Cromok

Cromok
Cromok performing live in the late 1980s
Background information
Origin	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Genres	Thrash metal
Years active	1987–2006, 2010–present
Labels	EMI Malaysia
Associated acts	F.T.G, Langsuyr, Amuk
Members	Shamsudin Ali (Sam) Tarmizi Mokhtar (Miji) Khairul Anuar Shariff (Karl)
Past members	Hillary Ang (Hill) Khairudin Muhammad (Din) Che Dean (Denan) Muhammad Fadhil (Mat Puck)

Cromok is a thrash metal band from Malaysia. They are known to be the pioneers of thrash metal music in Malaysia. Consists of three members, Shamsudin Ali as Vocalist and Bassist, Khairul Anuar Shariff as Guitarist, and Tarmizi Mokhtar as Drummer.

Their song structures are characterized by simple riffs and minimalist drumming overlaid with melodic guitar solos.

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 rising the ranks along with Australian Godfather bands in the likes of Enticer, SSDC, Mortal Sin, Frozen Doberman, White Trash, Addictive and Detriment. Their single, 'Misty' was their most popular song among their fans in those days.

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. Their songs such as 'Another You', 'I don't Belong Here', 'Misty', 'Metallurgical' and 'Memories' was 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?' (2001). 'Forever in Time' was their most successful album to date, sold over 100,000 copies in Malaysia.

Din died in 1997, allegedly because of drug overdose. However, it was later discovered that he died because of malaria. The band then continued as a trio. However, in 2001, Karl was seceding from Cromok because he wants to concentrate on his professional career and his family. Karl then was replaced by renowned guitar maestro in Malaysia, Hillary Ang from Malaysian rock icon band, Search. Cromok then issues two more studio albums, 'Deafening Silence' (2002) and 'Untitled' (2004).