Kamikazee
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Philippines |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Kamikazee (occasionally abbreviated as KMKZ) is a rock band from the Philippines that originated in 2000. While initially formed as a five-piece group, the current ensemble consists of Jay Contreras (lead vocalist), Jomal Linao (lead guitar and backing vocals), Led Tuyay (guitar), Jason "Puto" Astete (bass guitar), Allan "Bords" Burdeos (drums), Jian Lubiano (guitar), and Mikki Jill (keyboards and vocals).
Their sound is characterized by a fusion of pop punk and hardcore punk styles.
Following a short break announced in January 2015, Kamikazee reunited in August of the same year but entered an indefinite hiatus by early 2016. The band’s farewell performance took place on December 10, 2015, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. They later resumed live performances with a reunion concert around 2017.
Origins and initial phase
The original five members crossed paths at the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Diliman. They began performing under the name Kamikazee Cornflakes at university events such as the UP Fair before shortening it to Kamikazee. Their early setlists included tracks like "Mmm Sarap" and "Tsinelas," along with covers of Ariel Rivera’s "Sana Kahit Minsan" and Britney Spears’ "Lucky."
Famous for their bold stage presence marked by explicit language and provocative dance moves, Kamikazee’s music draws from pop-punk, grunge, and nu metal genres. Drummer Bords Burdeos has been recognized for his energetic role in shaping their sound.
Their first studio album was released in 2002, featuring a prominent cover of Britney Spears’ "Lucky." Notable songs from this album are "Girlfriend," "Ung Tagalog," "Tsinelas," and their rendition of Ariel Rivera’s "Sana Kahit Minsan." In 2005, they contributed the track "Chiksilog" to the Ragnarok MMORPG compilation album titled Rok On!.
Maharot and rise to prominence
In 2006, Kamikazee launched their sophomore album Maharot, which included the hit single "Narda," inspired by the Filipino superheroine Darna. This track became synonymous with the band, enjoying heavy radio rotation and later being selected as a theme song for GMA Network’s primetime programs in both 2005 and 2009. The album displayed a broad range of musical styles: metal influences in "Sobrang Init" and "KKK," pop-punk vibes in "Director's Cut" and "Martyr Nyebera," as well as ska elements evident in "Petix." Maharot played a crucial role in cementing Kamikazee’s mainstream appeal.
The group maintains close connections with fellow Filipino band Parokya ni Edgar (PNE), collaborating since their college days. Vocalists occasionally shared stages during concerts, while members contributed to each other’s recordings—Contreras lent backing vocals on PNE's "The Order Taker," whereas PNE’s Kaye Abad provided backing vocals on Kamikazee’s "Martyr Nyebera." Additionally, Contreras wed Sarah Abad, Kaye Abad’s sister, in 2009.
In December 2008, guitarist Led Tuyay was arrested and deported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates after authorities discovered traces of cannabis in his luggage during an international tour.
Long Time Noisy and Romantico
The production of Kamikazee’s third album, Long Time Noisy, spanned three years due to members’ demanding schedules. Recorded at Tower of Doom Studios with producer Eric Perlas, the album continued to explore themes related to daily life, substance use, and personal narratives. Its lead single "Unang Tikim" was featured in a 2011 advertisement for RC Cola.
Their fourth studio release, Romantico, also required three years to complete and included singles such as "Halik" and "Huling Sayaw," which featured RNB artist Kyla. Despite some criticism from fans regarding its change in musical direction, the album received positive reviews.
15th Anniversary and Indefinite Hiatus
On January 25, 2015, the group declared that they would commence an indefinite hiatus by the end of that year to focus on personal endeavors, stressing that this was not a disbandment. They reassured their audience of plans to reunite in the future.
In celebration of their 15th year, Kamikazee held a series of live shows titled "Kamikazee XV" in August 2015. The concluding event of this series, named Kamikazee Huling Sayaw (The Last Dance), took place at 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub in Makati and featured a guest appearance by Chito Miranda from Parokya ni Edgar. The band officially entered their hiatus in 2016. Their farewell concert was staged at Smart Araneta Coliseum on December 10, with performances by several local artists including singer Kyla.
