When alternative rock exploded in the Philippines in the 1990s, Rivermaya was
one of the bands leading the charge. Formed in 1994 in Manila, the band blended
heaviness and melody in a way that reflected the global direction of
post-Nirvana rock.
Rivermaya’s self-titled album, released in 1994, set the tone for the band’s
output, and featured the core lineup that would propel the band through its
first three (and best-received) albums: vocalist Bamboo Mañalac, guitarist and
songwriter Rico Blanco, bassist Nathan Azarcon, and drummer Mark Escueta.
Original lead guitarist Perf ...