Kilusan is a three-piece Thrash Metal–Punk force based in Edmonton, forged in the chaos of the 2020 global pandemic. Formed in the summer of that uncertain year, the band emerged at a time when stages were silent, and the world stood still. While lockdowns and restrictions kept many on pause, Kilusan chose movement. True to their name, “Kilusan” is a Tagalog word that means movement—the band pushed forward with relentless drive and purpose.
The lineup features Peps on guitars, delivering razor-sharp riffs rooted in old-school thrash intensity; Jason on bass and vocals, channelling raw aggression and conviction; and Lemi on drums, laying down pounding rhythms that fuse hardcore urgency with metal precision. Drawing influence from classic thrash metal and hardcore punk, the trio crafts songs that are fast, unapologetic, and socially charged.
When restrictions lifted in 2022, Kilusan wasted no time knocking on the doors of local venues. Their first live appearance took place at Vern’s (Calgary) in 2022, marking the band’s official introduction to the live music scene. Their first breakthrough soon followed, courtesy of Calvin Fehr at Rendezvous Pub 49, who gave the band its first major local opportunity. From there, momentum built quickly.
On that same year, Kilusan independently released their debut demo CD, Demo-lition, featuring four explosive tracks: “Powertrip,” “Age of Darkness,” “Grip on Destiny,” and “Isang Paa Sa Hukay (One Foot in the Grave),” the latter becoming their first single available across major streaming platforms. To date, the band has released three singles online and is currently working on their debut full-length album, set for release this year.
Active across social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, Kilusan continues to build a growing community of listeners who crave speed, substance, and sonic rebellion.
Kilusan isn’t just a band—it’s a statement. And the movement has only just begun.
Name:
Kilusan
Genre:
Thrash Metal/ Punk
Founded:
2020
# of Albums:
1 Demo
Latest Album:
Soon to be released this year
Latest Single:
The Wall Divides
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Jason: The Beatles
Lemi: Elvis Presley
Peps: Guns n’ Roses
Favourite musician now:
J: Dave Mustaine / Dimebag.
L: Dave Lombardo.
P: Slayer, Carcass & Black Sabbath
Guilty pleasure song:
All: Nothing
Live show ritual:
J: I listen to our music specially our set list for the night before stepping up on stage.
L: As a drummer I have to have enough meal before a set with pop.
P: Rest well and study the setlist.
Favourite local musician:
J&L: Supermodel Taxidermy
P: The Endless, Necht, Axoxhin, to name a few.
EP or LP?
J: LP
L: EP today, LP tomorrow
P: LP
Early bird or night owl?
J: I’m a family man, that is why I’m a Night Owl and Early Bird at the same time.
L: I am both in some ways.
P: early bird.
Road or studio?
J: Right at this moment, I’ll pick studio.
L: Studio today, Road tomorrow
P: Road means Fun, Studio means work.
Any shows or albums coming up?
We will release our first full-length album this year, so watch out for that one. It should be out probably this summer. Also, we will play Death and Decay Metal Festival on May 2nd at Lethbridge Ab and some shows haven’t been announced yet, but definitely more out-of-town shows for this year.
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
J: I love me some good bowl of ramen, and Tokiwa Ramen one of my favourites.
L: I was never a resto person. I love eating at home.
P: All Happy Restaurant
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
J: Whyte Ave, here is where all the fun stuff happens.
L: 115 Ave. It is where Fort Kilusan is.
P: Whyte Avenue as it is packed with lots of historical buildings, Music and Art venues, as well as restaurants.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
J: Hawrelak Park, it’s huge, and there’s a lot of stuff you can do here. It’s under reno right now, but for sure it’s gonna be better when they open it again for public.
L: I don’t have anything in particular
P: Emily Murphy Park because of its scenic location along the Saskatchewan River and lots of beautiful trees.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
J: Rendezvous Pub 49, here is where KILUSAN’s journey started.
L: The Starlite Room
P: The Dive Bar
What is your favourite music store in your city?
J: Marketplace and Kijiji, that’s where I get my stuff.
L: I don’t have anything in particular
P: Marketplace
