Hydrophobia to make splash on Philippine shores

Hydrophobia to make splash on Philippine shores

By Rick Olivares

Japanese death metal band Hydrophobia is keenly looking to make a splash on Philippine shores this coming March 4 at the 123 Block.

The three-piece unit (Rin on vocals and guitars, Tera on bass and vocals, and Tetsuo-rrow on drums) out of Fukuoka has been grinding bones and taking names since it formed in 1996. They will be opening along with Filipino death metal band Paganfire for American band Nunslaughter. 

Hydrophobia hopes to gain traction once more after numerous stop-starts emanating from personal challenges to even those of the natural kind. Rin, the sole original member of Hydrophobia bared the numerous challenges the band has had to face, “It has been 12 years since we released our one and only album, Human Shredder,” said Rin. “We’ve had many challenges. Our bassist quit the band after the (devastating) earthquake of 2011. And for seven years, we played with a revolving door of bassists until we got Tera.”

And there’s the rat race of work. One that is the bane of many underground bands everywhere. “It is no different no Japan,” admitted Rin. “Many bands do not last long (in the local extreme music scene). We have to work to eat as well.” 

“Now we have a full line-up, the next plan is to record (our long-awaited) new album.”

First things first. Hydrophobia will be hitting Philippine shores after being invited by Alvin Esperanza of Insane Bazooka promotions. 

“We really cannot wait to play in Manila to not only open for Nunslaughter but to also meet our Filipino fans,” enthused Rin who expressed happiness that they have a following outside their native Japan. “We will perform our best.”