On November 25, Filipino hardcore band Badburn returned with force on their new single “The Weight,” their follow-up single after releasing “Law of the Scale” on October 31 — the band’s first single after 14 years. The track arrives as Badburn prepares for their long-awaited second full-length album set for 2026. The new material shows a group that has not softened with time. Instead, they sound more locked in, shaping a version of metal-adjacent hardcore that carries their decorated history.
“The Weight” moves on a tight and punishing rhythm section. Vocalist Marben Romero cuts through the mix with a delivery that’s evident by decades of live work, and his trademark lyricism circling around themes of judgment and consequences is highlighted in the single. Drummer Joey Valverde anchors the track with heavy kicks and a snare pattern that keeps the song grounded with robust double pedal work. The current band lineup has stepped in and out of the scene over the years, playing for new listeners and longtime followers who have stayed with them since the start.
Badburn formed in 1994 and grew into one of the country’s formative hardcore acts. Their catalog and live shows have shaped generations of heavy bands that followed. Three decades in, they remain a reliable force whose presence still matters in a scene that continues to evolve around them.
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Elijah Pareño
Elijah Pareño is the Music Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines. He writes daily music news, features, reviews, and radar stories of the website.
In addition to music writing, Pareño has written about the behind-the-scenes writers and producers from the P-pop scene, interviewed hip-hop artists like Shanti Dope and Zae, and featured up-and-coming artists for the Music Forecast 2026. Aside from music, Pareño has written about the state of affairs that affects pop culture. He wrote a movie review for 'Mortal Kombat II' and reported and interviewed photojournalists at the September 21, 2025 protests in Luneta and Mendiola.
Prior to working in Rolling Stone Philippines, Pareño was a freelance writer for 3 years and independent live music promoter
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