Dominion is a Filipino goth band from Manila. They were known as one of the Asia’s longest running goth rock bands who made it over a decade long. Theirs is a music that combines a unique eastern Malayan type influence and western gothic rock sound. Influences of the band were artists like The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of Nephilim and The Cure.
Dominion is enjoyed by 5 members. Doi Parras on vocals, Paul Casper on guitar, Rhyknow Malanjao on guitar, Mark King on bass and Raymund Paras on guitar composed the line-up. Everything started back 1994 when drummer-composer Doi Parras dissolved his band due to its incapability to cope his musical vision. He recruited Mike Strange, Iman Leonardo and Raymund Paras for the vocals, bass and guitars respectively.
Wasting no time, Dominion started doing rehearsals and performed live shows which garnered reputation among the audiences. Their powerful shows, gloomy imagery and original composition made them suitable during the era of grunge and glam music. Their initial shows were welcomed by extreme admiration and shock.
Ady Baysa was recruited for synths and piano patches on 1995. He completed the puzzle of what many say are the classic line-up and later produced hit singles as “Within These Walls” and “Margau” to classic underground fame. Dominion wrestled for rushed session and encounter a producer who released a half baked version of Within These Walls without the consent of the band. Leaving the band dismayed by its results and mistrust for major labels as a whole, Dominion pushed on a “quality over quality” policy which regulates their records very thickly.
Earlier in their career, cracks are starting to show within its ranks. A huge fan of 60’s music, Iman Leonardo, had this desire to form his own band totally different to that of Dominion’s identity.
Though, Doi encouraged him to pursue his dream, he half-heartedly played on the bass and stayed in the band because of his convenient status and Dominion’s influence in the scene. They were offered to do cameo appearances in a popular movie but proved immaterial for Doi and refused the offer. His refusal provides reasons for Iman and Doi to disagree with each other regarding their point of view on how should Dominion take directions.
The problem is within the band, though possessed a strong bond of friendship, the original line-up was crumbling. Continuing without aim, the band cannot move a step forward even with the support of the fans and potential opportunities due to unresolved personal problems and stresses. It was added when Doi’s confidant and close friend from Psycho Candle Band Bj Baraquias died on 2001putting Doi into an undiagnosed depression.
2002 marked the released of their album, Hand Of Cain, an extension to the basement tapes previously recorded on 1994. Later, due to frustrations and lack of commitment, Iman Leonardo and Raymond Parras were replaced by Mark King and Ryknow Malanjao on bass and guitars respectively.
2004 show the entrance of Mark King and Ryknow Malanjao to the band and did another tour entitled Beyond The Tears which sees the band in heavy performances in most major cities of the country. With new fans and revitalized confidence, the band is on its way to release new album named Paralyzia. At the same year, Doi took a break and went to United States to be with his family. His absence brought forth division among Mike Strange and Mark King. Mark King refused to perform with Mike and longs for Doi’s return.
Unexpectedly, Mike Strange was fired from the band due to his absences for ungiven reasons. With no vocalist, the album Paralyzia was paralyzed. Doi was forced to do the vocals and Paul Casper was absorbed to the band. World War 3, a compilation was released by a Peruvian record label and was being distributed in Germany and other parts of Europe.
Paralyzia is soon to be released on 2008.
Dominion’s constant touring and a regular slot in Club Dredd confirmed the band’s devoted fans, who keep on following its music.
