Cebu’s very own SHVRIKEN has emerged victorious at the Wacken Metal Battle Philippines on June 16, 2024, at MetroTent Convention Center, Pasig, setting its sights on the grand stage in Germany from July 31 to Aug. 3. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the band and places Cebu on the international metal map.
SunStar Lifestyle had the privilege of chatting with the Cebu metal band members to delve into their journey, musical influences and their upcoming plans for the Wacken Open Air Festival. From humble beginnings to a monumental victory SHVRIKEN’s story began in 2016 with vocalist Shawn “Shin” Talacero and guitarist Dave “Gyobu” Orat. Initially, the band performed Metalcore and Nu-metal covers, drawing inspiration from Japanese culture and anime.
The band underwent several lineup changes before solidifying its core in 2022 with bassist Pormz “Katsumoto” Porminal and drummer Jom “Kai” Perpetua. Earl “Tenzen” Borres joined the lineup in 2023, further enhancing their sound and stage presence. “The former members of the band consisted of various members from Three Legged Men, shout outs to them since some of them started SHVRIKEN,” shared Shawn, “Our name, SHVRIKEN, reflects our fascination with Japanese history, especially the era of samurais and shinobi.
We wanted our music and image to embody that spirit.” Despite not making it to the finals in the 2023 Wacken Metal Battle, SHVRIKEN persevered and clinched the grand champion tit.
