A high-energy showdown is set to take over Umm Al Quwain this Valentine’s season as Alfonso Bakbakan Battle of the Bands Season 3 brings its competition to a decisive close, with four finalist groups battling for the championship on February 14 at Barako Grill in Barracuda Beach Resort.
Scheduled from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m., the finals night will feature Hiraya, Kill D Signal, Lunic, and TRINaBH—four bands with distinct musical identities, diverse cultural backgrounds, and stories shaped by life in the UAE’s fast-paced expatriate environment.
With a grand prize of AED 13,000 on the line, the event is expected to draw rock fans and music supporters from across the UAE, further boosted by guest appearances from Kevin, Baryo, and Crows Ravens. The finals will be hosted by Big Shaw and ChoKe.
Beyond the competition, the lineup reflects a wider story of how Dubai and the Northern Emirates continue to serve as a melting pot for musicians from different communities, bringing together artists who may have never crossed paths back home but found shared purpose on UAE stages.
Lunic brings rock theatre to the finals stage
Among the four finalists, Lunic has emerged as one of the most performance-driven rock acts currently making waves in the UAE. Built around the commanding presence of lead singer Adi Thomas, the band has spent the past two years establishing itself as a live act known for theatrical flair paired with high-impact musicianship.
Their development began with drummer Oshada, Adi’s longest-standing collaborator, whose steady presence helped shape the group’s early direction. The band later expanded with the arrival of guitarists Abraham Paul and Ethan Gonsalves, whose chemistry gave Lunic a sharper edge and a more layered sound.
The most recent addition, bassist Kian DeSilwa, is described as a fresh force within the group, strengthening both their live intensity and creative momentum.
Now, as they approach the competition’s final stage, Lunic is also preparing for a major step forward with a debut album currently on the horizon. The band’s current lineup includes Adi Thomas as lead singer, Abraham Paul as lead guitarist, Ethan Gonsalves as rhythm guitarist, Kian DeSilwa as bass guitarist, and Oshada as drummer.
Kill D Signal rises from an “accidental” meeting of six Filipinos
Another finalist drawing attention is Kill D Signal, a newly formed Filipino band in the UAE that has quickly built an identity around heavy and emotionally charged music.
Formed in late 2025, the group’s story began far from the Philippines, where all six members unexpectedly crossed paths while living and working in the UAE. What started as conversations and jam sessions soon turned into a full-fledged band after the members discovered they shared the same musical influences and creative hunger.
The band’s lineup includes Jay Zild on drums, Rox on rhythm guitar, Charlie on lead guitar, Alfred Thockins on bass, Kier on sampler, and Jepoks on vocals.
Rooted in nu metal, Kill D Signal describes its mission as a modern revival of the genre—fusing aggressive riffs and pounding drums with melodic hooks and chorus-driven arrangements built for live audiences.
The band name also reflects their message about disconnecting from distractions and noise in modern life, emphasizing music as a more raw and honest form of expression. On stage, their sound is shaped by the layered combination of atmospheric sampling, sharp guitar interplay, and a vocal style that moves between gritty intensity and melodic delivery.
With their UAE journey now leading them into a major finals event, the group is positioning itself as one of the newer heavy rock bands determined to expand its reach beyond local venues.
TRINaBH represents Darjeeling – India‘s rock spirit in Dubai
Adding a unique cultural layer to the finals lineup is TRINaBH, a Dubai-based rock band whose roots trace back to Darjeeling, India, with a strong Nepali musical identity.
Formed in July 2021, TRINaBH has already released four original Nepali songs and performed at multiple venues across Dubai. The band is known for singing and performing both in Nepali and English, reflecting their goal of connecting with diverse audiences while staying rooted in their heritage.
The band name, derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “center,” represents what the group considers the core of their bond—music as the force that keeps them together.
TRINaBH’s journey began as casual jam sessions among founding members, initially focused on recording cover songs for YouTube before eventually evolving into a full band project. Their early years included building a setlist of Nepali songs and classic English rock tracks.
A major breakthrough came in September 2022 with the release of their first original single, “Paila Haru.” They continued building momentum with their second original, “Saatha Pauna,” released in December 2023.
In 2024, the band faced uncertainty after their former vocalist Shidoo had to leave Dubai, leaving the group without a lead singer for almost a year. Their revival began in early 2025 when vocalist Mridula joined, restoring stability and inspiring the completion of unfinished projects.
This led to the release of their third and fourth originals, “Aayo Dashain” and “Gaun Ghar,” both released in 2025.
TRINaBH draws influence from iconic rock names including Iron Maiden, Metallica, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Guns N’ Roses, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and The Eagles, among others. The band is currently working on its first English original titled “Rock ’n’ Roll Dreams,” alongside additional Nepali and English material.
Their lineup includes Mridula Maya Mukhia on vocals, Vijoy Shalom Newang on guitars, Swaroop Chettri on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Jatin Joy Giri on drums and backing vocals.
Their story, like many expatriate musicians, is also built around balancing music with demanding work schedules and daily responsibilities in Dubai, with the band maintaining that their commitment to music remains unchanged despite the pressures of city life.
Hiraya brings a fresh nu metal identity built on emotion and intensity
Completing the finalist roster is Hiraya, a newly formed nu metal rock band that describes itself as a product of unexpected unity and individual talent.
Unlike groups built through long-term planning, Hiraya was formed through what the band describes as an organic connection between musicians coming from different backgrounds and influences. Their identity is rooted in instinct-driven songwriting rather than chasing trends, with music shaped by aggression, emotion, and meaning.
The name Hiraya comes from the Filipino phrase “Hiraya Manawari,” reflecting hope that visions and dreams can become reality—an idea the band connects to their own beginnings as an imagined sound that eventually took form.
Hiraya’s musical direction blends heavy riffs, tight rhythms, and intense vocal delivery, while exploring themes such as struggle, inner conflict, identity, and hope. Their sound is positioned between chaos and control, mixing melodic structure with distortion-heavy power.
The band is composed of Alex on guitar and vocals, Mark on drums, Shem on bass, Brhean on guitar, and Jansen as vocalist, who is described as the emotional center of the group’s live presence.
While Hiraya is still considered a new act, the band presents itself as a group already carrying a defined sonic direction and purpose as they enter a major competition stage.
Finals night to feature special guests and hosts
The Alfonso Bakbakan Battle of the Bands Season 3 finals will be held on February 14 at Barako Grill, Barracuda Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain, with performances scheduled from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m.
The finals night will feature special guests Kevin, Baryo, and Crows Ravens, while Big Shaw and ChoKe will serve as hosts.
For inquiries and other event details, organizers may be reached via WhatsApp at 054 308 8619 or 052 874 4698, or through email at faith@truebell.org and rm.barako@barracuda.ae.
