There are a lot of rap-metal acts out there but Sendero sets itself from the rest by upping the dosage of metal riffs and progressions to their songs. Another factor which makes their 'metal' aspect unique is that it uses the harmonies and arrangements of 90's Pinoy Metal Alternative, mixed with other musical styles like blues, jazz and rock.
The eccentric sound of Sendero is from the combined talents of Clint Aquino, with his vocal projection and guitar playing which seems like a mix of 'Tom Morello's experimental licks and 'Munky Shaffer's adventurous attitude, Ian Mendoza, who provides the bass with playful mix of funk and metal reminiscent of 'Alex Katunich' from Incubus, and Nawaf Aldebasi, whose skills on the drums punches through the thin line that seperates the deep, groove based beats of rap with the power and aggression of metal.
Based in Manila, Philippines, the group first got together back in 2005 with Clint and Ian. Nawaf later came to replace the former drummer who went abroad. Their name came in a drinking session at Ian's house, while watching a live performance video of their favorite band, Rage Against the Machine. While watching 'Bombtrack' they saw the phrase 'Sendero Luminoso' (the name of a Maoist insurgent guerrilla organization in Peru) from which they shortened and used to replace their former name.
Sendero's songs doesn't hide behind hidden meanings or fancy alliterations or homonyms. What you get is the message, direct meaning, up front. This maybe partly due to their songwriting style which is more spontaneous and direct, wherein all members pull in their thoughts and ideas. You can listen to their sample tracks on their
Facebook or
Myspace page, but I do recommend you see them live to get the full energy of their songs.
At long last, the monsters of Nu Metal are coming to the land of carabaos, traffic and people opposed to family planning.
