Kargado

Bonehead released their debut album, Kargado (trans: Loaded), in 1995. The Philippine hard rock/metal band's music is hard edged and rugged, and the singing is gritty and passionate, though not always tuneful. The band, however, is redeemed by its sincerity.

The opening song, "Overture," is an instrumental introduction to the album, thoroughly heavy metal. Following this come the hard-edged riffs of "Basagulo" (trans: Fighting), paving the way for the gritty, one-note vocals of lead singer Dino Navarra.

Most of the vocals work off variations of a quasi-melodic one-note line, and if there is any overt weakness with Bonehead's music, it is the lack of true melody. After awhile, the songs tend to sound alike because of the lack of melodic distinction.

The band's forte is in the gritty arrangements, as heard in "Basagulo," "Kargado," "Good Trip," "Kadugo" (trans: Same Blood), and others. The lyrics of "Kargado" tell of the miseries of riding on crowded Philippine buses. The bass works in tasteful synergy with the heavy metal guitars throughout the album; the guitar solos are always searing and incisive.

"Walang Laman" (trans: Empty) features an attempt at a real melody instead of a ranting variation on one note; still, the melody could be more memorable. The album's only acoustic-flavored song is "Liwangag at Dilim" (trans: Light and Dark), and its softness provides a notable contrast to the album's hard-edged overtones.

The album could use more contrast like this, as well as more melody to give the songs distinction. Still, not a bad first album, but some work is needed.