BATTARA

Formed in October 2022, the band's initial lineup was composed of Albert Jerome Ortinero on vocals, Carlos Baltazar on guitar, Hernan Laquindanum on guitar, Joey Cruz on bass and Andre Laquindanum on drums. Their music draws inspiration from their music heroes and diverse influences, ranging from artists namely; Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Free, The Doors, Ten Years After, Canned Heat, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Bob Marley, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Motorhead, Dio, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Rush, Ozzy Osbourne, Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Derek and the Dominoes, The Doobie Brothers, S*x Pistols, Dead Kennedys, The Exploited, Def Leppard, U2, The Cure, Motley Crue, Skidrow, Guns N' Roses, Venom, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slayer, Testament, Death Angel, Overkill, Exodus, Death, Carcass, Na**lm Death, Obituary, Bolt Thrower, Grave, The Black Crowes, Cry of Love, Brother Cane, Mother Love Bone, Green River, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, Melvins, Mad Season, Temple of the Dog, Faith No More, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Albert King, Buddy Guy, B.B King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Eric Johnson, Guthrie Govan, Lenny Kravitz, Derek Trucks Band, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Juan Dela Cruz Band, Maria Cafra, AnakBayan, Sampaguita, VST & Co., The Dawn, Coco Jam, The Jerks, Advent Call, Razorback, Wolfgang, The Breed, Battery, Lokomotiv, 3 Headed Dog, Brain Salad, Gnash, Bonehead, Mutiny, Backdraft, Rizal Underground, P.O.T, Kapatid, Wunjo, Indio I, Tropical Depression, Mr. Crayon, Hellbender, DRT, The Youth, Teeth, Death By Stereo, Dahong Palay, Datu's Tribe, Tame the Tikbalang, Dead Ends, Urban Bandits, Betrayed, Deceased, Warthog and Sauna to name a few. The band's history began when it was conceptualized by bassist Joey Cruz in early 2022. He approached former Rthree drummer Andre Laquindanum if he is interested to form an original band. Andre quickly agreed on the idea because being in a band that plays their own music is what he wants to be in and they have decided to give it a go. Not so long, the duo were able to meet guitarist Carlos Baltazar through a referral from a friend. Now they are in the hunt for a singer to complete the band. After several jam sessions with different singers they were able to meet Albert Jerome Ortinero through a friend and they also recruited Andre's brother Hernan as second guitarist. The newly formed band began rehearsing old songs written by Joey and Andre. After several jamming sessions schedule issues arose within the band. Joey and Hernan are having a difficult time to join the rest of the band for rehearsals because of personal commitments. Soon after they both decide to part ways with the band. Despite of what happened the remaining members still continued writing songs and rehearsing. After a month or so Albert was able to convince guitarist Edwin Liwag to join the band. Both of them have met through a jam session the year before. Not too long, Jason Paler joined the band as their bassist. Jason asked his friend Carlos if he could join the band since Carlos told him that his band is currently in the hunt for a bass player. Now the band is complete again, they continued writing more songs and honing their craft. The band now consists of Albert Jerome Ortinero on vocals, Carlos Baltazar on guitar, Edwin Liwag on guitar, Jason Parel on bass and Andre Laquindanum on drums. The band got their first gig on June 3, 2023 when they opened for Stephen Lu (formerly of Rizal Underground) at Pasayahan sa Nayon (PSN) with Punchbowl. Despite playing an all original set during the gig the band got a positive reaction from the crowd. The band's plan is to hit the studio and record by the end of the year or early next year and hopefully to release a full length album by 2024. The band just concluded a headlining show titled "Rakrakan sa Pasayahan last November 25, 2023 with Punchbowl & Mantra. Battara will be playing on "Out of the Darkness: Alliance Music Fest 3" on Jan. 6, 2024 at Pasayahan sa Nayon, Houston, TX. By late 2023, Bassist Jason Parel has decided to move back to the Philippines with his family for good. He played his last gig with the band during it's solo show last August 17, 2024 at PSN Houston. Upon learning of Jason's departure and inspired by the band's previous performance former guitar player Hernan Laquindanum has decided to re-join the group but this time as a bass player. Battara's current lineup now consists of Albert Jerome Ortinero on vocals. Carlos Baltazar on guitar, Edwin Liwag on guitar, Hernan Laquindanum on bass and Andrei Laquindanum on drums. The band's next gig will be on December 28, 2024 at PSN Houston for a year end rock & roll show with up and coming indie band Kiddy Pool.