The Emergence of a Heavy Metal Scene in Iligan City: An Oral History

Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna; Diane Marie Solis-Loberanes; Artchil C.  Daug

doi:10.18733/cpi29777

Authors

Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology
Diane Marie Solis-Loberanes Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology
Artchil C. Daug

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18733/cpi29777

Keywords:

Iligan metal music, metal communities, metal music scene, Iligan local history

Abstract

Heavy metal musicians and dedicated fans in Iligan City developed their own local music scene exclusive from all the different genres of mainstream music. Its oral history tells us that its emergence can be traced back during the late 1990’s in Iligan City when many metal bands sprouted and thrived to express their music in various concerts. These bands were eventually coordinated and organized into the so-called ‘Troops of Doom’. Out of this organization came their own music production called ‘DOOM Productions’ which initiated all metal music concert/ gig and provided an avenue for dedicated fans to interact and listen to metal music. This creation of a ‘scene’ can be reflected to their commitment in this metal ‘subculture’ which they perceived as not only about the music but also as an ethos. This study documents this early beginnings of the metal scene in Iligan City and a look at their originally developed songs.

Author Biographies

Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology

Neil Arkhe P. Azcuna is an Assistant History Professor at the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology. He has a Master’s degree in History and his field of interests revolves around urban history, underground subcultures, literature, and the performing arts. Aside from academic work, he is also a playwright, theatre artist, musician, photographer and is actively involved in cultural work in the Philippines.

Diane Marie Solis-Loberanes, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology

Diane Marie Solis-Loberanes is a graduate of BA History at the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology. She is an artist and currently doing freelance work. She is an avid metal listener, her music influences started on Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and during her late teen years transitioned to gothic/symphonic metal. At present, Diane is a mom and a wife, loves swimming, and recently discovered a newfound pastime watching movies at Mubi.

Artchil C. Daug

Artchil C. Daug is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology. He finished his Master of Arts degree in Anthropology in 2017 from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City. He currently specializes in Rizalian studies, philosophy of history, theoretical Lacanian psychoanalysis, and Zizekian studies.

References

Arnett, J. (1996). Metalheads: Heavy Metal Music and Adolescent Alienation. Westview Press.

Liberg, M. (2006). “Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out”: The Haight Ashbury Subcultural Lifestyle and Music-Modeling the Counterculture. University of Oslo.

Phillips, W., & Cogan, B. (2009b). Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music. ABC-CLIO.

Romero, N., Estellés, M., & Grant, W. (2023). Theorizing Māori-Philippine solidarities through agential realism and punk rock pedagogy. Research in Education, 115(1), 47-63. https://doi.org/10.1177/00345237221110917

Straw, W. (2001). Scenes and Sensibilities. Public (22-23). Retrieved from: https://public.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/public/article/view/30335

Weinstein, D. (2009). Heavy Metal: The Music and Its Culture. Hachette: UK.

de Klepper, S., Molpheta, S., Pille, S., Saouma, R., During, R., & Muilwijk, M. (2007). Cultural heritage and history in the European metal scene. Belvedere Educational Network [etc.]. Retrieved from: https://edepot.wur.nl/21020

Dunn, S., McFayden, S., & Wise, J. (Directors). (2005). Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey [Film]. Bangers Productions. Canada.