Valley Of Chrome: Their Wacken Open Air Experience and the PH Takeover

The first Wacken Metal Battle in the Philippines is just around the corner. Valley Of Chrome is one of the headlining acts performing at the grand finals, alongside Greyhoundz, Queso, and many other incredible bands. Valley Of Chrome was the first Filipino band to perform in Wacken Open Air in 2019.

We reached out to the band’s vocalist, Rogel, for a quick interview. We pick his brain about their band’s experience performing at Wacken Open Air in Germany, as well as what he can share with upcoming bands about the Philippines’ inaugural Wacken Metal Battle.

You made all Filipino metalheads proud when your band became the first Filipino metalcore band to perform at the Wacken Open Air Festival in Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany three years ago. How does it feel to headline the international music contest’s leg here in the Philippines?

Of course it feels good. Playing there is probably one of, if not the best moments of this band’s career. To bring Wacken Open Air to the local scene is an achievement and we are proud of it.

Can you tell us how your band was able to join in W:O:A Metal Battle in the past and how it influences your band’s career now?
It was just all about getting in touch with them. Our Manager Jeff Keenan is good in creating connections and I guess Wacken Open Air saw something in us that convinced them to have us play there. Career-wise, it made us more professional. We choose to channel it that way than fuel our egos. Hope it inspires other bands.

What is it like to be back on stage after the pandemic presented difficulties for live music events?
It just feels like waking up from a 2 year dream. It still feels the same but now, you put value in every moment more. This time you’ll never take it for granted be it a small or a large show.

What do you anticipate seeing from this years’ finalists?
Heavy, with a good attitude. Actually attitude for me is more important as it will resonate with the music you play.

What advice would you give to bands that are just getting started but have the ambition to perform in front of a huge crowd someday?
Never stop believing in yourself. Others will discourage and be negative about it, but at the end of the day, it’s all on you.

Is there anything in store for us at this year’s W:O:A Metal Battle Philippines Grand Finals in Amoranto?
The chance to make history. This is the very first so be a part of it.

The grand finals of the first Wacken Metal Battle will take place on July 8, 2022 at Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City. There will be performances by the country’s best bands, GREYHOUNDZ, Queso, Valley Of Chrome, Arcadia, SkyChurch, Typecast, Philia, VIE, Saydie, as well as the announcement of the winner, who will compete globally for a chance to perform at this year’s Wacken Open Air in Germany.