar -- tambahan pula ahli kumpulan di luar negara; berkumpul hanyalah semasa merakamkan album. Pre production untuk album ialah -- menggunakan 4-track Tascam menulis lagu-lagu dalam bentuk demo (drum parts programmed). Dengan keadaan ini lebih selesa mengunakan khidmat sessionist untuk drum kerana arrangement dan part lagu telah siap dlm demo tape dan pemain drum hanya perlu mengikut apa yang di tulis -- tanpa membazir masa di studio. (Belantara menyiapkan rakaman album dalam masa 14 hari, paling lama 18 hari semasa album pertama). Kecuali piano,keyboards dan sebahagian daripada gitar akustik --- yang lainnya di lakukan oleh ahli Belantara sendiri.

Berbeza dengan kumpulan rock yang lain kerana mereka sememangnya performing band yang berkerja dengan bermain musik di kelab-kelab -- amat perlu untuk ada full line-up.

Belantara lebih menumpu kepada penulisan musik atau ekspresi artistik yang di salurkan melalui pembikinan album, medium yang mengenengahkan ide dan nilai seni dan berkomunikasi dengan pendengar musik kami. Dan kami rasa kami berjaya dan berpuas hati setakat ini setelah di nilai melalui feedback dari peminat yang begitu meminati musik kami. Kesemua lagu-lagu di dalam album Belantara di tulis oleh ahli-ahli kumpulan sendiri.

Jika kami perlu untuk membuat persembahan secara live, maka kekosongan ahli musik itu akan di penuhi mengikut keperluan keadaan (dari segi arrangement musik dan set yang hendak di persembahkan) -- tetapi mereka bukanlah sebagai ahli tetap (buat masa ini).

BLAST FROM THE PAST:2nd Album SRIKANDI DI SISI

2004-07-13T04:41:00.000+08:00

Originally the cover design was by our WAZZU mate Zulqaisar with a different color scheme inspired by the works of illustrator Patrick Nagel, known for his illustration for Playboy magazine who also did the cover for DuranDuran RIO album.

This is how it turns out after we passed the original design to our record company : p

SriKandi Di Sisi
Originally uploaded by Sutra.

After the success and good feedback with the college crowd, hope was high when the band went into the studio to record their second album in 1988. Again, the recording was at Lion Studio, Singapore. This time the album was produced by Belantara themselves. The band was looking to produced a heavier sounding album with the opening track Amaran!!! - Perintah Berkurung a thrash metal influenced song. Next is a ballad Sri Kandi Di Sisi, followed by Panglima Angkasa a hard rock number heavy on the guitar tapping technique. the song is a tribute to the Air Force Fighter pilots. During this period, the movie Top Gun made quite an impression. There are love ballads such as Hadiah Hari Jadi, but a few others slow numbers were not love theme. For example, Pelangi dan Nafiri -- spiritually theme while Cubaan Bukan Satu is about hope and "not giving up when one is down". Other notably songs includes Menari Dalam Hujan, Biar Rindu, Mutiara. The final track is Cempaka and instrumental song which originally was scrapped but made into the album (the 1 minute version).

After the released of the album, the band did performed once -- live at Komtar Dome, Penang in 1988. A few of the northern rock fans might have caught the concert, especially the students from USM. For the show the band engaged a drummer and another guitarist --- Nen and Shidee --- who also appear in the music videos Srikandi di Sisi, Menari Dalam Hujan for TV3 MusikMusik. The group parted ways with Nen and Shidee after Aziz and Zaid left for US for their final year.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: DEBUT ALBUM

2004-07-12T23:58:00.000+08:00

circa 1987

1ST ALBUM COVER
Originally uploaded by Sutra.

The band was originally formed by 3 guys from Washington State University and University of Idaho. Afer writing songs in Winter of 1986, the group sent demos to Polygram Record in Malaysia and was immediately offered a recording contract after the record company saw the potential. During that period -- in Malaysia -- the Rock-Heavy Metal music was slowly gaining ground into the mainstream and becoming very popular to the younger generation.
Recorded at top of the line Lion Studio in Singapore, the album was jointly produced by Belantara and Hillary (of Search). M.Nasir also helped produce the vocals on one of the song Dewi when he dropped by the studio during the band recording session. The debut album was well received, especially by the university students and was popular in the campus.
The songs:Belantara, Kepangkuan Ibunda, Jebat, Jiwa Perajurit, Sutra, Jentera Pemusnah, Dewi, Rintihan Menara Gading, Nostalgy, Negaramu Yang Utama.
Zaid: Lead Vocals
Aziz: Guitars
Shuk: Bass, Vocals

BELANTARA

2004-07-12T00:01:00.000+08:00

from (l to r): Aziz, Zaid, Shuk

Aziz: Guitars, Vocals
Zaid: Lead Vocals
Shuk: Bass, Vocals