Malaysia's heavy metal boys are back - legendary group XPDC aims to rock it up in the 'MetalKestra' concert on Nov 8

The Star

30-07-2025

XPDC, Malaysia's first and foremost heavy metal band, are back again, and this time they aim to rock the fans and the arena in their large-scale concert at Zepp Kuala Lumpur on Nov 8.
With over four decades of experience in the local music scene, making history after history through their work and still being considered the greatest heavy metal rock band ever born in the 80s, XPDC has promised fans an unforgettable night on November 8.
Aptly named "XPDC MetalKestra", the concert is backed by Republic Mokhmah Records. Team leader and lead guitarist Izo said their concert this time will also have a backing of a full orchestra set-up.
On top of that, the concert producers are also offering three personalised electric guitars for the fans at the super concert. One will be represented via a lucky draw, and the other two guitars for the best-dressed female and male fans at the show.
Photo provided by Najib-KRU (https://www.malaysianupdates.com)
Back in 1998, the group won many admirers with an amazing show at the XPDC Konsert Raksasa at Stadium Negara and also in Shah Aam, where a total of more than 50,000 watched them perform.
This year, they aim to recreate that magic led by lead guitarist Izo, the original member since 1988, together with Eddie (bass), Arif (guitar), Lola (drummer) and Mamu (lead vocals).
Izo, whose real name is Mohd Zulkifly Nik Hussin, himself turning 61 this year, is considered among the foremost guitarists in the game in the country over the last four decades.
"The team from 1988 and 1998 and now are very much different. I admit that. But our music is always the same to its core. That will never change. We were the first heavy metal guys, and we will always be that. And you will see that in our concert this year.
"We will also make sure Ali, another founding member of XPDC, is present at the concert too. We will see if he can even join us on stage. But all that depends on his health, too."
Ali of XPDC is also a household name in Malaysian music, said to be among the best rock vocalists in the business. But he has not been well with heart issues in recent times.
However, Izo said he will make sure Ali joins them at the concert, but whether he will perform with them or not will be decided much later.
Meanwhile, Musa dari Republic Mokhmah Records said his team are very excited and honoured to be part of the show as the concert producers.
"First and foremost, I would like to say that I'm a very big fan of these guys. I have been listening to them since I was a kid, and it is an honour to be able to work with these super rockers," said Musa.
"And in honour of these guys, we promise the best of set-up and background that will honour the legacy of XPDC. It will be a show that one will not forget, come Nov 8 and also in the future."
"XPDC are among the stars who introduced 'Rock Kapak' to Malaysian music fans. And they are still proving this genre is far from over. They just keep rocking, and Malaysians keep enjoying their music."
Meanwhile, XPDC described the "MetalKestra" theme, which combines the metal genre with orchestral playing, as the right choice, as they wanted to present something fresh but still within XPDC's strong genre.
'Fans will not only enjoy the heavy metal that is synonymous with XPDC, but the orchestral combination will add to the richness of the songs that will be performed live to the fans.
'XPDC Metalkestra is also our appreciation for the spirit of the fans who have never lost and supported us through many ups and downs over the past four decades.
"This concert is also a benchmark that XPDC will not stop here,' said drummer Lola, who is also a veteran of the band and has been with them since 1997.
The group members also promised fans that they will be singing songs from the four decades that the band has been famous for.
"And you can bet our famous songs like 'Apa Nak Di Kata, Nafisa, Kita Peng Yu, Hidup Bersama, Hijau Bumi Tuhan and CT Cinta Kenangan Silam' will be played for the fans," said Izo and Lola.
Tickets for the show are priced at RM198 (Cat 4 - Samurai -- Normal numbered seating) ; RM338 (Cat 3 – Brutal -- VIP numbered seating, tshirt & poster) ; RM138 (Cat 2 – Darjah Satu -- Free standing) ; RM168 (Cat 1 – Kita Peng-yu -- f ront row standing) ; and RM5,008 (Royal box - 10 pax, meet & greet, goodie bag s ) .
Ticket sales will begin from Wednesday (July 30) at iLasso Tickets ( http://www.ilassotickets.com/konsertxpdcmetalkestra ).