18/03/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | MAR 18, 2025

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Malaysia’s first concert ticket insurance o Service offers protection against unexpected events such as travel disruptions

FORMED in 1982, the mind boggles that Destruction is still a going concern all these years later. Considered among Germany’s Big Four of Thrash alongside Kreator, Tankard and Sodom, Destruction rode the wave of the genre’s popularity in the mid-80s until it fizzled out in the 90s. But not once did this band throw in the towel, continuing to show complete belief in thrash metal to overcome all odds. Lo and behold, it is 2025 and Destruction is still here, throwing devil horns and headbanging like it is the 80s all over again! Listening to this, it is like time stood still as the band continue to pummel listeners into submission in the only way it knows how. Fast, furious and totally unrelenting, this pedal to the metal all the way. Released on March 7 on Napalm Records, Birth of Malice is the sound of a band displaying every ounce of experience gained from its 40-plus years of existence. Though the line-up has changed numerous times, the sound never strays from the tried and trusted thrash metal blueprint. Songs about impending nuclear holocaust tied to guitar riffs designed to bludgeon listeners with swift, heavy blows are delivered with precision. With veteran thrash outfits these days displaying serious chops as musicians, there is always a sense of masters at work on many of their albums. Birth of Malice is no different as Destruction switches through the gears with consummate ease, taking listeners on a breathtaking ride. The production is satisfyingly full and chunky, with the low end especially solid. This C ONCERTGOERS in Malaysia can now enjoy their favourite live events with greater peace of mind, thanks to the launch of Ticket Protect, the country’s first-ever concert ticket insurance, introduced by GoLive Asia in collaboration with Tune Protect Malaysia. This solution provides a safety net for fans by offering a 100% refund on ticket prices in cases of unforeseen circumstances, such as medical emergencies or travel disruptions. A first-of-its-kind service in Malaysia, Ticket Protect was designed to eliminate the common fear of monetary loss due to unexpected events. With this insurance, ticket buyers can confidently secure their spots at concerts, knowing they have financial protection if they cannot attend. Available at checkout on GoLive’s ticketing platform, the add-on is priced at just 5% of the ticket price. “Our mission has always been to enhance the concert-going experience. By partnering with Tune Protect, we are giving our users the confidence to book their favourite events without the fear of losing their investment due to life’s uncertainties,” GoLive Asia business development executive Ukesha said. The collaboration between GoLive and Tune Protect is a notable development in Malaysia’s entertainment and insurance industries. GoLive identified a growing need for financial protection in ticketing and initiated the idea, while digital insurer Tune Protect brought the vision to life. “Our partnership with GoLive places us on the right path towards delivering insurance solutions tailored to modern consumer Ű BY R BALA

Ticket Protect promises a full concert ticket refund for eligible claims. – PEXELSPIC

needs. By integrating our insurance offerings into GoLive’s ticketing platform, we are enhancing accessibility. Customers can now add insurance protection to their concert tickets with just a single click, ensuring a worry-free entertainment experience,” Tune Protect Malaysia CEO Jubin Mehta said. Key benefits of Ticket Protect include: 0 100% ticket price coverage for eligible

claims, providing a full refund if a ticket holder is unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. 0 Fast and simple refund processes with minimal documentation, making claims hassle-free. 0 The first concert ticket insurance in Malaysia, setting a new industry standard. Live events play a vital role in Malaysia’s

entertainment scene and tourism economy, drawing thousands of fans from across the country and beyond. However, unpredictable situations such as illness, work commitments or travel disruptions can result in missed events and financial loss. Ticket Protect apparently ensures concertgoers can enjoy their favourite shows confidently without worrying about unexpected setbacks.

Teutonic thrash titans

was not always the case, especially on those early 80s classics such as Mad Butcher and Eternal Devastation , where the sound could be a bit tinny and hollow. The question is always what do legacy bands such as Destruction bring to the table in this day and age? Like other 80s stalwart such as Exodus, this band has shown late career flourishes are not unheard of. While it may not reach the raw excitement of those 80s classics, there is something to be said about a band just being a solid, reliable outfit. Thrash metal by numbers it may be, but there is little harm in that as it does what it sets out to do – make punters headbang. That, Birth of Malice , achieves in spades. Long may Destruction and its ilk continue to thrash! Destruction’s latest album is a showcase of the band’s 40-plus years of experience. – PICS FROM FACEBOOK @DESTRUCTION

Still going strong since forming in 1982, Destruction is considered to be among Germany’s top metal exports.