By Anjo
The first time I saw Bernie Carlos at a gig in Black Swan Tavern back in 2007, I could already tell—he wasn’t just some regular in the crowd. The long hair, the quiet confidence—he had that legit metal vibe. We ended up talking music, and instantly clicked. But even then, I had no idea just how deep his roots in the scene went.
It wasn’t until our mutual friend George casually mentioned that Bernie used to front a metal band called Sye, that everything started to click. Not just any band—a signed Canadian metal band from the ’80s. Released on Roadrunner Records Licensed from Metal Blade Records. Vinyl. Full-length albums.
That stopped me in my tracks.
A Filipino Canadian guitarist and vocalist, leading a heavy metal band signed to a mainstream label in the 1980s? That’s rare. That’s historic. At a time when most Filipino musicians in Canada were still trying to find their place in the scene, Bernie had already carved out a chapter.
Their debut album, Turn on the Fire, dropped in 1985. Recorded in Oshawa, it was raw, fast, and loud—the kind of album that punches you in the chest. Then in 1988, they followed it up with Wings of Change, a more melodic but still aggressive metal LP that showed just how much the band had grown. Both albums are cult favorites today, especially among collectors and die-hard fans of classic Canadian metal.
But Bernie wasn’t alone.
On bass was Gunner San Augustin—another Filipino Canadian, whose thunderous low-end and stage presence gave the band its muscle. If Bernie brought the fire, Gunner brought the fuel. Their chemistry—both as friends and musicians—anchored Sye’s sound with power and precision.
Completing the trio was Steve Fergusson, their drummer. While not Filipino, Steve brought relentless energy behind the kit. A true powerhouse, he laid down the rhythm that kept everything locked in, from high-speed tracks to groove-heavy anthems. Together, they were tight, loud, and impossible to ignore.
Years later, I had the honor of producing Sye’s first reunion concert at The Rockpile in 2012. After decades of silence, they plugged in, tuned up, and tore through the set like they never left. The crowd was a mix of curious newcomers and old fans reliving their youth. And Bernie? Still sharp. Still commanding the stage. Still metal.
Now, in 2025, they’re back again.
Sye is celebrating the re-release of their classic albums, and this Friday, June 13, they’re performing live at Taste of the Philippines—bringing metal to a Filipino cultural festival. And honestly? I love that. Because it’s not just about nostalgia. It’s about recognition.
Bernie and Gunner are proof that Filipino talent has always been here, loud and electric. We just haven’t always known where to look.
I’ll try to be there. And if you care about music, community, or just witnessing a story that deserves more spotlight—you should be there too.
Because sometimes, the most legendary people you’ll meet are the ones who already shared a stage with you… and you just didn’t know it yet.
