Sometimes the same word in another language creates a different feeling or emotion.
How it sounds
As the melody of Almodovar’s hypothetical film about the trans disguises of heavy metal bands.
Basically, it is heavy metal, which you do not know if you must move your butt in a Latin rhythm or your head doing headbanging.
It is Heavy Metal in Spanish with the addition of winds and percussions that are basically heard in Latin music.
With the tempo, many times, to be like that of Salsa.
Why listen to it
Because in a concert of such a band you can also take out your girlfriend who wants Latin dances and you want to be beaten like a real mutant.
It basically has some interest and is quite original.
Why not
Because the Spanish language doesn’t fit well in your ear together with metal.
And because metal is not to shake your butt like you are in Rio de Janeiro during the carnival season.
Where we meet it
Mainly in Latin America.
When did it start
The late 70s.
But 1992 is also a milestone year, when the Iron Maiden concert in Santiago, Chile, is canceled at the request of local churches.
That was the reason why many people started to create their own bands.
Who are the pioneers
In fact, the term was first used by music journalist Robert Christgau, who referred to Carlos Santana’s music as “Latin-metal pop”.
In Spain pioneers of the genre are Baron Rojo and Angeles del Infierno.
The Argentines Hermética, and Kraken are also among the first bands of the genre.
You have to listen
Luzbel, Maleficia, Massacre, Rata Blanca, Rawhide, Ill Niño, Puya, Ankla.
Days of glory
Although difficult to identify, many bands toured the United States and Europe in the 90s.
The success of some bands can be local.
Red card
The original bands of the genre were just bad copies of American or European (English).
Generally the discrediting of Spanish-speaking bands by European friends of the genre, mainly those of Latin America.
Many times very sloppy production.
What is it confused with
With rumba or samba steps when you do headbanging.
Basically with a lot of metal as many bands follow that kind of music and its sub-genres.
How do you describe it to an irrelevant
Imagine metalheads (in their normal clothes) playing music at the carnival with tunes that sound more like Salsa than Metal!