Powerslaves Release If You Understand New Version, More Full Power

JAKARTA - The legendary rock band Powerslaves released the song If You Understand (New Version) as part of their campaign to save their old works. The original version of this song resides on the fourth album labeled “Powerslaves” (2001).

The band, which is fronted by Heydi Ibrahim (vocals), Anwar Fatahillah (bass), Wiwiex Soedarno (keyboards), and Agung Yudha (drums) realizes that re-release of old works will cause reactions from fans. Yes, they usually prefer the presence of the latest original songs, not recycled ones.

However, one thing that must be understood is that the master data of the first five albums of Powerslaves belongs to the label that oversees them at that time so the songs must be re-recorded so that they can be archived on digital platforms.

“New songs are very possible because the basic material already exists and it is not difficult for Powerslaves to create a work. We're not dead ideas. If you want to explore the works of Powerslaves, there will be no end. Not arrogant. We have been trained in the analog age,” said Anwar Fathillah when contacted by VOI, Thursday, September 9.

Then, what did Powerslaves do this time so that the song "If You Understand (New Version)" has a magnet that can attract listeners' interest?

“The current version is definitely more powerful, especially from Heydi Ibrahim's vocal technique where he no longer sings using the falset he heard on the album Powerlsaves. In terms of the overall sound (mixing and mastering) the rock spirit also comes out a lot more," Anwar continued.

Like the original version, the song “If You Understand (New Version)” still features a keyboard sound that is quite dominant throughout the composition. The difference is, in the past it was executed by Edot, now it is played by Wiwiex Soedarno. How did Wiwiex approach when executing this song?

"I try to maintain the notes that have been attached to the listener's ears for a long time by exploring more contemporary sounds with more modern patterns," said Wiwiex Soedarno.

As the keyboardist of one of the big rock bands in Indonesia, Wiwiex certainly has a strong character. However, especially in "If You Understand (New Version)" he must think and be wise not to make significant changes because this song exploded in his era. Moreover, those who performed it were still Powerslaves, not other bands, so that characteristic must be maintained.

“What distinguishes the original version from the new version is more about the sound even though the basics are the same, namely the Hammond piano. But now, I make the orchestra feel more lively,” said Wiwiex.

The line of lyrics "If You Understand (New Version)" was written by Heydi Ibrahim. This song tells the story of a breakup that is inspired by the true story of the Powerslaves keyboardist on the album “Powerslaves”. The recording process of this song was done at Royale Studio, South Jakarta, the editing process was at KS Studio, while the mixing and mastering were in Yogyakarta. For guitar stuffing, their additional guitarist, Ambang Christ played again.