The Filipino metal scene has reached pure industrial age, with an alarming rate of acts emerging out of every angry subgenre. Releasing music over the past half-decade, Malolos-based TNG is representing the emotional hardcore crowd. Their latest releases, indefinite feelings and gad, are a perfect example of the modern quality blooming in the Southeast Asian heavy music community.
We recently interviewed TNG during their China and Hong Kong tour sharing the stage with Brickcity, Piri Reis, KVYLE, Fist Bump, Bennu is a Heron, SNAILS, and Nein or Gas Mus, as well as a performance at The End is Beautiful fest.
Recently, you put out a collection of tracks titled indefinite feelings, with the opening song “bliss” holding a unique emo / post-hardcore sound. In your own words, define the subgenre scramz and its impact on your musical identity.
To this day, we resist confining our music to the label of skramz. We prefer not to enclose our sound within a single genre, but we’re grateful to those who perceive our music in that light. Perhaps, in the realm of shared emotions and intensity, we find kinship with those who resonate with our sonic expression. For us, skramz transcends mere categorization; it’s a way of life where pain is shared through our melodies and lyrics.
Christian Dave Opiniano from the Manila-based blackgaze band Walktrip is featured on the new live version of “law.” Can you describe your relationship with Walktrip, as well as other notable bands in the region?
Dave is more than just a fellow musician; he’s like a younger brother, and we believe he’s poised to make a significant impact in our music scene. The synergy between their band and ours is undeniable, forging a deep connection. These young talents not only possess a clear vision for their sound but also stand firmly against social and political injustices.
In our local music landscape, there’s a lot of incredible bands we genuinely enjoy sharing the stage with – Stoplight Go, Now You Make Me Angry, Woopla, Amateurish, ORCA, LOSTTHREADS, SIMILAR//INTENTS, Arcadia, bird., Gibraltar, and Brickcity. Dive into their sounds on Spotify; they’re absolutely worth checking out.
indefinite feelings also contains live recordings of “eve” and “lie.” Can you describe TNG’s most impactful live show?
Our live shows are an immersive experience, ever-evolving with each performance. While the one constant is our unwavering intensity, we strive to create a space where people can connect with us on a visceral level – a place where they feel compelled to grab a mic and scream along. Our Instagram account boasts a collection of wild show footages that are definitely worth a watch.
Every live performance, whether intentional or not, introduces subtle changes to each song, making it a uniquely memorable experience for those in attendance.
TNG isn’t just a band; it’s a live experience that demands to be witnessed.
You’re currently on tour around China and Hong Kong. Can you describe the overall experience: the atmosphere, the food, the audiences?
Our experience in China and Hong Kong was truly surreal. Playing in front of a crowd we’ve never encountered before brought a unique energy, and their warm welcome was beyond compare. The atmosphere felt like a second home, enriched with an abundance of love and care. The culinary delights added to the experience, leaving us yearning for another taste if the opportunity to return arises.
While listening to your 2022 debut album gad, I felt alike discovering the Japanese pioneering post-hardcore act Envy for the first time. Do you hold any inspiration from them, or are other bands serving as a more significant influence during the writing process for this record?
Envy holds a prime spot on our list of influences, alongside the impactful sounds of Hollowjan from South Korea. With each of us having diverse musical tastes spanning from hip hop to post-rock and everything in between, our collective palette shapes a unique sonic identity.
Our recording and writing process is an organic journey that kicks off with an open jam. There’s never a moment to sit down and meticulously craft; it’s all about capturing the spontaneity of the moment. In crafting the songs for gad, we embraced the magic of on-the-spot additions during recording, infusing each track with a raw authenticity that resonates closely with our hearts.
On the track “cty,” you state: “in your eyes I see a hint of sadness / beyond their enigmatic beauty there’s emptiness / like a lone rose surrounded by grass in the garden / your eyes bloom but may cry all of a sudden.” How do you handle life when you’re in your lows?
Maintain a balance, avoiding excessive lows and soaring highs. Embrace each situation, recognizing that they unfold for a reason. While pain is a constant, once you unearth the beauty within it, life takes on a profound meaning that transcends the temporary.
What future goals do you have for tng?
Our aspiration is to extend our reach to international stages, forging connections beyond the borders of the Philippines, much like what we’re accomplishing with your support. Your assistance is a key element propelling us towards this goal. Ultimately, we aim to be remembered as a band that leaves a lasting impact on everyone’s life, creating moments and memories that resonate far beyond the music itself.
Thank you Metal Has No Borders for all you do for the scene!
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