Cicatriz
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Basque Autonomous Community , Spain |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, live recordings |
Cicatriz was a punk rock group originating from the Basque Autonomous Community (Spain) in 1983. They played a pivotal role within the Basque Radical Rock (Rock Radical Vasco or RRV) movement and stood as a major influence in the Spanish punk scene, alongside contemporaries such as La Polla Records, Kortatu, and Eskorbuto, emerging from the underground culture of the 1980s.
1983–1986: Formation, initial phase, and Inadaptados
The band was established in 1983 during group therapy sessions at a rehabilitation center in Las Nieves, Vitoria. Initially named "Cicatriz en la Matriz," the lineup consisted of Natxo Etxebarrieta, his partner Poti, Pescadilla on bass, Pedro Landatxe on drums, and Pepin Arteaga on guitar. Vocals were shared by Natxo and Poti. In 1984, they produced a demo in Pamplona with tracks like "Botes de humo," "Cuidado burócratas," and "Aprieta el gatillo." That year also saw Poti's departure from the group.
By 1985, the band shortened their name to Cicatriz and released a split album via Soñua Records alongside Kortatu, Jotakie, and Kontuz-Hi!, contributing three songs: "Escupe," "Cuidado burócratas," and "Enemigo Público," which was a reworked version of "Aprieta el gatillo." Their confrontational stage presence and forthright lyrics earned them considerable acclaim throughout the Basque region.
In 1986, Cicatriz unveiled their first full-length album Inadaptados ("Misfits"), recorded at Elkar Studios in Lasarte with Jean Phocas as sound engineer and Josu Zabala producing. This record is considered a milestone within Spanish-language punk music. That same year, readers of the Basque newspaper Egin named Cicatriz the "best live band."
1987–1990: Lineup changes, Natxo’s legal troubles, and accident
In 1987, guitarist Pepin Arteaga was dismissed because of heroin addiction issues and replaced by Goar Iñurrieta, known for his work with hard rock outfits Bizkar Hezurra and Korroskada. Cicatriz continued performing until 1988 when Natxo was detained at Barajas airport after amphetamine tablets were discovered in his luggage; he faced drug trafficking charges. Although sentenced to four years imprisonment, he was released on bail after two months.
Later that year, Natxo endured a severe car crash near San Sebastián. After being refused treatment by two hospitals due to hepatitis complications, he was eventually admitted to a facility in Valencia where he underwent spinal surgery but suffered partial paralysis in his legs.
1991–1996: Follow-up album, health battles, and dissolution
Following an extended legal dispute, Natxo's mother Tati Jimenez obtained $70 million in compensation from the driver responsible for his accident. These funds enabled Natxo to launch his own record label and produce their sophomore album, 4 años, 2 meses y 1 día (1991), co-produced by the band alongside Peter Peck.
By 1992, Natxo grappled with depression linked to his deteriorating health. The group began working on new material without his involvement initially; however, he eventually contributed to its completion. In 1994, Natxo, Pakito, and Pedro publicly revealed their AIDS diagnoses; Pakito passed away in July of that year. Natxo and Goar carried on with Diego "Dieguillo" Garay on bass and Pedro Fernández Iradier on drums, releasing the live album En Directo.
Pedro Landatxe departed due to health problems and died in 1995; Natxo died on 5 January 1996. These tragedies led to the disbandment of Cicatriz.
Musical style and influence
Initially described as radical Basque rock, Cicatriz blended elements of hard rock and heavy metal with the rebellious spirit of punk, crafting a unique sonic identity. Although their discography includes just three studio albums and a single live recording, the group has garnered a dedicated international cult audience.
Band members
- Primary Lineup
- Natxo Etxebarrieta† – Lead Vocals (1984–1996)
- Goar Iñurrieta – Lead Guitar (1987–1996)
- Pakito Rodrigo† – Bass guitar (1984–1994)
- Pedro Landatxe† – Drums (1984–1995)
- Additional Members
- José "Pepin" Arteaga† – Lead Guitar (1984–1987)
- La Poti – Lead Vocals (1983–1984)
- Manolo – Drums (1983)
- El Pescadilla – Bass guitar (1983)
- Diego "Dieguillo" Garay – Bass guitar (1994–1996)
- Pedro Fernández Iradier – Drums (1994–1996)
Extended plays
- Kortatu Cicatriz Jotakie Kontuz Hi! (Soñua, 1985) Maxi-EP featuring collaborations with Kortatu, Jotakie, and Kontuz-Hi!
Albums
- Inadaptados (1986)
- 4 años, 2 meses y 1 día (1991)
- Colgado por ti (1992)
Live recordings
- En Directo (1994)