Filipino metalcore band Fragments are back with a new hard-hitting single entitled “ALLINSANE”.

Released today, April 12, “ALLINSANE” follows the band’s single “Ratrace”, released last September 2023. In a press statement, the band revealed that the single explores lyrical themes of “grappling with one’s sanity, confronting inner turmoil, and navigating the tumultuous journey of self-acceptance amidst chaos.” Recently, the band held the single’s launch show at the Unknown 13 Pub in Quezon City last April 11. Formed in 2017, it was the first ever single launch show in the band’s history. They were joined by ASTRA, Pizzacoi, Theo JP, Badwave, Calix, and Chicosci.

“First release party namin sa history ng banda, so it means a lot [It’s our first release party in the history of the band, so it means a lot],” stated guitarist Carl Gonzales to Billboard Philippines in an exclusive interview at the aforementioned launch show. Fellow guitarist Ryan Mitchell shared that the band was collectively “proud” to have finally been able to do this, especially after the pandemic which forced bands, including them, to only ever release songs online and move forward.

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Fragments: courtesy of @fragmentscult. Photographed by Renuel Fallore

With “ALLINSANE”, the band notes the positive improvements they have made since “Ratrace”. Drummer Matthew De Mesa highlights how the band was able to fine tune the writing of the new track even better. “Parang mas nabuhos lahat dito [It’s like, we were able to pour everything into this one].”

Gonzales notes that the metalcore group is “very happy” thanks to the newest additions to the band, Mitchell and De Mesa, expressing that they’ve become a huge factor in how the band crafts songs in the present. “Parang collaboration talaga siya between the five of us [It’s really like a collaboration between the five of us], ” he states.

While vocalist Niko Cezar adds that the new single is a “celebration” of the band in the present, “Kasi nung pumasok si Matt at si Ryan, ‘di na huminto yung progress ng band. [Because when Matt and Ryan entered, the progress of the band hasn’t stopped.]”

The new single’s release goes hand-in-hand with the band’s signing to The Orchard under Sony Music, with Cezar hoping that this would maximize their reach even further. He states, “Since we have that opportunity ngayon na merong label na sumusuporta sa mga songs namin, mas ma–i-introduce siya to a wider audience. [Since we have that opportunity right now that there’s a label that supports our songs, it will be introduced to a wider audience.]”

Cezar also elaborates that through this, he hopes that Fragments can become a gateway for more people to discover other Filipino bands within their heavy subgenre.

As far as the music is concerned, Gonzales states that the band still has complete control with their musical outputs. “Produced pa rin namin yung mga songs. Wala pa ring magbabago in terms of songwriting and yung mismong mindset ng banda pagdating sa musical output. [The songs are still produced by us. There will be no changes in terms of songwriting and the exact mindset of the band when it comes to the musical output.]” 

When asked on their future plans this 2024 following the single, Mitchell revealed that the band aims to release even more heavier music with their next releases. “We will see what we can reach with our new potential.”

Bassist Felix Manzanas also notes how the band is already tight, so they aim to focus on further refining their live performances. “Kumbaga, yung kapag nakita kami sa stage, may impact na kapag nag-perform. Yun yung gusto namin i-enhance bukod sa pagka-tight ng band. [That is, when we’re seen on-stage, there’s already an impact when we perform. That’s what we want to enhance other than being tight as a band.]” 

Mitchell adds, “Yung kapag sinabing ‘Fragments’, ‘Gan’to yung tunog niyan‘, ‘Gan’to yung kaya nilang gawin‘… [It’s like whenever you say ‘Fragments’, they’ll think ‘This is how they sound’, ‘This what they can do’…]”

Gonzales closed everything off by stating that Fragments will keep writing continuously alongside their back-to-back touring and out of town shows. “Hopefully the seeds na na–p-plant sa mga shows na yun, magbunga. [Hopefully the seeds that are being planted at those shows will bear fruit.]”

Fragments: courtesy of @fragmentscult. Photographed by Renuel Fallore.

The new single was first revealed by the band last April 1 alongside the announcement of a month-long tour in support of it this April to May. Since then, the tour’s run has already seen dates in Bacolod, Iloilo, as well as the aforementioned single launch in Quezon City.

Check out the list of remaining shows for Fragments’ tour in support of “ALLINSANE” below:

  • April 13 – Manila – Rabbit Hole Manila
  • April 13 – Marikina – Pit88
  • April 20 – Laguna
  • April 27 – TBA
  • May 04 – Tagaytay

Formed in 2017, Fragments is known for their eclectic approach to the metalcore genre and are known for their other tracks “In the Name Of…”, “Heaven’s Gate”, “Meathook”. and more. Their debut album Transcending Duality was released last January 2021.

Listen to Fragments’ “ALLINSANE” below: