Originally set to be a storming return for Australia’s Alpha Wolf in Ho Chi Minh City, the event was reshaped by circumstance. When the band was forced to cancel their Southeast Asia run due to unavoidable reasons, the future of the show was momentarily uncertain. But instead of folding, we doubled down. What could’ve been a disappointment turned into something much deeper—a celebration of our own scene, a display of unity and power that only a local lineup could deliver.
Thus, “Không Sói, Không Sao” was born—not just a tongue-in-cheek play on words but a rallying cry. No wolf? No problem. The hardcore and metal community responded with full force, filling Golden Bird’s even after a full afternoon of relentless rain. Ponchos, soaked boots, and humid gear couldn’t stop a single soul from stepping into the pit. The result? A night that proved that this scene isn’t held up by any one band—it’s held up by all of us.
FINAL HEAVEN: STARTING STRONG
Opening a show is never easy, but Final Heaven didn’t show a single sign of hesitation. From the first notes of their set, the band established themselves as a force to watch. Their performance was tight, emotionally resonant, and incredibly energetic—a rare combination for a first act. Whether it was the raw vocal delivery or the powerful instrumentals, they made sure the room was locked in from the start. If anyone in the crowd had doubts about coming early, they were immediately silenced by the sheer conviction Final Heaven brought to the stage.
EMPATHIZE: BEATDOWN ENERGY IN FULL FORCE
Following up was Empathize, and they made Golden Bird’s shake—literally. Leaning heavily into beatdown and two-step rhythms, they brought heavy riffs, slow-churning breakdowns, and raw crowd energy that transformed the space from a gig into a war zone. Audience members didn’t wait for permission—they were on stage, grabbing the mic, screaming their hearts out, and launching themselves into the pit. It was textbook hardcore: fast, loud, unapologetic, and collective. Empathize didn’t just play a set—they started a fire.
UNDER PRESSURE: KEEPING THE STORM ROLLING
As Empathize left the stage, the floor was still shaking—and Under Pressure was more than ready to keep that energy alive. With a sound cut from the same cloth but delivered with their own unique style, they pushed the crowd even further. Their transitions were sharp, their breakdowns hit hard, and the vocals were ferocious. You could feel the chemistry between the band and the crowd in every shouted lyric and every kick from the pit. They brought no gimmicks, no pauses—just pure, pounding intensity.
DISTRICT 105: CROWD FAVORITES UNLEASH CHAOS
By the time District 105 hit the stage, the crowd was primed and ready. From the very first song, it was clear why they’re a fan favorite. Singalongs broke out, circle pits opened wide, and the connection between band and audience was undeniable. Their set had emotional weight, unrelenting drive, and an ability to move bodies and hearts alike. The way they worked the crowd—inviting movement, fueling screams—felt effortless. There’s no better word than catharsis for what happened during their time on stage.
THÁNH DỰC: METALHEADS, RISE
Bringing a sonic shift in the lineup, Thánh Dực came in loud, fast, and heavy—the only pure metal band of the evening, and proud of it. Their set was a showcase of extreme musicianship: crushing growls, razor-sharp guitar work, thunderous drumming, and an eerie layer of keyboard ambiance that added a haunted texture to the already bruising sound. There was no pit etiquette here—only headbanging madness, windmilling hair, and adrenaline. It’s no exaggeration to say half the crowd needed Salonpas after their performance. Thanh Đức brought the metal hammer down, and the crowd begged for more.
DIARSIA: DEATHCORE FINISHING MOVE
Closing the night was none other than Diarsia, and what a way to go out. Fronted by the charismatic Jazzika, the band unleashed a tidal wave of hybrid deathcore—riddled with technical riffs, hellish breakdowns, and massive drops that left no neck unbroken. The crowd was still energized despite the hour, proving again that in Vietnam, we don’t leave before the last note. Diarsia’s set had everything: stage presence, crowd control, sheer brutality, and an unexpected sense of joy that came from sharing something so heavy with so many people who felt it deeply.
A SCENE THAT STANDS TOGETHER
What started as a bump in the road ended as a landmark moment. “Không Sói, Không Sao” wasn’t just a backup plan—it was a full-scale reminder that Vietnam’s hardcore and metal scene is alive, breathing, and built on something stronger than hype: community.
Rain couldn’t kill it. Lineup changes couldn’t shake it. And missing a big international headliner didn’t stop it from being one of the most heartfelt and impactful nights of the year.
Because here’s the truth: this scene is as strong as the people who show up. And on April 10th, people showed up—in the pit, on stage, and shoulder to shoulder, shouting lyrics, sweating, and backing each other.
To every band who brought the fire, to every person who held the line, and to every hand raised in the pit—we thank you. This is ours. Let’s keep building it, together.
See you at the next one.
No wolves? No problem. The pack is already here.
Photos: Tran Khang