Reunion and Tagpuan Tour (2017–present)
Kamikazee announced their return on August 20, 2017, through Facebook with the message: "Matagal na panahon. Magkikita muli...bagong kanta" ("It’s been a long time. We’ll meet again ... new song"), indicating a planned release date of December 9, 2017.
On November 11, they revealed the itinerary for their 2018 Tagpuan Tour, which included locations both within the Philippines and abroad such as Bulacan, Cavite, Baguio, Iloilo, Ilocos, Cebu, Lucena, Bicol, Laguna, Davao, Manila, Dubai, Singapore, the USA, and Canada. The tour officially commenced on December 9, 2017.
Their initial confirmed performance was at TagFest in Dubai on March 16, 2018, where they shared the stage with bands like 6cyclemind, Moonstar88, and Teeth.
Following their comeback in December 2017, Kamikazee released two singles—"Agimat" and "Leon"—which are part of their forthcoming album slated for release in 2019.
Between 2018 and 2019, the band embarked on a reunion tour across the Philippines as well as in the USA and Canada. They also announced collaborative tours with Greyhoundz and Queso in cities including Iloilo, Manila, Cavite, and Cebu.
In 2020, Kamikazee expanded their lineup to a seven-member group by adding guitarist Jian Lubiano from Catfight and keyboardist/vocalist Mikki Jill from FIONA.
Members
- Current members
- Ferdinand Jay Contreras – lead vocals
- Jose Ma. Luis "Jomal" Linao – lead guitar, vocals
- Led Zeppelin Tuyay – rhythm and lead guitar; backing vocals
- Jason "Puto" Astete – bass guitar
- Allan "Bords" Burdeos – drums, percussion
- Jianelli James "Jian" Lubiano – rhythm guitar
- Mikki Jill – keyboards, vocals
- Touring members
- Mark "Macoy" Estacio – drums
- Sep Roño (of Typecast) – drums
Studio albums
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Kamikazee |
| 2006 | Maharot |
| 2009 | Long Time Noisy |
| 2012 | Romantico |
| 2019 | Alab |
Compilation album
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Their Greatest Hits |
Collaboration albums
- Supersize Rock (Warner Music Philippines, 2004)
- Kami nAPO muna (Universal Records, 2006)
- The Biggest OPM Hits Of The Year SUPER (Universal Records, 2006)
- Rok On (Viva Records, 2005)
- Pinoy Ako 2 (Star Music, 2005)
- Palabas: The Best Of OPM TV & Movie Themes (Universal Records, 2006)
- Kami nAPO muna ulit (Universal Records, 2007)
- Another Biggest OPM Hits Of The Year SUPER 2 (Universal Records, 2007)
- Astig...The Biggest Band Hits (Universal Records, 2008)
- Super Astig Hits (Universal Records, 2016)
Singles
- Taken from the album Kamikazee (2002)
- "Ung Tagalog"
- "Tsinelas"
- "Girlfriend"
- "Lucky" (a cover of Britney Spears)
- "Sana Kahit Minsan" (a rendition of Ariel Rivera)
- Included in the album Maharot (2006)
- "Chiksilog"
- "Ambisyoso"
- "Narda (song)"
- "Martyr Nyebera"
- "Seksi Seksi"
- "Director's Cut"
- "Doo Bidoo" (cover of a track by "APO Hiking Society, 2007)
- Featured on the album Long Time Noisy (2009)
- "Wala"
- "Hanggang Tingin"
- "Unang Tikim"
- "Alay"
- "Meron Akong Ano" (cover originally by late Francis M, with guest appearances from Biboy Garcia of Queso, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar, Reg Rubio of Greyhoundz, and Ian Tayao of Queso/Wilabaliw)
- From the album Romantico (2012)
- "Halik (Kamikazee song)"
- "Tagpuan"
- "Huling Sayaw" (featuring Kyla)
- "Wo-Oh"
- "Tamis"
- "Kislap"
Additional singles
- From Parokya Ni Edgar's album "Halina Sa Parokya" (2005)
- The Ordertaker (Featuring Parokya Ni Edgar)
- Theme track for the film First Day High and Rexona advertisement
- Included in the album Kami nAPO Muna (2006)
- "Doo Bidoo" – Reached No. 1 in the Philippines
- Theme song for ABS-CBN's Komiks
- "Komiks"
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award body | Category | Work nominated | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | MTV Pilipinas Music Awards | Video of the Year | "Lucky" | Template:Won |
