In 2000, Philippine hard rock/metal trio
Sky Church released
Unaware, Unwarned. The group comprises three Dela Cruz brothers, who play guitar, bass, and drums. All three members sing, although lead vocals are credited to Russell Dela Cruz. The music of
Sky Church is menacing, hard-edged, and raw, much in the manner of
Pantera and early
Metallica. The vocals of
Sky Church are gruff and growling, akin to the growl-throated vocals of
Pantera.
Sky Church's music moves in raw-edged precision, the guitar, bass. and drum working in menacing synergy. The songs are written by guitarist Rommel Dela Cruz and bassist Russell Dela Cruz. In their lyrics,
Sky Church sees the evilness and decay in the world, but they also see the possibility of redemption. Still, redemption is something that must be earned: "Faith would show you the way/The power to think and to choose/Utilize this" from "Genesis."
Musically, the band moves in threatening precision throughout the album, the growl-throated vocals slithering among the onslaught of raw-edged guitar and grumbling basslines, as the drums pound incessantly. There are no ballads on this hardcore, take-no-prisoners album. Some songs, however, feature the vivaciousness of punk. "Reality," for example, has a guitar line reminiscent of the riveting guitar line in the
Sex Pistols' "Holidays in the Sun." "Bitter" also moves with the charm and fury of punk.
Unaware, Unwarned isn't for everyone, but for those who enjoy relentless hardcore metal. ~ David Gonzales