This year we paid two visits to Manila to help get to know the scenes across the Asia Pacific. After an extremely warm welcome and an absolute ripper of a time, we believe that you should also be able to experience at least some of the talent and energy that we did.

So here are some bands we think should be on your radar for 2025.

ORCA
There are very few bands that invoke the kind of energy that ORCA do and that is what this progressive metalcore band from Manila so special. Not afraid to try new things and experiment with their sound, they are able to combine charisma and infectious melodies with high level technical skill. Oh and they make it feel effortless. ’11th Hour’ is one of their most notable tracks, but really, you can look up OrcaPH across streaming platforms and take a listen to their diverse range of tracks. (We particularly love the album The Invitation)

SHVRIKEN
Winners of the 2024 Philippines Wacken Metal Battle, SHVRIKEN from Cebu make an impression wherever they perform. With their samurai influenced aesthetics and lyrical content, this band knows how to put on a hell of a show. Unmatched groove, extended range guitar riffs and a rhythm section that you will feel in your soul, the Sengoku Warriors have gained a cult following for a good reason. We suggest starting with their latest single ‘Oni’ and going from there. 

ARCADIA
One of the most notorious bands in the Manila scene, if you have yet to experience the fast paced energy of Arcadia, then you are seriously missing out. Keeping the core in metalcore, their aggressive energy and technical riffs always has the room moving whenever they play. They have mainly dropped singles over the last few years, so start with their most recent ‘Stormbreaker’ and work your way back.

FRAGMENTS
We cannot talk about our work with the Filipino scene without mentioning the Manila metalcore mainstays FRAGMENTS. One of the first bands we covered on our return, we have been following the bands activities for most of the year. Strongly influenced by bands like Bring Me The Horizon and Architects, they are an absolute force of nature live. 

Alterations
Seeing this band at a small venue in Quezon City is an absolute experience. Hardcore at its purest, Alterations know how to absolute wreck a joint. Melody, heavy and stacked with vicious breakdowns, these guys may not be the most talked about but they definitely left an impression.

We have barely scratched the surface of the immense talent that the Philippines has to offer, especially since we haven’t been able to venture past Manila yet- but we wanted to give you a place to start!

Let us know who we should feature next time and also, what country should we feature next?