From metal beginnings to pop-punk resurgence, 18.18 embodies Saigon’s evolving sound — experienced musicians rediscovering youth through energy, love, and chemistry. Frontman Billy shares the band’s journey, creative process, and plans to push Vietnamese alternative music further than ever before.
Vietnam’s hardcore-thrash powerhouse CÚT LỘN is heading to Europe, confirmed for Obscene Extreme 2026, the first Vietnamese band to hit the festival’s main stage. Fresh off their new EP Dzữa, the band promises more EU tour dates soon.
CÚT LỘN’s Dzữa captures the band’s full transformation — from chaotic punk pranksters to a dark, disciplined force. Recorded by Bomb and produced by Sọt, the seven-track EP blends unfiltered aggression with precision and weight. From the title track’s feral riffs to the haunting slowdown of Mãn and the emotional depth of Hôm Qua, every moment feels intentional. It’s heavy,
Cút Lộn shed their Pikachu past and embrace their final form with Dzữa — a storm of distortion, rage, and strange beauty. Seven new tracks that mark the band’s most visceral and unflinching work yet.
Singapore’s Tariot returned to Saigon alongside Under Pressure, Empathize, Hypertension, and Diarsia for Hiệp Sĩ Mèo Đắm Đuối Nhìn Nhạc Co!. A night of growth, grit, and reflection—showing how far the scene has come, and what it still needs to learn.
Artifact grew from Wagga Wagga’s small-town grit into a dual-vocal force carving its place in Australia’s crowded metalcore scene. Now, with “Umbra” on the way and their first Asian tour behind them, they’re stepping into a new era.
All Mixed Up Vol.7 brought Brit-pop, post-rock, punk, and post-metal together on one stage. Despite a mid-show injury that paused the night, the series proved its value—equal space for different sounds, and a reminder that community care keeps shows alive.
Hanoi’s Blood Serpent and Osaka’s Iron Bludgeon unite in Baptized in Iron and Blood, a six-track split of black/death and war-metal fury. Released via House of Ygra, the EP delivers raw aggression, ritualistic atmosphere, and uncompromising underground intensity.
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.
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.
