SB19 has once again proven their global presence, and this time, they’re knocking on the door of the top spot in one of the world’s biggest music markets. Their newest EP, Simula at Wakas, dropped on Friday, April 25, and it wasted no time making waves in the U.S. iTunes charts—climbing all the way to No. 2 in just a matter of hours.

For a Filipino act to stand shoulder to shoulder with global music heavyweights on American platforms is rare. But for SB19? It’s becoming a pattern.

Fridays on iTunes are known for being competitive. That’s when the majority of artists release their new projects to capitalize on the start of a new tracking week. Yet amid the buzz of fresh releases and international debuts, Simula at Wakas didn’t just hold its ground—it surged. As of the latest count, it landed as the second-bestselling album in the U.S. iTunes store. That’s a huge feat, especially for a group representing the Philippines on a stage often dominated by Western and Korean pop acts.

Only Ghost, the Swedish metal group known for their theatrical and hard-hitting rock, was able to outpace SB19 with their album Skeletá, which debuted at No. 1.

For a brief moment, the Final Fantasy XIV soundtrack also edged ahead of SB19, but it eventually slipped, giving the P-pop stars a clearer shot at the No. 2 position.

And they’re not alone on the list of new top performers. The latest iTunes chart also saw new projects from Machine Head, Coco Jones, Shaboozey, and the 2024 Broadway cast recording of Gypsy. Still, it’s SB19’s placement that has fans buzzing—proof that their reach is becoming more international with each release.

This is more than just a strong debut. It’s a continuation of momentum. Earlier this year, the group dropped “Dam,” the first single off Simula at Wakas. That track made history for them, becoming their first No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. That’s a chart usually dominated by K-pop groups and global icons—so seeing SB19 top it was a powerful moment, not just for the band but for P-pop as a whole.

What makes this even more exciting is how organic it all feels. SB19 has always had a loyal fanbase, but this EP seems to be drawing even more attention from casual listeners, international fans, and new audiences alike. With early signs pointing toward another Billboard chart appearance, it looks like Simula at Wakas is about to kick off a new chapter for the band—one where their name becomes even more recognized on a global scale.

The title of the EP, Simula at Wakas, which translates to “Beginning and End,” might be more symbolic than anyone realized. It feels like the end of one era for SB19—and the thrilling start of another.