History of Cromok

Cromok was formed in 1986 by four young students, Shamsuddin Ali (Sam), Khairul Anuar Shariff (Karl), Muhammad Khairuddin (Din), and Tarmizi Mokhtar (Miji). They were studying at the?University of Wollongong, in?Australia. While in Australia, they decided to form a thrash metal band and they frequently perform their music in small concert and gigs. They got positive responses and steadily gaining their fans, made their name within the Australian Underground Thrash Metal scene.

In 1991 Sam, Karl and Miji graduated and return to Malaysia meanwhile Din still carry on his studies in Australia.?Their first album which was recorded during their studies, ‘Images of Purity’ were released in 1991. They receive positive responses, mostly among the teenagers, and build a huge local fan base in a short period of time.

“Cromok at Wollonggong city, circa 1990. From left: Miji, Karl, Sam, Din”

Their songs such as ‘Another You’, ‘I don’t Belong Here’, ‘Misty’, ‘Metallurgical’ and ‘Memories’ were highly praised by their fans. However their success was limited due to limited access to mainstream media by the Malaysian government at the time (Thrash Metal was unacceptable. Always being discriminated, and banned during late 80’s and early 90’s in Malaysia by Malaysian government). Instead, they keep expanding their musical career, releasing five more albums; ‘Forever In Time’ (1993), ‘Yours Truly’ (1996), ‘Mean, Meaner, Meanest’ (1999), ‘Image of Purity’ [Remastered & Re-released] (2000), and ‘What’s Left?’ (2000). ‘Forever in Time’ was their most successful album to date, sold over 100,000 copies in Malaysia.

At the end of 2005, Hillary returned to the?Search, leaving Sam and Miji as the remaining member in Cromok. On April 8, 2012 they held a Reunion concert in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, consisting of three original members, which also celebrated the band?s 25th anniversary. This was the latest concert of Cromok, after their last concert in 1992.?On August 21, 2013, Cromok was performing an opening act for?Metallica?LIVE concert in Malaysia.

Band Members

Khairul Anuar Shariff (Karl)

Guitars

Adored by fans, Khairul Anuar bin Shariff known as Karl, is the lead guitarist of the group. Karl was born on 8th December 1966 in Kuala Lumpur itself. Along with his band mates, Karl was a student at University of Wollongong in Australia. Passing the extra time, Karl spent his student life performing small gigs in clubs around the neighbourhood before committing as a band member for Cromok. Inspired by Swedish Guitarist, Yngwie J Malmsteen as well as a strong interest in powerful rhythm guitars, Karl found his love for heavy metal music to be a lifelong passion. Just like a true musician, Karl loves all the songs from the ?Forever In Time?? album by Cromok.

Shamsudin Ali (Sam)

Bass, Vocals

Band Vocalist and bass guitarist; Shamsudin bin Ali also known as Sam, was born on 1st November 1966. All the way from Tangkak Johor, Sam was as also a fellow student at University of Wollongong in Australia before he founded Cromok. Inspired by musician Steve Harris from famous English heavy metal band, Iron Maiden, Sam picked up an interest in Music Technical and Intense Expression in his career. He too has much love for all the music Cromok has made over the years.

Tarmizi Mokhtar (Miji)

Drums

Known as Miji by fans, bandmate and drummer Tarmizi bin Mokhtar was born on 30th May 1996 in Pasir Mas, Kelantan. Before joining Cromok, Miji was a fellow student at University of Wollongong in Australia. Inspired by Malaysian band ?Sweet Charity?, his passion in heavy metal music was also driven by his love for double bass drumming. Miji also has a big heart for all the albums and songs produced by Cromok.

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