| Favorite New Artist | (for "Lucky") | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Director | (Avid Liongren for "Lucky") | Template:Nominated | ||
| NU Rock Awards | Drummer of the Year | (for Allan Burdeos) | Template:Won | |
| Listener's Choice | N/A | Template:Won | ||
| Best New Artist | N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Artist of the Year | N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Album of the Year | "Kamikazee" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Album Packaging | "Kamikazee" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Music Video | "Lucky" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Vocalist of the Year | (for Jay Contreras) | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2005 | NU Rock Awards | Best Live Act | N/A | Template:Won |
| Song of the Year | "Chicksilog" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2006 | NU Rock Awards | Best Live Act | N/A | Template:Won |
| Song of the Year | "Narda" | Template:Won | ||
| Artist/Band of the Year | N/A | Template:Won | ||
| Listener's Choice | N/A | Template:Won | ||
| Vocalist of the Year | (for Jay Contreras) | Template:Nominated | ||
| Guitarist of the Year | (for Jomal Linao) | Template:Nominated | ||
| Drummer of the Year | (for Allan Burdeos) | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Male Award | (for Jay Contreras) | Template:Nominated | ||
| Album of the Year | "Maharot" | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Album Packaging | (Allan Burdeos for "Maharot") | Template:Nominated | ||
| Best Music Video of the Year | "Martyr Nyebera" | Template:Nominated | ||
| "Doo Bidoo" | Template:Nominated | |||
| Producer of the Year | (Angee Razul, Jonathan Ong, Allan Burdeos, 8 Toleran, and Jomal Linao for "Maharot") | Template:Nominated | ||
| 2007 | 20th Awit Awards | Album of the Year | "Maharot" | Template:Won |
| Song of the Year | "Narda" | Template:Won | ||
| Best Rock Recording | "Narda" | Template:Won | ||
| Best Performance by a Group Artist | "Narda" | Template:Won | ||
| Music Video of the Year | "Martyr Nyebera" | Template:Won | ||
| MYX Music Awards | Favorite Ringtone | "Narda" | Template:Won | |
| Favorite Music Video | "Martyr Nyebera" | Template:Nominated | ||
| "Doo Bidoo" | Template:Nominated | |||
| Favorite Song | "Narda" | Template:Nominated | ||
| "Doo Bidoo" | Template:Nominated | |||
| Favorite Artist | N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Favorite Group | N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| Favorite Collaboration | The Ordertaker with Parokya Ni Edgar | Template:Nominated | ||
| 'Favorite Remake' | "Doo Bidoo" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 'Favorite Rock Video' | "Doo Bidoo" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 'Favorite Media Soundtrack' | "First Day High," used in Rexona and First Day High | Template:Nominated | ||
| '2008' | MYX Music Awards | 'Favorite Rock Video' | "Seksi Seksi" | Template:Nominated |
| '2009' | NU Rock Awards | 'Drummer of the Year' | (for Allan Burdeos) | Template:Won |
| 'Artist of the Year' | N/A | Template:Nominated | ||
| 'Album of the Year' | "Long Time Noisy" | Template:Nominated | ||
| 'Guitarist of the Year' | (for Jomal Linao) | Template:Nominated | ||
| (for Led Tuyay) | Template:Nominated | |||
| 'Best Album Packaging' | (Allan Burdeos & Ace Enriquez for "Long Time Noisy") | Template:Nominated |
External links
- Filipino pop punk bands
- Filipino punk rock bands
- Filipino rock bands
- Hardcore punk bands
- Musical groups disbanded in 2015
- Musical groups formed in 2000
- Musical groups originating from Quezon City
- Musical groups reunited in 2017
- Universal Records (Philippines) recording artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 2015