Ten years of bold hops, DIY heart, and underground spirit, that’s what Rooster Beer brought to the table as they marked their decade-long journey with one of the most unforgettable nights in Saigon’s alternative music history. Known not just for their craft beers but for their consistent support of Vietnam’s independent creative scenes, Rooster decided to celebrate this milestone not with a gala, but with a full-blown live showcase that pulsed with raw energy, diverse sounds, and pure underground power.
The Rooster 10th Anniversary Show pulled together a rich and noisy lineup. Three hometown heavyweights, three traveling guests, and a fired-up crowd that showed up hours before doors even opened. Some came for the merch. Some came to sign up for Rooster’s legendary beer games. But all came for the same thing: to be a part of a community that Rooster has proudly helped grow and ferment, just like its award-winning brews.
Before we even get to the amps and drums, let’s pause and take stock of what Rooster Beer had been cooking in the weeks leading up to this event. As part of the pre-anniversary buzz, the brewery ran a string of community-focused promotions, games, giveaways, and creative content, hyping not just the show but also its legacy. And just days before the big night, Rooster took home prestigious international awards in Hong Kong—further cementing their role not just as a local favorite, but as a global player in the craft beer scene. With the backdrop of these accomplishments, the event had an extra layer of pride. Rooster Beer was here to stay, to grow, and to continue empowering Vietnam’s creative underground.
Opening with a Blast
Infecated is one of Saigon’s oldest and most respected death metal units. Known for their technical execution and relentless live energy, they’ve become a staple at every heavy gathering in Vietnam. If you’ve ever seen Infecated live, you know what’s coming: velocity, precision, and ferocity. The death metal veterans from Saigon didn’t waste a second, launching into a technically jaw-dropping set that snapped necks and jolted the crowd out of their early-evening beer haze.
From rapid-fire riffs to dizzying solos, Infecated’s musicianship shone like polished bone under stage lights. Their presence reminded everyone that metal, when done right, is less about brutality and more about discipline, craft, and control. The perfect opener to set the night on fire.
Raw Power from the North
Next up: a fresh blast of northern punk chaos. Hanoi-based trio Nuclear Stockpiles brought first-time energy to their debut Saigon gig, and the crowd ate it up.
Their sound? Fast, unfiltered, and straight-up confrontational. With their debut single freshly released and more on the way, they used this opportunity to showcase new material—shaky, shouty, and full of pulse. With catchy two-step riffs and tight, punchy song structures, the band offered a preview of what could soon become a defining voice in Vietnam’s new punk wave.
Stage Dives and Singalongs
By now, the venue was packed, sweat was dripping, and the buzz of the crowd reached a fever pitch. Enter: 9xacly.
It’s hard to overstate the magnetic pull this band has in Saigon. Their fans don’t just watch—they participate. Within seconds, bodies were flying and lyrics were being screamed back at the stage. The band’s newest single, “Real Deal” dropped just before the event, so the anticipation was real—and so were the circle pits.
It’s the kind of performance that reminds you why hardcore is more than music—it’s a connection. Pure, unfiltered release. Rooster picked the perfect band to ignite the middle of the lineup.
A Toast to the Past, Present, and Future
In the middle of this sweaty chaos came a surprising break: time to breathe, drink, and celebrate.
CEO Don Viteri took the mic soon after. A drummer himself, Don has long supported underground acts not only financially but as a genuine fan and friend of the scene. His short but powerful speech reminded everyone in attendance what Rooster stands for: bold ideas, creative spirit, and unshakable support for local culture. Rooster’s team brought out a birthday cake, and the infamous horn-chugging contest took center stage. Contestants lined up, hearts racing. It wasn’t just a drinking game—it was a celebration of community.
Legacy Setlist
With renewed energy (and probably some beer-fueled bravery), the crowd welcomed Cút Lộn with raised fists. Known for their chaotic performances and experimental blend of punk and trash metal, this time the band brought something a little different. Instead of leaning heavily on their newest record (as they’ve been doing in recent months), Cút Lộn dug deep into their archives. The result was a crowd-pleasing mix of classics that long-time fans screamed for—and got.
The performance didn’t lose an ounce of energy. If anything, revisiting older tracks reignited something wild. The crowd was right there with them, from the first chord to the last breakdown.
From Hong Kong with Fury
Snails might have been newcomers to Vietnam, but by the end of their set, they felt like local heroes. Snails are a hardcore/post-hardcore band from Hong Kong known for their crushing riffs and emotionally-charged live sets. Their lyrics explore urban decay, identity, and resistance—all themes that hit hard across borders.
This Hong Kong act exploded onto the stage with clinical precision and an emotional intensity that swept through the crowd like a monsoon. It’s not often you get to witness a band making their local debut with such confidence, connection, and sheer talent. Their transitions were razor-sharp. Their stage presence was magnetic. And their songs—tight, aggressive, and loaded with hooks—left the audience begging for more.
The band didn’t run off to the green room (not just because there wasn’t one haha), they stayed to talk, share stories, and connect with fans. The kind of interaction that makes nights like this unforgettable.
Metal Opens and then Closes the Night
Rooster opened the show with metal, and they closed it with metal. But this wasn’t just any metal—it was full Viking fury. Originally from Russia and now based in Nha Trang, Horn of Asgard blends Viking lore with high-octane metal to create an immersive live experience that is equal parts concert and ritual.
Horn of Asgard brought theatrics, fire, and mythology to the stage. Dressed in costumes that looked straight out of a Norse saga, the band used runes, visuals, and smoke to turn the venue into a battlefield. But underneath the pageantry was musical power—melodic solos, heavy chugs, and chant-like choruses that got the crowd stomping along. This band casts spells. As the final notes rang out, the audience knew they’d witnessed something epic.
As the lights dimmed and sweaty fans hugged their friends goodbye, one thing was clear: Rooster Beer didn’t just celebrate ten years—they celebrated a community.
This night wasn’t about headliners or genre wars. It was about giving a stage to voices from all corners of the Vietnamese (and regional) underground, showing just how rich, diverse, and unified this scene can be. From death metal vets to fresh punk voices, from Hong Kong imports to Nha Trang Vikings, the night covered the spectrum of DIY sound and energy.
Rooster Beer reminded us why they’ve stayed relevant for a decade—not just because they make great beer (they do), but because they invest in the soul of the city. They show up, they support, they celebrate.
And we’re damn lucky to have them.
Here’s to the next ten years. More noise. More beers. More shows.
Photo: Tran Khang
