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CHECK OUT: American Pinoy Band BALISONG Release Debut EP [USA/Philippines]

By on March 10, 2025

Always stoked to support members of our fellow Asian diaspora anywhere on this planet.

Check out newly formed American-Filipino hardcore band called BALISONG. “Balisong began as an idea by my brother and I had to start an all Filipino-American representing hardcore band, which was something that we hadn’t seen much of in our local scene when we started going to shows. But we were able to get Xander on guitar and Billie on bass to start the band around early to mid 2024. We originally had the intention to be a beatdown band, but we were surprised to find out that Xander had a background in playing 2000s metalcore/scenecore type of riffs, which is what led us to solidifying our sound (which I describe as chug chug riff metalcore lol).”

One of the first thing that first jumped out on the heavy ass release streaming below, is the band’s singing in Tagalog. “The idea of Xander singing in Tagalog was an idea we’ve had since we formed the band (especially since Xander is a native from the Philippines.) We thought that having Tagalog integrated into our music would help emphasize the message of being proud to embrace your own culture, especially in a white dominated scene/society.”

“We thought that having Tagalog integrated into our music would help emphasize the message of being proud to embrace your own culture, especially in a white dominated scene/society.”

FUCK YEAH.

And when it comes to the tracks on the EP? “The themes reflect on my experiences and emotions that I have gone through during my life. These themes described my struggles with not being valued for who I am, loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. I definitely wanted these songs to shed a light on the realities of mental health.”

https://www.instagram.com/balisonghc/

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