The Filipino metal scene has grown exponentially over the years, producing a unique blend of sounds that ranges from thrash to death metal, and everything in between. Pinoy metal is known for its fierce energy, intricate compositions, and ability to blend both Western and Filipino musical influences. From powerful riffs to intense vocals, the tracks in this article showcase the best of what the Filipino metal scene has to offer. These songs are not just heavy—they tell stories, carry deep meanings, and showcase the talent of the Filipino metal community.
Whether you’re a long-time metal fan or new to the genre, these Pinoy metal songs provide a great introduction to the country’s vibrant underground music culture. The following recommendations span various subgenres, including thrash, death, black, and groove metal. Each track stands as a testament to the Filipino metal scene’s ability to push boundaries, tackle societal issues, and create music that resonates with audiences around the world. Let’s dive into these recommended Pinoy metal tracks and explore the sounds that are putting the Philippines on the map in the world of heavy music.
Top 8 Pinoy Metal Songs All of the Time
1. Slapshock – “Maharot”
Slapshock is one of the pioneering bands in the Filipino metal scene, combining elements of nu-metal, thrash, and groove metal. Their track “Maharot” is an explosive anthem that captures the raw energy of the band’s music. The song begins with a heavy guitar riff that leads into a dynamic rhythm section, with a catchy yet aggressive vocal delivery by frontman Jamir Garcia. The track’s energy is contagious, and the lyrics focus on themes of rebellion and youthful aggression, which resonate with many metal fans.
The blend of rap-like verses and screaming choruses adds an extra layer of intensity, giving “Maharot” a unique sound that is emblematic of the band’s style. The track also highlights Slapshock’s ability to mix Filipino culture with global metal influences, providing a track that is both culturally rich and universally appealing. This is a song that captures the essence of Filipino metal and remains one of the band’s most well-loved tracks.
2. Queso – “Tao”
Queso, known for their blend of alternative and metal influences, offers a distinctive sound that combines elements of post-grunge and heavy metal. The track “Tao” from their self-titled album is one of their most celebrated songs. The song opens with a distorted guitar riff that soon transitions into a groove-heavy section with pounding drums and a catchy bassline. The vocals are grungy, with a tone that reflects the struggles of the working class.
The song’s lyrics tackle themes of identity and the struggle for self-expression, resonating with many Filipino listeners who relate to the hardships of daily life. The track’s raw emotional power, combined with the heavy, infectious groove, makes it an anthem for anyone who has ever felt out of place or oppressed. “Tao” is an excellent example of how Queso blends metal with social commentary to create music that’s both heavy and meaningful.
3. Warpath – “Bagsik”
Warpath is known for their thrash metal influences and high-energy performances. “Bagsik”, from their album Under the Scourge of the Earth, is a brutal track that showcases the band’s talent for crafting intense, thrashing riffs. The song begins with a fast-paced guitar intro, and the pounding drums follow suit, creating a high-speed atmosphere of chaos. The aggressive vocals, along with the thunderous basslines, drive the song forward with power and intensity.
The title “Bagsik” translates to “ferocity” or “fierceness,” and the song lives up to its name. Lyrically, the track delves into themes of strength and survival, often calling for listeners to embrace their inner ferocity and fight against oppression. This is one of Warpath’s signature tracks, and it’s a must-listen for any fan of Filipino thrash metal. The song’s relentless pace and dark tone make it an unforgettable part of the Pinoy metal scene.
4. Death By Stereo – “Tahanan”
The death metal scene in the Philippines has seen some incredible bands, and Death By Stereo is one of the most notable groups in this subgenre. “Tahanan” is one of the band’s standout tracks, showcasing their ability to blend technical death metal with dark, haunting melodies. The song opens with a melodic intro before launching into intense riffing and blast beats that are signature elements of death metal.
Lyrically, “Tahanan” reflects on themes of home, family, and the darker aspects of life in the Philippines. The track dives deep into personal and societal struggles, conveying a sense of melancholy and defiance. The raw aggression of the instrumentation is balanced by the eerie atmosphere created by the music, which adds depth to the song’s narrative. Death By Stereo’s technical prowess and ability to mix melody with aggression make “Tahanan” a standout track in the Pinoy death metal scene.
