Metalachi
Metalachi band has a motto: is to be the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band.
It is a heavy mariachi band with many curiosities.
Metalachi demonstrates that music is a universal language and that the style of mariachi can be mixed with heavy metal. This band from East Los Angeles has shown this on multiple occasions, creating versions with a Mexican ranchero touch and the lyrics and inspiration of songs like “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne and “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
As if that weren’t enough, Metalachi is the first and only self-proclaimed heavy metal mariachi band. “I think we have transformed the music enough to say that we have created our own genre,” said El Cucuy in an interview with Reuters. “There are people who consider both mariachi music and metal music almost like a religion. Every now and then you run into people like that, but most of the time, people love what we do,” he added.
Origins
This band originated in Los Angeles and has been playing together for several years. All members are trained musicians in classical mariachi. The band has a traditional five-member lineup: vocals, guitar, violin, trumpet, and acoustic guitar, known as guitarrón. What they lack is a drum set, which is usually key in a heavy metal band.
“The guitarrón handles many of the drum parts,” said guitarist Paco Halen. “The guitar covers a lot of the cymbal and tom-tom work,” he added. The usual parts and solos of the lead guitar fall on the electric violin played by Kyla Vera, the only woman in the band; she says that metal fans have converted to mariachi after seeing Metalachi’s performances. “Everyone seems to have a good time. Even if they follow one genre or another, most of the time this somehow bridges the gap for them,” said Vera.
Metalachi has toured various parts of the United States and is increasingly known for its unique style. In addition to wearing traditional charro outfits, the members wear leather boots, leopard print pants, T-shirts, hats, and luchador masks while playing traditional Mexican music and metal covers with instruments like guitarrón, violin, and trumpet.
How it started
The band also has a humorous side. They are Mexicans who came to the United States, trained in music and mariachi, but lovers of Anthrax, Iron Maiden, and Motörhead, tequila, and Mexican roots. In fact, Metalachi appeared in the tenth season of “America’s Got Talent” with a rendition of “We’re Not Going To Take It” by Twisted Sister; but it was only a debut and farewell performance.
Additionally, Metalachi has performed at Netflix “Is A Joke Fest” with comedian Bert Kreischer, the Welcome to Rockville Festival, and more. The band also appeared in an AT&T commercial. Although Metalachi is a cover band, they have said that they might soon produce original works. This is because mariachi serves as a powerful embodiment of Mexican culture and tradition; but it is also really cool and fun to hear versions of other bands.
Have a sample of their music:
