Having that feeling of the wanting to avoid the typical texture of OPM? Well, you've just hit the jackpot! The band we’re showcasing here isn’t the conventional group many of us are so accustomed to. Whether you're a die-hard fan who's been following them since the 90s or someone who just discovered their groundbreaking sound, this is your one-stop guide to everything Greyhoundz.
Trust us, by the time you finish reading this, you'll know why this band isn't just another metal act—they're cultural icons who changed the face of Filipino heavy music forever. So grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let's get to know one of OPM's most revolutionary bands ever!
Who Are Greyhoundz?
Greyhoundz burst onto the Filipino music scene in the mid-90s, quickly establishing themselves as pioneers of the nu metal and rap metal genres in the Philippines. Think of them as the country's answer to bands like Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit, and Korn, but with a distinctly Filipino identity and perspective.
What made them stand out was their ability to seamlessly blend heavy metal riffs with hip-hop elements, all while addressing social issues that resonated deeply with Filipino youth. If you've never experienced their music, imagine aggressive guitar work, pounding drums, and vocals that shift between melodic singing, hardcore screaming, and rapid-fire rapping—often switching between English and Tagalog.
Formed in 1997, Greyhoundz originally consisted of:
- Reg Rubio - vocals
- Allen Burdeos - guitars
- Niño Avenido - bass
- TJ Brillantes - drums
The band came together in Quezon City, and from their earliest days, they were known for their intense, high-energy performances that left audiences both exhausted and exhilarated.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
During a time when pop and ballads dominated Filipino airwaves, Greyhoundz carved out a space for heavier music. They weren't just playing songs; they were creating a community for metalheads and alternative music fans across the Philippines.
Their self-titled debut album "Greyhoundz" was released under Sonic Boom Productions in 1999 and immediately turned heads in the local music scene. But it was their sophomore effort, "7 Corners of Your Game" (2001), that truly cemented their status as icons of Filipino metal.
This album gave us timeless classics like "Apoy" and "Pigface"—songs that would become anthems for an entire generation of rock fans in the Philippines. If you've been to any Filipino rock club in the early 2000s, you've definitely pumped your fist to these tracks at least once!
Musical Style and Influences
What makes Greyhoundz special is their musical versatility. While firmly rooted in nu metal, they've never been afraid to experiment with other genres. Their sound incorporates elements of:
- Traditional heavy metal
- Rap and hip-hop
- Hardcore punk
- Funk metal
- Alternative rock
The band cites influences like Rage Against the Machine, Korn, Deftones, and Faith No More, but they've always maintained their unique identity rather than simply copying international acts. Their lyrics often tackle social and political issues—poverty, corruption, inequality—themes that particularly resonated with Filipino youth feeling disenfranchised by the system.
The Kings of Pinoy Nu Metal: Greyhoundz vs. Slapshock
When discussing the greatest nu metal acts in OPM history, two names invariably dominate the conversation: Greyhoundz and Slapshock. Since the late '90s, these two powerhouses have been regarded as the twin pillars of Filipino heavy music, each carving out their distinctive place in the scene.
What's fascinating about this dynamic is that despite what fans might have projected onto them, there was never a true rivalry between the bands. Instead, there was mutual respect and a shared mission to elevate Filipino heavy music. The two bands often performed at the same events and festivals, creating legendary nights where fans could experience both of OPM's nu metal titans on a single stage.
While Slapshock (with their frontman Jamir Garcia) might have achieved slightly wider mainstream recognition, many hardcore metal enthusiasts consider Greyhoundz to be the more technically impressive and authentically aggressive act. Greyhoundz's willingness to experiment with extreme vocal styles and complex song structures gave them serious credibility among the most dedicated metal fans.
The "rivalry" that fans sometimes perceived was more about different approaches to the same genre. Slapshock leaned more toward the accessible side of nu metal with cleaner production and more melodic hooks, while Greyhoundz embraced a grittier, more underground aesthetic. This created natural fan divisions, but the bands themselves maintained professional relationships throughout their careers.
Today, both bands are rightfully celebrated as pioneers who legitimized heavy music in the Philippines and proved that OPM could compete with international acts in terms of intensity and musicianship. Ask any Filipino metal fan who's the best, and you'll likely spark a friendly but passionate debate—exactly the kind of legacy both bands have earned after decades of dominating the scene.
Greyhoundz’s Albums
If you're looking to dive into their discography, here are the must-listen albums:
- 7 Corners of Your Game (1999) - Their breakthrough debut album containing some of their biggest hits
- Greyhoundz (2001) - The self-titled album that solidified their place in the Filipino metal scene
- Apoy (2005) - A more mature sound that showcased their evolution as musicians, named after one of their signature songs
- Execution Style (2009) - Featuring a heavier, more aggressive approach
- Krus (2018) - The comeback album that proved they hadn't lost their edge
Iconic Songs Every Fan Should Know
If you’re thinking of making a starter Greyhoundz playlist, these tracks should suit the deed perfectly:
- "Pigface" - A nu metal anthem that showcases Reg Rubio's versatile vocal abilities
- "Mr. P.I.G." - Hard-hitting track with powerful social commentary
- "Party at 802" - Fan favorite known for its energetic live performances
- "Taking U High" - Notable collaboration featuring Jamir Garcia of Slapshock, Ian Tayao of Wilabaliw, and Bogoy Espejo of Zooom
- "Even" - Featured on the Asian Edition Soundtrack Album for the Spider-Man movie, giving them international exposure
International Recognition
While many Filipino bands struggle to gain recognition beyond national borders, Greyhoundz managed to achieve some noteworthy international exposure. Most significantly, their song "Even" was included in the official soundtrack of the blockbuster movie Spider-Man (2002), featured as one of the Asian Edition Bonus Tracks of the album.
This was no small achievement—the soundtrack featured music from major international artists such as Alien Ant Farm, The Strokes, Macy Gray, and Aerosmith. Greyhoundz stands as the only Filipino band included in this prestigious release, representing OPM on a global platform associated with one of the biggest film franchises of the early 2000s.
Their international footprint doesn't end there. Their song "Hole" was included in the soundtrack of the original The Ring movie, further cementing their status as one of the few Filipino heavy music acts to receive international placements. These accomplishments helped introduce Filipino nu metal to audiences outside the Philippines and demonstrated that the local scene could produce music worthy of global attention.
These international inclusions weren't just personal victories for the band—they represented important milestones for the entire Filipino metal community. For local fans, seeing Greyhoundz's name alongside established international acts validated the quality and legitimacy of the homegrown metal scene.
Challenges and Evolution
Like many bands with long careers, Greyhoundz has faced their share of challenges. The band has gone through lineup changes over the years, with Reg Rubio remaining the consistent frontman and creative force.
The mid-2000s saw a decline in popularity for nu metal globally, forcing the band to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. They went on hiatus at various points but always managed to come back stronger, much to the delight of their loyal fanbase.
After years of being relatively quiet, Greyhoundz made a comeback with their 2018 album "Krus." This return proved that even after all these years, their music still resonates with both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners discovering them for the first time.
Today, they continue to perform at festivals and special events across the Philippines, with their shows still characterized by the same energy and passion that made them famous in the first place. While the Filipino music scene has changed dramatically since their debut, Greyhoundz remains a respected name that commands attention whenever they take the stage.
Final Thoughts: Why Greyhoundz is Among the GOATs
Twenty-plus years after their formation, Greyhoundz remains one of the most important bands in Filipino rock history. Their influence can be heard in countless acts that followed, and their songs continue to be staples at rock clubs and on playlists across the country.
Whether you're a metal enthusiast or just someone curious about Filipino music beyond the mainstream, Greyhoundz offers something raw, authentic, and undeniably powerful. They're not just a band; they're a cultural institution that helped define an era of Filipino music.
So there you have it—everything you need to know about Greyhoundz! From their humble beginnings to their status as legends of Pinoy rock, they've carved out a special place in the hearts of Filipino music fans. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and crank up some Greyhoundz today. Your ears will thank you!
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