Slank

by Chris TrueAlthough constant roster changes and internal tensions pestered the band, Indonesia's Slank was able to face the adversity head on, and record and release 20-plus albums in a career that was to last for more than 25 years. Formed in Jakarta in 1983, Slank -- the group's initial lineup was Kaka (vocals), Pay (guitars), Bongky Marcel (bass), Indra Qadarsih (keyboards), and Bimbim (drums) -- would ply their trade for a number of years before finally landing a deal and releasing their first album, Suit Suit...Hehehe, in 1991. From there, more albums, most of them commercially successful, followed, but Slank was plagued by a number of defections, some involving personal issues, others having to do with internal tensions based around creative decisions. The negativity was overcome, and over the next 20 years, Slank was able to increase their profile, touring the world and maintaining a high commercial value. In 2007, Slank released album number 20, Slow But Sure.