Slapshock: 18 Years and Counting

Not the best photo but there's a huge chance that this is the only photo like this from their mini gig at SM Taytay last September 25, 2015 :)


Slapshock

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Slapshock is a heavy metal band from Manila, Philippines. They were formed in 1996, originally as a rap metal act, with their early musical style being compared to Korn. They have since shifted towards a metalcore style.

The group was formed on February 14, 1997 by several students at UP Diliman, with original vocalist Reynold Munsayac; he was soon replaced with guitarist Jerry Basco's cousin, Jamir Garcia. Heavily influenced by American East Coast rap, they played in clubs in Manila in the 1990s before signing to EMI Philippines (now PolyEast Records) and releasing their debut album, 4th Degree Burn, in 1999. The group has released six albums and been met with sustained commercial success in the Philippines, particularly with their third album, Project 11-41. They were nominated for Band of the Year at the NU107 Rock Awards in 2001 and 2002, and in 2003 were nominated for Best Artist by MTV Asia. Bassist Lee Nadela was also named Bassist of the Year at the 2001 NU107 Rock Awards.

The band was featured in Rivermaya's first live album, Live and Acoustic, filmed and recorded on May 18, 2002 from the "Double Trouble: Akoustik Rampage" concert held at the Music Museum, Greenhills, San Juan.

In 2007, Slapshock released their 2nd compilation album, "Recollection" - a collection of their greatest hits and includes a new track, "Sigaw" (Shout).


Thanks Wikipedia, for giving us a nice introduction of the band.


I call myself a fan of this band, a member of the Slap Army (the name of their fans), but honestly, I don't know much about the band's early career or their continuous journey in the Philippine music industry.


I can't recall the exact moment when I started listening to their songs, loving them, saving them on my phone, and listening to them over and over again.


I can't remember which of their many awesome songs did I hear first and which of them I fell in love with first. 


What I do remember is this: The moment I got hooked by their music, I'm addicted for life. I love their Tagalog songs the most. For obvious reasons: Tagalog is really nice to the ear and I love hearing songs sung in our native tongue. It's sexier for me to hear metal bands singing Tagalog songs, although English is good too! Tagalog just have its unique charm. :)


My favorite member would be Jamir. I know it's cliche to like the vocalist since they serve as the face of the band and is often the most popular member of the group. I love him because of his voice, because of his talent in singing. How sweet his voice can become one second then the next he would be belting out growls. Perfect transition from clean tone to rough. I'm forever at awe!


I like Chi the drummer too! Aside from his beautiful face, highlighted by his tall nose, he's also the drummer. I have a soft spot for drummers, given that it's my fantasy to be one.


Last September 25, I was able to watch them live again. The last time would be April 25 of this year for the annual Pulp Summer Slam.


Slapshock is special for me because:

1. They're the only metal band that could get me giddy just by the thought of watching them live.
2. Theirs are the only songs that could make me jump up and down whenever I attend their gigs.
3. Theirs are the only songs I know by heart. (This surprised me the first time I was able to sing along every song they played at SM Marikina when I was still in college.)


Another thing I love about this band is their brotherhood. I love that pic above because it's a plain evidence of their great friendship (not that their 18 years touring together, making songs together, and staying together is a weak proof of it).


That night, though alone, I enjoyed the music, loved the crowd, and got smitten by the band once more. In my spot at the backside of the stage, I was the only one singing along, clapping, cheering. I would've jumped too if not for the little girl beside me. I was afraid I might scare her off. Hehe.


It was another great night like the others. I'd be looking forward to more!



Truth Serum

We talk.
That's what we always do.
I talk.
That's what I always do.
I talk about things.
A lot of things.


From the most mundane.
To the more significant as I believe.
You will listen.
And you will give your two cents about it.
You always do.


You like talking to me,
I know even without you telling me so.
You speak your mind,
You know I will listen.
I always do.


I love talking to you.
Hearing your thoughts.
Having a peek at your mind.


You always make me laugh.
Yes. Even without you meaning to.
It's just that
I'm happy just by talking to you.


With you I open up.
My guards effortlessly crumbling down.
I want you know me.
My inner thoughts,
My deepest musings.


I want you to know me.
The way that nobody else does.
I like that you make time
To hear me when I talk
To analyze my thoughts when I throw them your way.


I know I talk a lot.
But with you I talk more.
It's because I don't want our conversations to end.
I want them to go on and on.
On and on.


I share with you my thoughts.
I share with you my opinions.
With you I hide nothing.
My cards laid on the table.


I wish I can share my feelings too.
After all,
You are my Truth Serum.

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