Saigon’s Empathize represent Vietnam on Beyond the Wire, a Southeast Asian hardcore split via Stick Tight Records. Featuring one fresh track each from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the release unites four cultures under a single, powerful hardcore banner.
Happy.co’s debut EP “Displacement Over Time” captures the spirit of a band that has already made its mark on Saigon’s underground scene. The release balances hardcore aggression, punk energy, and melodic nuance, offering tracks that fans will immediately recognize from live shows. Highlights like Orobourus, Howl, and One in the Morning showcase the band’s ability to shift between raw heaviness and emotional depth. While there are small imperfections in vocal delivery, the overall execution is strong, making this a highly promising debut.
From Ruôk’s swirling improvisations to 1818’s unexpected heaviness and Cút Lộn’s relentless chaos, the night built toward Vision of Fatima’s genre-bending finale. A storm outside couldn’t compete with the energy inside—each band driving the crowd deeper into the current.
Hoan Hô Concert 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of music, but a powerful reminder of what community, honesty, and raw creativity can build. From gentle verses to ska chaos, each act echoed the independent spirit loud and clear.
Taiwan’s Xmoraz fuse melodic metalcore with classical flair, but their true power lies in purpose — spreading hope through heavy music. Before tearing up Vietnam with District 105, they told us about their roots, struggles, and mission to heal, not hurt.
Summer Madness in Nha Trang was bold, chaotic, and unforgettable. From genre-spanning performances and surprise rainstorms to an abrupt, tense ending, the night showed both the promise and growing pains of a young scene daring to dream bigger. Lessons await.
