When SLAPSHOCK first hit the scene with “Fourth Degree Burn” 15
years ago, many automatically tossed the band aside as a part of the growing
"rap metal" movement. When
they emerged in 1997, we knew what to expect from them. They were a junior
rap-metal band to sell thousands of albums and more likely being compared as
KORN of Philippine rock scene. More than a decade on, Slapshock has effectively brought a world into the moshpit -- done it with
poetry, pounding drum and bass, and a whole lot of power.
Having just released their seventh studio album under Polyeast
Records, KINSE KALIBRE documents the band’s 15-year old career. Featuring “Ngayon Na”, the album’s first
single referencing some stylistic Slapshock trademarks --stomping through
"Ngayon na, isigaw sa mundo… Ngayon
na" gives a fiery shout-along hook while introducing some fresh
dynamic sensibilities. The single’s music video is directed by Team Manila and now
being aired on MYX Channel, which is running it’s number 1 seat in one month.
At this point, Slapshock's seventh studio album finds the rap-rock
luminaries recording with the original line-up in over 15 years. The band
includes Jamir Garcia (vocals), Lee Nadela (bass), Lean Ansing (guitars) and
Chi Evora (drums). This full-length album consists of 12 tracks --produced by
the band, all songs originally written by Jamir Garcia, mixed in Malaysia and was mastered at John Greenham
Mastering in San Francisco ,
USA
With Kinse Kalibre, the band has once again found a place for reinvention,
created a multi-layered and genre-smashing album set to cater more to our local
market. Jamir said, “In this album, we we’re challenged to
produce something that will cater more to our Filipino listeners. This time, I
have challenged myself to write five Tagalog songs”. Tracks include Kinse
Kalibre (intro) Ngayon Na, Reset, Deliryo, Asal Demonyo, Burn In Hell, In The
Line Of Fire, Langit, Under The Needle, Heartless, Salamin and All Hope Is
Gone.
Taking seven albums to put together in 15 years and continuously
building a huge fanbase against this pop-generation, Slapshock’s feat over
those years was a tough ride for these four hardworking individuals. Jamir
expanded, “We have released seven albums
and each release gives us the pressure of coming up of something NOT
better than the other but the best the band can deliver.” Following the 6th album Carino Brutal’s commercial
success, the band took another three years touring in and outside the country
and was able to produce “Kinse Kalibre” that will mark their 15th
year this coming February 2012.
Jamir also explains, “Kinse
Kalibre represents our 15 years of existence as band. Kalibre means that after
15 years, the band is still here—creating what we’re known for”. However,
the band indeed created a long-lasting impact-- maturing with every album but
never attempted changing their sound and exploring new territory have become
their least priority. How did they make it?
When the band signed their first record deal in 1998 with OctoArts
(now Polyeast Records), there was no denying they were original—original sound,
original brand of songwriting, original heavy rock songs being replayed for
years. Jamir added, “This album sets an
example of a phenomenon… because for 15 years, we have come a long way building
relationships. We are the same members, we never switched music labels, we’re
under the same management and we still work with the same crew. People who
supported us from the very beginning are still the same people around us up to
this moment. That probably made us stay stronger—we work with people we trust
and people who trust the band at the same time”
Around this time, Slapshock performed at a number of high profile
events, big-time endorsements, bagged numerous awards and sold thousands of
albums in and out of the country. The band have proved strongly that loud
modern heavy rock music could be good, and have established Slapshock as one of
the most important and biggest bands of the last two decades. As Jamir ended, “Lahat ng banda dumating, andito na kami.
Umalis na sila, andito pa rin kami...”
KINSE KALIBRE is now out in
stores nationwide at Php 350. Special thanks to RED HORSE and DICKIES.
