Doomed Confessionary: Joy, Jay & Carlo (Gapang)
Gapang is the brainchild of band members Joy Legason (bass & vocals), Jay Jumawan (guitars & vocals) and Carlo Garcia (drums), all of whom are veterans of the Philippine metal scene from as far back as 1994 and who are also past/current members of Barabbas, Descant Gott, Basalt Shrine, Badburn and Bought by Blood.
The band released their anticipated second full-length album »The Malpractice Observance« on May 20th, 2024 via Mindplight Recordings. Music-wise, the new material is more aggressive and has a far more potent vitriol lyrically, with topics ranging from mass stupidity, the current culture war, mental & social depravity, social engineering, and political corruption.
The music has shifted to an angrier and pissed-off attack utilizing crossover/thrash/crust aspects mixed with unrelenting doom/sludge dirge.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Joy: Well Gapang has always been about being HEAVY! We are a sludge/doom band based here at the highlands of Rizal, Philippines.
Jay: Slow. Dirty. Heavy.
Carlo: Heavy, slow, groove and unconventional but laid-back band.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Joy: Lately for me it’s been about time management between Gapang, my day job and doing bass duties for Badburn (hardcore band).
Jay: It took awhile for us to produce our latest album due to work and other commitments but eventually we managed to push through and release the CDs earlier this year, and are planning to work on another release before the year ends.
Carlo: Numerous heavy band equipment LOL!
What can you be most proud of so far?
Joy: That my band Gapang has released 2 full length albums (»Kontrasismo«, 2020 & »The Malpractice Observance«, 2024) and maybe our 30+ years in the underground metal scene?
Jay: Releasing multiple full-length albums and EPs.
Carlo: Being able to make/produce songs/albums and still play with passion and aggression.
What was your biggest regret?
Joy: Getting associated with a “manager” that turned out to be a total disaster, let’s not talk about it hahahhaa.
Jay: No regrets.
Carlo: None, because we just move on and don’t give an itch/f*ck about it.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Joy: The last Fete de La Musique was fun, we are currently doing the rounds of the provinces in support of the latest album »The Malpractice Observance«.
Carlo: Fête de la Musique, Hardcore Hope, HeavyF*ckinNights and God’s of Metal.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Joy: The volume of new bands coming up and them releasing albums, the Philippine Underground Metal Scene will always be strong!
Carlo: The community who enjoy this kind of music and the metalheads/musicians who still give their effort and passion to play.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Joy: Meshuggah »Nothing«, Down old albums, Carcass classic albums & the new releases from Iskariot, Bakunawa, Sagrado. I’m looking forward to the Santisima release!
Jay: Yob, Opeth, Otoboke Beaver, Neurosis.
Carlo: Weedeater, Down, Meshuggah, Psycroptic, Gojira, Bent Life and Merge for the Kill.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Joy: Learn to listen, and more volume doesn’t mean a heavier sound!
Jay: Do what is best for the song, not your ego.
Carlo: Be yourself, focus on what you have, master your weapon and enjoy everytime you play.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Joy: Peace and Quiet!
Jay: Watching YouTube videos of stupid people doing stupid things that get them maimed or punched in the face for being dumb. It’s amusing seeing idiots suffering the consequences of their idiocy.
Carlo: Twice 😉
Can you say something more about the music scene in Philippines?
Joy: Diverse, advanced, heavy and absolutely killing it!
Jay: If you look hard enough, there are some bands in the metal scene making fresh, unique contributions to the genre, are not afraid to experiment, and do not aim to be mere copycats of established bands/artists.
Carlo: Solid!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Joy: For now more local shows hopefully we be able to gig abroad, check our Facebook page for the gig skeds, let’s go!
Jay: Currently doing a couple of gigs locally inside and outside of Metropolitan Manila promoting the launch of our latest album.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Joy: To keep releasing new music and gigging. btw we are gonna start recording for the next album. To keep the music heavier!!!
Jay: We hope to be able to perform outside of the Philippines within the next year or two.
Carlo: More albums and tours.
How can people best support your band?
Joy: Check out our Bandcamp, you can order our CDs there too. Visit our website gapangph.com.
Jay: Buy our CDs and merch, attend the gigs and spread the word!
Carlo: Watch our gigs and buy our CDs/merch.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Joy: Thanks for the support, watch our gigs and if possible get your physical copies of our releases! Thanks Doomed Nation!!!!
Jay: \m/
Carlo: Thanks for the support and see you at our gigs!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well