Non Compliant Issue No. 9: BATANGAS RELEASE PARTY : Reviewed!

It's been some time since BYSTORM played Batangas City and we weren't supposed to play in this show because I was about to attend some company function in the north but somehow it didn't push through so BYSTORM was on!

The BYSTORM crew met at the Buendia Bus station around 3:30 PM to make it to the show early. we hopped on the bus and after a few minutes we were on the way. Not wanting to miss out on some sleep for some much-needed rest, I snoozed while True Colors and Justice were playing on the iPod. Euro-hardcore at its best.

I was wearing my new IRON AGE shirt that time (from Rupert of Eskapo, hi buddy!) so I was feeling mighty good that it will a good show. The trip was taking too long and we're running out of stories to tell each other. After getting a little bit lost, we finally made it to SM Batangas where we met Felix and Mike of Sauna. We ate some Lots-A-Pizza (instead of the traditional yellow Cab or tofu from Jose's Goto..hehe..that name is funny..) and headed to the venue.

After waiting for the crowd and the other bands to arrive, the show finally kicked off with NOISE CONSPIRACY PROJECT from Sampaloc. Intense 2-man grinding mayhem with Arjelou on guest vocals since CONDEMNED won't be able to play that night. They were followed by ONE FOUR ZERO from Batangas City. Melodic stuff which I heard only outside the venue since I was talking to some people at that time. They were followed by JUDGEMENT who turned out to be the surprise of the night. Heavy pounding hardcore which reminded me of Buried Alive. They were followed by VAGRANT, who I failed to see because we went out to get some water. Stores in Batangas are very far from each other. Damn. I hate those long walks.

NOISE CONSPIRACY PROJECT

JUDGEMENT

There were also some Rotary Club members who made a presentation regarding the state of Thresher Sharks in the sea between Mindoro and Batangas and how the Batanguenos can work to preserve and save the different fish species in the region. Right on!

ISVARAH from manila played next with more devastating hardcore. these guys never disappoint. BYSTORM came up next and we played (I think...) an awesome set. We got some videos from that show which we'll upload soon, so watch out for that. SAUNA played next to the delight of the hometown crowd and these guys whipped them into a frenzy. Awesome band with awesome people Still waiting for that Sauna shirt, though. Hehe. NUCLEAR PUNISHMENT came up next, total Cavite metallic hardcore domination. Raging! After eating and waiting for some people, we took a long walk to go to the bus terminal to go home. It was a long ride home but it was worth it. Thanks to all the people who came to the show to give their support. and Batangas, kids, watch out when MAGRUDERGRIND hits Batangas next month! It's going to be a blast!!

ISVARAH

SAUNA

BLACKLISTED "Stations" shirt - Hell yeah!


Good stuff: One of the greatest games of the season - Celtics beating the Cavs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals to advance to the Conference Finals to face Detroit! ; RICHARD COLLIER 'For the Love of Death' advance copy (see download link below for a sample)

Bad stuff: Typhoon 'Cosme' which ravaged the North