The band we’re tackling in this post, is one of the most unique acts in the local rock and metal scene, blending progressive metal, hardcore, reggae, and tribal rhythms into an explosive and unforgettable sound.
The rockers that comprise the band isn’t just about the music—it’s about energy, movement, and a whole different kind of sonic experience. Whether you’re headbanging at a gig, lost in their psychedelic grooves, or deciphering their deep, introspective lyrics, one thing’s for sure: WilaBaliW is a band like no other.
But what makes them so special? Why do they have such a devoted following? If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to WilaBaliW, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive deep into their history, music, and legacy.
The Origins of WilaBaliW
WilaBaliW was initially conceptualized by Ian Tayao in 2008, while he was still actively performing with Queso. Always striving for musical progression, Ian envisioned a project where he could collaborate with musicians who shared his passion for a heavier yet more melodic sound.
The turning point came in a seemingly cosmic encounter. While browsing a music store in Singapore, Ian was contemplating potential guitarists for his concept band. As he scanned the store, he suddenly heard a guitar riff that caught his attention. Instinctively, he turned to see who was playing—and there stood Louis Isok, a fellow musician he had known from the local scene. Taking it as a sign, Ian immediately invited Louis to jam once they returned to the Philippines.
Soon after, drummer Robert Dela Cruz (Skychurch, Queso) and bassist Francis Magat (Salindiwa) joined the fold, solidifying the band’s first official lineup. By 2010, WilaBaliW was officially born, and the band wasted no time crafting their debut album, 10 10 10.
From the get-go, WilaBaliW’s music was a genre-defying force, fusing hardcore breakdowns with reggae grooves, tribal beats, and progressive elements. Their electrifying sound quickly gained a cult following, establishing them as a dominant presence in the Filipino rock and metal scene.
Meet The Band
- Ian Tayao – Vocals
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Louis Isok - Guitars
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Jesso Montejo – Drums
- Keith Francisco – Bass
Together, they built a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the Philippines, known for their raw energy, unpredictable performances, and genre-defying music.
What Does WilabaliW Mean?
The name WilaBaliW is a palindrome, meaning it reads the same way forwards and backwards. It’s also a creative play on the Filipino word “baliw”, which means crazy.
In a documentary about the band, Ian Tayao revealed that the name was inspired by a conversation with his father. When Ian mentioned he wanted to form a new band, he described it as something that would be “baliw” (crazy) in the best way possible. Guitarist Louis Isok later added that the name represents their nature as musicians—crazy in a way that fuels their creativity and passion for music.
Former bassist Niño Avenido echoed this sentiment, saying that WilaBaliW is crazy not just in sound, but also in their relentless pursuit of experimentation and top-tier musical performance.
The WilaBaliW Sound: A Genre-Bending Experience
What makes WilaBaliW stand out is their refusal to be boxed into one genre. Their music is a wild mix of metalcore’s aggression, reggae’s groove, tribal percussion’s earthiness, and progressive rock’s complexity.
1. Hardcore and Metal Elements
At their core, WilaBaliW delivers bone-crushing riffs, breakdowns, and aggressive vocals that cater to fans of metalcore and hardcore music.
2. Reggae and Tribal Rhythms
Unlike traditional hardcore bands, they seamlessly incorporate reggae grooves and tribal percussion, adding a unique rhythmic dimension to their sound.
3. Psychedelic and Progressive Influences
Their music also includes atmospheric guitar effects, spacey synths, and hypnotic drum patterns, creating a trippy, mind-expanding listening experience.
If you’re a fan of bands like Deftones, Rage Against the Machine, Bob Marley, or even Tool, then you’ll find WilaBaliW’s music right up your alley.
Must-Listen WilaBaliW Tracks
If you’re new to the band, these songs will give you a taste of their insane versatility and musical depth:
1. “Hindi Na Makita”
A track that hits with raw emotion and intense energy, blending soaring melodies with powerful, hard-hitting instrumentation. It showcases WilaBaliW’s ability to fuse aggression with deep sentiment.
2. “Illuminate-1”
This song is an electrifying journey through progressive structures and ambient tones, proving that WilaBaliW isn’t afraid to experiment with different musical textures.
3. “Diveler”
One of their heaviest tracks, “Diveler” features bone-crushing breakdowns and relentless vocals, making it a favorite for fans of their hardcore side.
4. “Sunken ID”
A hypnotic and atmospheric piece that leans into their psychedelic and tribal influences, creating an almost meditative yet powerful listening experience.
5. “Matador”
A fan-favorite, “Matador” delivers a mix of heavy riffs, reggae grooves, and unpredictable tempo shifts, embodying everything that makes WilaBaliW unique
Albums and Discography
1. 10 10 10 (2010)
WilaBaliW’s debut album, 10 10 10, is an explosive collection of hard-hitting riffs, deep grooves, and unpredictable shifts in tone and tempo. This album established them as one of the most unique bands in the OPM rock and metal scene.
2. Aurum (2019)
After years of pushing boundaries, they released Aurum, an album that further refined their sound, balancing the heaviness with more intricate and atmospheric elements.
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| Cover art of the album Aurum |
WilaBaliW’s Impact on OPM
1. They Redefined Heavy Music in the Philippines
WilaBaliW proved that heavy music didn’t have to stick to one style—it could be groovy, spiritual, and experimental, all while staying heavy and intense.
2. Their Live Shows Are Legendary
If you’ve ever been to a WilaBaliW concert, you know it’s not just a gig—it’s an experience. Their high-energy performances, complete with tribal drum circles and hypnotic visuals, make them one of the most electrifying live acts in the country.
3. They Inspire Genre-Bending Artists
Many up-and-coming bands in the Philippine rock scene credit WilaBaliW as an influence, proving that genre fusion can be a powerful tool in music.
Final Thoughts to Ponder
With their mind-bending mix of hardcore, reggae, tribal beats, and progressive rock, the band who labeled themselves ‘crazy’ in a certain way, established themselves as one of the most unique and fearless acts in OPM history.
If you’re a fan of music that challenges conventions, pushes boundaries, and makes you move, WilaBaliW is a band you need to have in your playlist. Whether you’re headbanging to their heavy breakdowns or swaying to their hypnotic reggae grooves, one thing is certain: WilaBaliW will take you on a musical journey like no other.
So, what’s your favorite WilaBaliW song? Let’s keep the conversation going and celebrate this one-of-a-kind band!
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