After quite some time, IV OF SPADES are finally back and better than ever.

As the cover stars of Billboard Philippines‘ second anniversary issue, the prodigal sons of Filipino rock have returned to the scene with both a stronger brotherhood and a musical ferocity that feels sharpened by time. Yet before the cameras clicked and the lights flared, there was a quiet, if electric, sort of anticipation that was present in the studio — a unique kind of energy that only a band with a story like theirs could bring.

Still, having the quartet, comprised of Unique, Zild, Blaster, and Badjao, come together in the studio with their playful nature demonstrated their dynamic as artists who have not only rediscovered not just their rhythm, but have also found the comfort of creating alongside one another. Whether it was through their little bits of banter behind the scenes, moments wherein they were cheering one another on, or even the parts where they allowed themselves to fully let loose, it was clear that this shoot –– photographed by their friend and creative director, Shaira Luna –– was merely a glimpse of what lies ahead for the beloved alternative group.

Here, Billboard Philippines unpacks what took place behind the scenes of IV OF SPADES’ first print cover shoot since their reunion as a band. Check out the full photo spread below:


iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.

iv of spades billlboard philippines cover story shoot shaira luna

Photographed by Easel Manes.


Listen to IV OF SPADES’ sophomore album, Andalucia, in its entirety below: