Here comes the National Threat

Anton Santos Saldana, lead vocalist of National Threat. Photo by Nathan Azarcon

Here comes a new local band that is not only loaded to the brim with musical talent but one that has a whole lot to say–fearless as they are in their approach to speaking their mind and fully backed by their dedicated passion to their craft.

This is a band that is ready to “shake” the unwritten code of conformities set by mainstream local music. These musicians will remind us that they indeed do care for our country and use the platform they have to express their views poignantly… and to the point.

As a “soldier” myself of OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and someone who is passionate about supporting our homegrown artists, I am so proud to be the one chosen by Nathan Azarcon to have the privilege of introducing, for the very first time in this website, his amazing new band called National Threat.

Hearing it, the music of National Threat serves to prick our “conscience” and wakes us up from deep slumber and indifference.

Fiercely nationalistic, Nathan Azarcon is surrounded by band members who share common beliefs and philosophies in life, and together they represent a “brotherhood” in the local scene.

National Threat is composed of veterans and critically-acclaimed musicians of OPM. Lead vocalist is  Anton Santos Saldana, a charismatic young frontman, who possesses that rare vocal ability that is so impressive it is immediately attention-grabbing upon first hearing him sing. The quality of his distinctive vocal delivery is even best appreciated in live performances.

Guitarist is Anjones Elemos, a  former member of iconic band Kapatid whose illustrious alumni are all exceptional musicians in their own right, and Anjones Elemos is one of them.

Reli De Vera of SinoSikat? is the drummer. His is another name which should sound familiar to music aficionados, especially to fans of the “Pinoy soul” movement from the mid-2000s. Reli De Vera provides the backbone to the band’s sound.

Lastly, but most importantly, the cornerstone of the band is Nathan Azarcon, on bass, who comes from a long line of illustrious bands, namely: Bazurak, Rivermaya, Pinikpikan, Kapatid, Bamboo and HIJO. Nathan Azarcon, who I refer to as Bassist Extraordinaire, has awards and achievements which are off the scale, and the sheer number of them speaks for themselves. His unmistakable presence completes the all-star line-up of National Threat.

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Now, it is time for me to review the very first single from National Threat aptly entitled “State of Emergency.”

Anton Santos Saldana, lead vocalist of National Threat. Photo by Nathan Azarcon

What is the overall meaning of “State of Emergency”?

It is a call to raising awareness to our surroundings. For this to happen, we truly have to become individuals who are free thinking citizens of this country, not content with what we watch on news channels and read in broadsheets.

It is reading between the lines of what is being reported, of what is being said in the media, and deciphering the truth from the root and cause of news reportage.

National Threat offers the kind of rare music that is courageous and has relevance to our present times.

After listening to “State of Emergency” several times in a row, it certainly got to me. It almost felt like I was marching along, too, in a huge protest with my “brothers-in-arms”, peacefully calling for reform, and fighting for changes that we believe will make our country a better place for everyone to live in.

On a much broader note, to hear a single like “State of Emergency” in this day and age has become a rarity. Its potent lyrics are a “hard slap on the face” of conformity that local mainstream music has brought to us, and “a soccer kick to the balls” of those who choose to oppress our citizens.

Hopefully, more people will keep an eye out for this exemplary new local band and attend their upcoming gigs. I can feel we are seeing the dawning of another super band that will defy expectations.

National Threat has arrived!

Are you ready for them?

Thumbs Up.