In what was the first and largest gathering of the heavy metal faithful for the year 2022, perseverance and unshakeable passion seemed to be the overall theme and battle cry for the night, as the country’s newest hard rock outfit to lead the charge CHELSEA ALLEY did not fail to deliver the goods and gave it their collective all during their historic performance. Both the sound and the statement were so loud, that the proverbial ringing can still be heard and felt days after.
The momentous occasion was highlighted by a nearly two-hour blistering performance comprised of the band’s newest, never-before-heard original material, vintage Slapshock crowd favorites, and yes – even poignant moments, like an intermission and speech by de-facto Chelsea Alley founders guitarist Lean Ansing and drummer Chi Evora, and a moving acoustic solo performance of Linkin Park’s “Numb” by vocalist John Borja (the song which got him discovered by both Ansing and Evora in the first place…) which undoubtedly highlighted and proved his powerful vocal range.
Truly it was a non-stop barrage of sonically well-crafted hits, and the thousands that trooped to the Elements at Eton Centris in Diliman, Quezon City did not disappoint – and wasted no time in hoisting banners and offering their wholehearted support for the band, screaming along to every song and moshing in the pit like there was no tomorrow… it was a glorious, and highly emotional event to witness, especially considering that this is the first since the worldwide pandemic hit and put a stop to live events all over the world.
What was even more amazing is that the event was made absolutely free of charge and open to all, and crowd-goers were not only given first dibs on the official limited edition Macbeth x Chelsea Alley Event merch, but they were also treated to performances from the newest and most impressive slew of artists in the current local music scene: the enchanting pop-rock stylings of CARISSA (who lived-up to being a musical darling-of-the-crowd…), the pop-punk powerhouse SNAKEFIGHT who made a strong impression of being a solid, well-oiled live act and – all the way from Baguio – female-fronted DIVINA, whose brand of menacing hard rock quickly won-over the audience, who in turn, howled and applauded in approval.
Comprised of surviving Slapshock members Ansing and Evora, vocalist Borja (who was – once upon a time – considered to front for international rock superstars STONE TEMPLE PILOTS…) and guitarist Ariel Lumanlan (formerly of CHICOSCI and currently guitarist and founder for two underground hardcore bands, namely ARCADIA and TIL KINGDOM COME…), the band was also joined onstage by bassist Jose Siscar, who also currently plays for EVEN and PHILIA, an independent heavy metal band fronted by none other than celebrity Arci Muñoz.
Currently, the band is set to embark on an extensive mall tour and play as many shows in and out of the country as long as the global situation permits, and plans to release even more singles and music videos immediately in the months to come.
Macbeth Presents: Chelsea Alley – 1st Strike was produced and fueled by local apparel and footwear giant Macbeth Philippines, who promises that it was simply just the first strike – and that there is definitely more to come!
