http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/hellbendermusic/

taken from
"Fete De La Musique: Hellbender"
(written by Kristine Fonacier for MTV INK, August 2003)

Hellbender. The name conjures up images of evil comic book characters, gory horror movies, or violent video games. Every time I say the name, I instinctively drop my voice to a growl and add an exclamation point. Say it with me: “Helllllbenderrrrrr(!)...”

“We got our name from a lizard I saw featured on Animal Planet,” says guitarist Aldrich Aguilar...

It’s just as well, Hellbender has a mean name and an even meaner sound- which becomes just a little bit jarring when it becomes apparent that they’re none of them are bald-headed, tattooed, or over 30. Hellbender are, in fact four nice college kids: Aldrich on guitars, Paul Yap on bass, vocalist Kris Eloriaga, and drummer Jonathan Rayos...

They’re among the youngest – if not the youngest – band to be featured at this year’s Fete De La Musique, though you can’t tell from their sound. Their music’s a strong blend of hard rock, classic rock, and metal, and they pledge their allegiance to Black Sabbath, Razorback, Wolfgang, Backdraft, and Dahong Palay. “We grew up listening to these sounds,” Aldrich adds. “Its just that we’re only old enough to play now.”

He’s not kidding, either. Hellbender, which has been touted as one of the bands to form “the future of Pinoy Metal,” might find their career really taking off as soon as the members graduate from college.

The band’s originals are interesting studies or contradiction: testosterone-y but sensitive, loud but soft-hearted. Aldrich describes their sound as “a bit-more-aggressive rock n’ roll, not quite metal, not alternative.