5. Chicosci – “The Age of Blasphemy”
Chicosci is a Filipino band that seamlessly blends metalcore and alternative rock, incorporating elements of both heavy and melodic music into their sound. “The Age of Blasphemy” from their album This is Not a Chicosci Album is one of the most well-known tracks in their discography. The song starts with a melodic guitar riff that gradually builds into a more aggressive and thrashing sound. The mixture of clean and screamed vocals gives the song an added layer of emotional depth.
The lyrics of “The Age of Blasphemy” address themes of rebellion, disillusionment, and the questioning of societal norms. It’s a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt disconnected or disillusioned with the world around them. The track is a perfect example of how Chicosci combines heavy, brutal riffs with melodic elements to create a sound that appeals to both metalheads and fans of more mainstream rock. This track is one of their most powerful, and it remains a fan favorite.
6. Sandwich – “Betamax”
Sandwich is known for blending alternative rock with elements of metal, creating a sound that is both heavy and accessible. “Betamax”, a standout track from their album Sugarfree, is a great example of their ability to incorporate metal elements into their sound. The track starts with a funky, groovy riff that slowly builds into a full-on metal assault. The combination of grungy guitar lines and strong drumming creates a dynamic, head-banging rhythm that stands out.
Lyrically, “Betamax” is a nostalgic nod to Filipino pop culture, referencing an old video format popular in the 80s and 90s. The song’s upbeat tone contrasts with its heavy riffs, and this combination of elements is a testament to Sandwich’s versatility. While not strictly a metal song, “Betamax” is a great introduction to how alternative rock and metal can intertwine to produce something new and exciting within the Filipino music scene.
7. Kratornas – “Blood, Fire, and Death”
Kratornas is a band that has made waves in the extreme metal scene, with a style that fuses black, death, and thrash metal into a single, aggressive sound. “Blood, Fire, and Death” is one of their most iconic tracks, capturing the band’s ferocity and raw power. The song begins with a thunderous drum intro that leads into a relentless riff barrage, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency and intensity.
The song’s lyrics focus on themes of war, destruction, and apocalyptic imagery, which are common in Kratornas’ music. The song’s high-speed blast beats and grim atmosphere give it a brutal edge, making it a standout in the Filipino extreme metal scene. “Blood, Fire, and Death” is a perfect example of how Kratornas mixes intensity, technicality, and dark themes to create music that is both challenging and rewarding for fans of extreme metal.
8. Gloc-9 – “Sirena”
While Gloc-9 is known primarily for his work in Filipino hip hop, his collaboration with rock and metal artists has led to some incredibly unique tracks. “Sirena”, a track that blends hip hop with metal elements, is one of his most powerful songs. Featuring a heavy guitar riff and intense drumming, “Sirena” blends the aggression of metal with the rhythmic flow of rap, creating an anthem for anyone who has felt marginalized.
The lyrics tell the story of a transgender woman, exploring themes of identity, self-expression, and the struggle for acceptance in Filipino society. The powerful mix of rap and metal gives the song an urgency and passion, while the message of the song resonates with a wide range of listeners. “Sirena” is a perfect example of how genres can mix to create something fresh, challenging, and impactful.
See Also: Why Is Metal Music Soothing?
Conclusion
The Filipino metal scene is rich with diversity, offering a wide range of sounds that go beyond the typical metal genres. From the thrashing intensity of Warpath to the experimental sounds of Shama, these Pinoy metal tracks showcase the variety and depth of the local scene. Whether you’re drawn to heavy riffs, deep lyrics, or energetic performances, the Filipino metal community offers something for every metal fan. These recommended tracks not only showcase the best of the genre but also give a glimpse into the powerful cultural and musical influences that shape Filipino metal. Whether you’re already a metalhead or just discovering the genre, these tracks will take you on an unforgettable musical journey through the heart of Filipino metal.
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