PULP Summer Slam XX: Worlds Collide – The End, the venerable metal festival that has been a cornerstone of Southeast Asian metal culture, bid a thunderous farewell to Filipino heavy metal aficionados on March 23rd, 2024, at the renowned Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City.
The festival showcased an electrifying all-international lineup, featuring nine globally acclaimed bands representing diverse subgenres within heavy metal. From Italy, the awe-inspiring symphonic and technical death metal of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE enthralled the audience. In contrast, the fierce all-female death metal prowess of Brazil’s CRYPTA resonated with metalheads worldwide. Adding a vibrant mix of sound and spectacle, Seoul’s ROLLING QUARTZ brought their genre-bending rock, and Japan’s PROMPTS showcased melodic heavy metal excellence. Representing the United States were LA DISPUTE, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, OF VIRTUE, and co-headliner STORY OF THE YEAR, each contributing unique musical styles ranging from post-hardcore to punk rock.
Taking the stage as the festival’s headline act, PARKWAY DRIVE from Australia unleashed its signature metalcore thunder, captivating the audience with unparalleled energy and musical prowess. Comprising vocalist Winston McCall, guitarist Jeff Ling, Luke Kilpatrick, bassist Jia O’Connor, and drummer Ben Gordon, Parkway Drive’s return to the Philippines after 12 years since their last appearance in 2011 marked a monumental moment for fans.
PULP Summer Slam’s legacy as the premier metal festival for Filipino fans has been etched in metal history since its inception in 2000. It has evolved into an annual pilgrimage where metal enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond converge to celebrate the music, camaraderie, and passion that define the global heavy metal community. The festival’s significance transcends mere entertainment, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit and unity fostered by heavy metal culture.
As PULP Summer Slam XX: Worlds Collide – The End concludes its chapter, it leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, shared experiences, and a profound appreciation for the unifying power of metal music in the hearts of Filipino fans.