You know a band is serious when they name themselves after a fleeting moment.
SETSUNA, a NuMetal band formed in 2024, might be the new kids on the block, but they’re already making waves in the local scene. A unique mix of heavy riffs, rap verses, emotional release, and live chaos—that’s what you get when you listen to or witness SETSUNA. But behind the sonic force and blazing logo (yes, the fire emoji is deliberate) is a story that spans multiple cities, genres, and life experiences.
This is a band born not just from music, but from persistence, timing, and that one perfect moment when everything finally clicks.
A New Chapter, A Familiar Struggle
The spark that ignited SETSUNA began quietly in 2021. Back then, Mark Quintero—also the bassist of Nobita—was tapped by their manager Joel Ellorin to start a new band. Mark wasn’t starting from scratch. He knew the scene, he knew the sound, and most importantly, he knew the right people.
He hit up Mighty Ji, a guitarist from Pangasinan known for his versatility, and someone who had already been toying with the idea of forming a NuMetal group with DJ Rua, then based in Denmark.
“Actually, matagal nang idea ‘to ni Rua at Mighty Ji,” Mark shares. “Nung 2021 pa nila naisip pero ‘di pa nag-materialize. Nung nakausap ko ulit si Mighty, ayun tuloy-tuloy na.”
The concept was still up in the air when, in June 2023, Mark invited rapper Toshiro Kier to join the band. “Akala ko drummer role ‘yung offer,” Toshiro laughs, “’Yun pala magra-rap ako. Surprise!” But he said yes—and that unexpected twist became part of the band’s evolving identity.
By December 2023, DJ Rua had returned to Manila. Mark invited him to officially join the project. And by early 2024, the skeleton of SETSUNA was starting to grow flesh.
“January 2024, kami nila Ji, Toshiro, Rua—nagsimula nang buuin ‘yung concept at tunog. Pasahan ng demo, gawa ng material. Hanap pa ng iba,” says Mark.
Then came vocalist Marka Krus, a familiar name in the Valenzuela band circuit known for his covers of nu-metal giants like Disturbed and Korn, and drummer Daniel Arzadon of Galigo Tribe. The final lineup clicked in June. By July 2024, SETSUNA had its first rehearsal.
What’s In A Name? Everything.
SETSUNA is a Japanese word meaning “a moment” or “an instant”—the fleeting nature of time and how each second counts.
“Si Mark Quintero ang nag suggest ng name,” they share. “Ang SETSUNA kasi, it’s about embracing that moment. Every gig, iniisip namin na baka ‘yun na ‘yung huli, so todo bigay. Laging 100%.”
And that moment? They want you to feel it too.
“Kaya fire ‘yung logo namin,” Toshiro says. “Kasi ‘yung music namin gusto namin sumindi rin ‘yung mga tagapakinig. Gusto namin mailabas nila ‘yung pain, galit, struggles. ‘Pag nakita naming nagwawala ‘yung crowd, ‘yun ‘yung palitan ng energy. ‘Yun ang SETSUNA.”
Meeting Halfway From All Directions
The band is scattered geographically—Marka is in Laguna, Daniel and Toshiro are in Pangasinan, while Mark and Rua are based in Valenzuela.
“Logistically challenging,” admits Rua. “Ang layo namin sa isa’t isa. Pero once nagsama-sama kami, grabe ‘yung energy. Worth it lahat.”
They may not hang out daily, but their dynamic is built on constant check-ins, memes, group chats, and occasional tapik sa balikat moments.
“We always check on each other,” says Daniel. “Mental health sa banda is not just a side topic. Parte siya ng process namin.”
The Sound of This Generation’s Pain
When asked how they’d describe their music, they don’t hesitate:
“We are the New Generation of NuMetal in the Philippines.”
Their influences are obvious to the trained ear—shades of Slipknot, Korn, Papa Roach, Slapshock, and Greyhoundz. But SETSUNA doesn’t just copy. They reinterpret. They infuse each breakdown and scream with their own experiences.
“Lahat ng kanta namin, may pinanggalingan,” Marka shares. “Personal stories talaga. Hugot kung hugot.”
The songwriting process is collaborative. “Walang one-man team dito,” adds Ji. “Pasahan kami ng ideas, minsan lyrics lang, minsan riff. ‘Pag nag-click, boom. Tapos na agad isang kanta.”
First Steps and Festival Fevers
Despite being a young band, SETSUNA already found themselves on a big stage early on. Their first live performance? A massive festival gig.
“Puto Festival, December 2024,” Toshiro recalls. “Kasabay namin si Flow G. Andaming tao. Kabado kami, siyempre. Pero pag akyat namin ng stage, wala na. Rock out na!”
Every gig they’ve done since then has been special. “Wala pa kaming one year na active,” says Rua, “pero lahat ng tugtugan, parang milestone agad.”
No Surrender, Just Volume
With every step forward, SETSUNA has had to fight resistance. The NuMetal scene isn’t exactly thriving in the mainstream local circuit.
“Back in 2023, ang daming nag-doubt,” says Mark. “Tahimik ‘yung eksena, lalo na sa heavy. Wala masyadong naniniwala sa idea namin. Pero sige lang. Gawa lang.”
Quitting was never an option.
“Hindi namin naisip sumuko,” says Ji. “Alam na namin na mahirap ‘tong path na ‘to. Pero mahal namin ginagawa namin.”
That love fuels every rehearsal, every sweaty session, every setlist.
What They See in the Scene
SETSUNA sees promise in the Philippine indie scene—across genres and regions.
“Ang daming bago,” says Daniel. “Bulacan, Laguna, QC, Pangasinan—ang daming prod ngayon. Iba’t ibang tunog. Alive na alive ang indie.”
If they had their way, they’d want more support, more unity, and less gatekeeping.
“Let people play what they love,” Marka adds. “Kahit anong genre, basta totoo.”
Fire Still Burning: What’s Next?
The dream isn’t just to play. It’s to keep playing.
“Our main goal this 2025 is to release our album,” Mark says. “Tapos sana maka-tugtog kami sa mga lugar kung nasaan ‘yung mga dragon namin—our fans.”
Fans can also look forward to a collaboration track with Sir Ian Tayo, as well as upcoming gigs announced through their social media.
“We’re planning something huge,” teases Rua. “So abangan niyo. Ilalapag namin lahat online.”
Fuel from the Fans
SETSUNA doesn’t take their growing fanbase for granted.
“Kayo ang gasolina ng apoy,” says Marka. “Every message, every comment—binabasa namin lahat. Pinaparamdam niyo na worth it lahat ng pagod.”
The gratitude is as fierce as their sound. For SETSUNA, every headbang from the crowd, every lyric sung back, every cheer—it all matters.
And while moments may be fleeting, this one they’re holding onto tightly.
Follow SETSUNA on social media for updates on shows, releases, and new music.
Let the fire spread. Let the moment burn. Let it be SETSUNA.
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