Voices from the Scene
Curated Perspectives on Asian Rock
A carefully curated collection of the most insightful, thought-provoking, and authoritative writing on Asian rock and heavy music.
Voices from the Scene brings together exceptional essays, long-form features, and critical perspectives from writers, journalists, and insiders across Asia and beyond. Each piece is selected for its depth, originality, and cultural relevance.
Hong Kong Rock & Metal: A Powerful, Authentic Pillar of the Asian Heavy Music Landscape
This essay offers a compelling and deeply felt look at why Hong Kong’s heavy scene stands as one of the most authentic voices in Asian rock today.
Us and Them: Korean Indie Rock in a K-Pop World
This thoughtful analysis delves into the complex dynamics of Korea’s indie rock scene and how it navigates the overwhelming dominance of K-Pop culture.
A Look at Hong Kong’s Hardcore, Metal, Punk Music Scenes
A vivid photo-essay and personal account that reveals the tight-knit, DIY spirit of Hong Kong’s underground punk, hardcore, and metal community fighting to stay vibrant.
The Evolution of Taiwan’s Independent Music Scene
A comprehensive overview tracing how Taiwan’s indie scene grew from underground rebellion to a mature, vibrant ecosystem that now coexists with mainstream Mandopop.
Underground Metal Special: South Korea
A detailed exploration of Korea’s fertile underground metal scene, profiling promising bands that are pushing the genre forward despite limited mainstream visibility.
10 Rising Hong Kong Bands and Music Groups to Listen To
This 2022 Lifestyle Asia list highlights Instinct of Sight as one of the most exciting post-hardcore acts breaking through Hong Kong’s underground scene.
The Hong Kong Music That Mattered in 2025
Passing Notes’ comprehensive year-end wrap celebrates Hong Kong’s heavy underground alongside indie and alternative acts, underscoring the city’s resilient and diverse music ecosystem.
coldrain – OPTIMIZE EP: Refined and Relentless
A thoughtful analysis of coldrain’s latest EP that explores how the band balances heavy intensity with heartfelt melody, marking a significant new chapter in their career.
Hong Kong City’s Inevitable Echo: Instinct of Sight – The Quiet Hegemony
This long-form feature offers one of the most thoughtful and in-depth profiles of Instinct of Sight, exploring their unique place in Hong Kong’s rock landscape and the power of their female-fronted heavy sound.
10 Rising Hong Kong Bands and Music Groups to Listen To
This well-curated 2022 list spotlights Instinct of Sight as a standout post-hardcore act in Hong Kong’s vibrant underground scene.
Hong Kong Heavy Metal Returns With a Vengeance
Radii’s detailed exploration of Hong Kong’s metal resurgence showcases the raw energy and community drive behind the city’s heavy scene revival.
Bandstival: Unveiling Taiwan’s Indie Music Universe and Youth Culture
A thoughtful deep-dive into Taiwan’s thriving indie scene and how a groundbreaking reality series is shining a light on its creative energy and cultural significance.
N.O.A(Instinct of Sight):: The Quiet female Force Within the Flame — An In-Depth singer Profile with Soul and Ink
This beautifully written profile dives into N.O.A’s multifaceted world as the powerful voice of Instinct of Sight, exploring how she transforms emotion, tattoos, and sonic alchemy into haunting, immersive art that defines Hong Kong’s heavy underground.
ONE OK ROCK’s DETOX Tour: 20 Years to Arrive at Transcending Division
This thoughtful long-form review explores ONE OK ROCK’s evolution across two decades, analysing how their latest tour and album represent a mature, emotionally resonant peak in their career.
Beyond K-Pop’s Gloss and J-Rock’s Reign: Inside the Pressure Cooker of Hong Kong’s Explosive Music Scene
A compelling analysis of Hong Kong’s independent heavy and alternative scene, examining the challenges and creative fire driving local bands forward amid regional giants.
The Evolution of Japanese Rock and Metal: From Origins to Today
A comprehensive historical and cultural deep-dive into the development of J-rock and J-metal, highlighting key underground movements and modern revival.
7 Most Captivating Heavy Rock Female Vocalists of 2026
This curated feature highlights standout female voices in heavy rock, showcasing their stage presence and artistic impact across Asia.
A Survey of Seoul’s Indie Rock Scene
A rich, wide-ranging survey of Seoul’s thriving indie rock underground, from its historical roots to the current vibrant wave of bands.
NEW
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Featured stories of bands shaping Asian rock.
Heritage reimagined through heavy riffs and cultural fusion.
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