Although based in the US, a big chunk of their musical influence comes from local bands.

If their sound is familiar, that's because they have iconic Wolfgang and Razorback as their major musical influences.

The group’s bass player, carrying the stage name "Sweet Leaf," only has praises for the two hard rock bands who flourished during the rich Pinoy rock scene of the 90s.

In a phone patch interview with the Manila Bulletin, this guy who was born and grew up in the Philippines, said, "I was inspired by Razorback and Wolfgang and I carried that along here in the States."

Diablo Royale has been doing the rounds of New York clubs. Sweet Leaf describes its music as ‘bombastic sonic assault’ while vocalist Adrian Barrios said they are ‘not just making noise.’

After dominating the local hardcore rock corners during the 90s with their loud and growling sound, Wolfgang disbanded in 2002 while Razorback has become inactive.

Razorback’s David Aguirre left the band in 2003 and joined former Wolfgang’s Wolf Gemora in his new Southern California-based band, Lokomotiv, thus, combining key figures from the two big rock acts. Last year, various members of Razorback and Wolfgang who are in the Philippines got together for a reunion concert at the Music Museum, including vocalists Kevin Roy and Basti Artadi.

"First of all, we have melodies in our music. You can actually understand what I’m saying, understand the lyrics and harmony, and hear every single thing we do," explained Adrian about their Wolgang-Razorback influenced music.

Diablo Royale is set to join the search for the best Filipino-American rock band in the US known as FliptUp.com’s "Rock Slam." Participants of this contest will most likely come from people regularly logging in at www.FliptUp.com which is a website hub for America-based acts whose members have Filipino lineage.

Elimination rounds will be done through "Road Shows" that will pass by key cities namely, New York, Washington D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The five-piece ensemble is scheduled to jam at the competition’s first Roadshow in New York this July 27.

Open for Fil-Am bands without recording contracts, a Grand Finals is set on October 18, also in New York, to determine the champ. Bands have to register at www.FliptUp.com to join and need to ask their fans to vote online since a big chunk of the judging criteria will come from their votes.

Adrian added, "FliptUp.com is home for Fil-American bands and joining this contest would be good exposure for us."

Completing Diablo Royale’s lineup are Eric Choy and Gerard Steixner on guitars, and Mike Sankari on drums.