All images supplied by FINITE FAM and taken by THEdeck_,
Review by Kayla Hamilton (@kaylazomboid)

FINITE FAM FRIGHT NIGHT
Milenya, Manila, The Philippines
October 26th 2024

Earlier this year NOISE ‘N’ VISUALS headed to Tokyo to cover the tour of Manila metalcore act Fragments. One band that helped make that tour possible was the guys from the Tokyo based prog-core act TheoJP, so when the lads invited us along to their Manila tour- we could not resist heading over.

The first stop on tour was Finite Fam’s Fright Night Halloween Party. You cannot escape the name Finite Fam when it comes Manila metalcore and their reputation of putting on a party proceeded them, so this reporter got dressed up and headed over to Milenya in Marikina to check it out for myself.

In classic Filipino style, things did kick off a little later than scheduled but with the beers flowing, the excitement of everybody dressed up in some creative costumes and just the overall good vibes in the room- it was easily forgiven. Kicking off proceedings was the energetic metalcore act Rebuild. Entering the room within style, with their drummer dressed as a local mayor- with the rest of the band acting as security (extra points for commitment with the campaign poster being hung up above the kit), the crowd was in stitches. No matter what they did from there, they had already won everybody over. As somebody witnessing them for the first time, if their stage presence and commitment to their costume hadn’t already convinced me, it would’ve been their classic metalcore style that stole my heart. With shredding guitars and their charismatic frontman Red, it was the best way to start the show. If that wasn’t enough, the ripped into a cover of Escape The Fate’s ‘Not Good Enough For Truth in Cliché’, which had everybody singing along.

The cover had a particular sentimental meaning, especially for the next band. Having the room captivated for a different reason, the young guns Astra hit the stage. Emotions ran high as this was the band’s first performance since the tragic passing of their beloved singer Chrome. With his family in the room and those in the community taking turns singing the set, it was evident just how much this young man meant to those around him. The members of the band played wonderfully, despite the difficulty of the situation and the audience showed their love the best way they knew how- by getting down in the pit.

Following up that set would be tough for anybody, but it was up to Akatsuki cloaked Lostthreads to take on that challenge. Nobody else could do it like them. The veterans delivered a tight set, flowing seamlessly between songs in a polished performance that would be worthy of some large capacity rooms. Hitting us with solid riffage, heavy breakdowns and just a straight up modern metalcore sound- it was the kind of set that had you hyped up enough to spin kick your friend in the face.

Taking the show in a different direction, giving us their prog tinged metalcore goodness, was the guests from Japan- TheoJP. Battling a bit of a chilled-out crowd, and a few technical issues, the band was determined to make their presence felt. Drummer Jovic gave the house kit a run for its money with his heavy hitting style, enforced by his partner in rythmn Yuji. Guitarists Patrick and Keiji quickly left an impression with their impressive and progressive melodic style of playing. There is also no missing the emotion and rawness in the vocals from frontman Liam. Giving us some catchy moments and an undeniable groove to headbang along to, the lads from Japan gave us a taste of what was to come for the rest of their Manila shows.

The much beloved Orca were to follow, and you could tell straight away they were a crowd favourite. With guitarist Kiko taking out a runner up prize for best costume, the heckling from the audience started early. Known for their good humour and humble attitude, the quirkiness of their personalities is quickly overridden by their talent as performers and songwriters. Frontman Zoren is an absolute powerhouse, putting on a masterclass of vocal technique and showing why he is one of the singers in the scene. He does not overshadow his band mates though, as they all bring unmatched skill to the table. Stylistically diverse and professionally executed, this band truly is one to watch in the South East Asian scene. A highlight was when they ripped into their popular track ‘11^th Hour’, with the room joining in to sing in a heartfelt performance. I cannot deny it, I became an instant fan.

Headlining the show though this year’s Philippines Wacken Metal Battle winners, making the trek over from Cebu, Shvriken. Now when I saw them earlier in the year at the metal battle finals, my jaw was on the floor. Putting on a performance of a lifetime, they came to competition to absolutely crush. Now back in town with the experience of a lifetime, heading to Germany to play Wacken, the band have only levelled. No new costumes needed, as their commitment to their band’s lore comes from an organic place- the Hana mask cladded musicians tore the room apart. Frontman Shawn is a force to be reckoned with, taking control of the crowd in an instant. Barking orders between breakdowns and challenging the punters to give them more, it is hard not to get caught up in it. Side to side, throwing down hard, smashing through their setlist they made sure that nobody was leaving the party without getting down. There is no denying that this band truly is something special.

With all the festivities concluded and the drinks starting to be finishing, the night left an impression on me that I cannot shake. It was an undeniable sense of community, fun and presence that I think we tend to lose a little as bands and scenes start to grow bigger. It was a stark reminder of the importance of the cultivation of the underground because at the end of the day, community is what helps foster the next generation of artists and fans- so it was wonderful to be welcomed and embraced by another country’s scene.

Thank you Finite Fam for a night to remember.