Pinoy ‘metalheads’ turn up for annual rock music festival

A SEA OF DEVIL HORNS. Over 30,000 people swarmed the Amoranto Stadium for the highly anticipated, “PULP SUMMER SLAM 16: COME OUT AND PLAY!”. PHOTO BY Khristian Ibarrola, INQUIRER.net

The Philippines’ heavy metal music scene was once again treated with a head-banging, adrenaline-pumping and mosh-pit-creating set of performances from various rock artists, as Pulp Live World Productions held its yearly Pulp Summer Slam music festival inside the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City on Saturday, March 30.

Tabbed as “PULP SUMMER SLAM 16: COME OUT AND PLAY!”, the one-day showcase featured a total of 14 live acts from both local and international hardcore metal bands.

OPM rock-music standouts Greyhoundz, Slapshock, Razorback, Kjwan, Wilabaliw and Insekto Pares carried the torch for the Philippine heavy metal scene.

Foreign acts Lacuna Coil, Belphegor, Veil of Maya, We are Harlot, Protest the Hero, I Killed the Prom Queen, Act of Defiance and Volumes delighted the rowdy mob of heavy-metal hungry fans with their international pedigree—as each of them performed in the country for the first time.

The Mark Abaya-led Kjwan opened the festivities with their classics ‘Pintura’ and ‘Daliri’, while one of the godfathers of OPM rock, Razorback, followed suit with a vintage performance of their own.

The raucous crowd of nearly 30,000 attendees were also treated with a surprise appearance from OPM rock royalty, Pepe Smith, as he joined the 2015 Red Horse Muziklaban champion, Insekto Pares, with their rendition of the alcohol inspired song, ‘Anak ng Rakenrol’.

Kjwan (left), Razorback (middle) and Pepe Smith together with Insekto Pares (right) all came out with commendable performances. PHOTO BY Khristian Ibarrola/INQUIRER.net

Meanwhile, the first international act of the day came from California-based metal core group, Volumes, who expressed their excitement upon playing in front of a massive Filipino crowd.

“This is the biggest show we’ve ever joined!” said lead vocalist Gus Farias. “Manila you’re making history!” he added while growling for the fans.

VOLUMES’ front man Gus Farias (left) is joined Born of Osiris singer, Joe Buras as they perform ‘Vahle’ infront of thousands of people in Amaranto Stadium. PHOTO by Khristian Ibarrola/INQUIRER.net

Despite the scorching summer heat, rock afficionados enthusiastically banged their heads and sang along the explosive tunes from ”I Killed the Prom Queen”, ”Protest the Hero” and ”Act of Defiance.”

Even more people flocked the venue come nightfall as they bore witness to Chicago-based band, Veil of Maya’s unique style, plus the return of We are Harlot’s frontman, Danny Worsnop, who appeared two years ago at  PULP Summer Slam 14, with his former ensemble, Asking Alexandria.

The Slam’s co-headliners Lacuna Coil and Belphegor closed out the night for international acts at around midnight.

The festive rock show did not stop at the break of dawn as the crowd remained engaged with highly energetic performances from local favorites, Greyhounds and Wilabaliw, spearheaded by Reg Rubio and Ian Tayao, respectively.

The main event of the show, however, belonged to Slapshock, with groupies known as ’Slap Armies’ losing themselves to the music in form of giant mosh pits.

Fans flashing the universal sign of rock n’ roll during the Pulp Summerslam 2016. PHOTO BY: Khristian Ibarrola, INQUIRER.net

Cult following

The Pulp Summerslam spectacle has been around for the past 16 years, and has collected its fair share of dedicated followers over time.

The event’s unrivalled longevity has earned it the reputation as the biggest and longest-running metal festival in Southeast Asia.

Amado Reynoso, an avid attendee for the six-straight year, shared his experiences to Inquirer.net.
“Binabalik-balikan ko talaga tong Pulp Summerslam taon-taon para to support yung OPM rock scene. Bonus nalang sa akin na may mga dumarating na international [bands] pero yung mga local talaga dinarayo ko palagi,” he proudly said.

(I keep coming back to Pulp Summerslam every year to show my support to the OPM rock scene. For me it’s just a bonus that I get to see international bands as well, but I’m really here for the locals.)
The 49-year-old event veteran could not help but hide his excitement upon describing the performers he most looks forward to seeing in person.

“Gaya ng Kjwan kanina, tuwang-tuwa ako nung mapanuod si Mark Abaya, grabe ang galing at walang kupas! Tapos Mamaya Slapshock naman aabangan ko sa huli”.

(Like Kjwan who performed earlier, I’m really delighted to see Mark Abaya, he’s amazing. His talent never fades. I’ll also be looking forward to Slapshock’s performance later.)

Amped up fans pose for photos with masked figures, emulating the NU-metal band, Slipknot. PHOTO BY Khristian Ibarrola/INQUIRER.net

Marilyn Razon, a Summerslam novice, admitted that the festivities got her hooked.

“Sulit naman yung punta ko. For sure babalik ako next year,” said the 19-year-old who came all the way from Pampanga just to witness her favourite band, Lacuna Coil, with her band mates from the province.

(My trip was definitely worth it. I’ll be back next year for sure).

Pulp’s Summerslam mayhem usually takes place every 30th of April. Some previous events were moved to earlier dates due to scheduling conflicts.

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