Dominion (Filipino Band)

Dominion (Filipino Band)

Dominion is a rock band originally formed in Manila, Philippines in 1994. The band was formed due to the increasingly distaste on that era's musical trends and politics, having rose from the gutters of the Filipino underground scene. They quickly differentiated themselves from every other band by both their sound and look; this audio-visual experience gained the band notoriety and a loyal following. Not long after playing the Manila live circuit, the media took notice and the band were featured on Channel V/MTV Asia and were broadcasted to thousands of viewers in Asia, not common for an independent band of that time.

After more tours and major label offers, unfortunately this era had its share of major label exploitation and Dominion were one of the bands which chose to do things independently. The band regularly cites The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, Bauhaus, and David Bowie as major influences, although it is evident that some elements of hard rock and metal permeate the band's mostly melancholic gloomy trademark sound.

In 1997, the label Alpha Records finally convinced the band to work with them on a very popular rock compilation called The Alpha Numeric Sampler. The band did this to its regret as Alpha Records decided to release the band's cult track "Within These Walls" to the public without the band's input on mixing. Although the album was well received, the band was unhappy with the watered down version of the track. This was ultimately the last time the band worked with a major record label.

Subkulture Records, an independent label, was later formed to release Dominion's music exclusively. The EP Hand of Cain was released by the band, which included a proper remixed track of "Within These Walls". Major Philippine rock magazines such as Pulp and Lemon celebrated the band as "Pioneers of Philippine Goth Rock", as well as newspapers also featuring them as such. The band, although independent, was then sponsored by the likes of Colt 45, Jack Daniels, Axe cologne, San Miguel Beer and Philippine Airlines. After a number of national tours, Dominion were considered as one of the first independent rock bands to tour nationally.

The band later shared stages with Japan's Eve of Destiny and Közi (ex-Malice Mizer).

With too much excess on the rock & roll lifestyle, Dominion founder Doi Porras decided to take a break and leave the band to raise a family in the United States. Dominion carried on with his blessing, but in-fighting and band differences ultimately dissolved the group.

After a few years, the silence was broken and a new single was released, entitled "Mandirigma".