Hermética
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Ricardo Iorio |
| Headquarters | San Martín, Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Thrash metal music, albums, live performances |
Hermética was a thrash metal group originating from San Martín, Buenos Aires, Argentina, established in 1987 by bassist Ricardo Iorio following the dissolution of V8. Their initial contract was with the independent label Radio Trípoli Discos. The founding members consisted of Iorio, vocalist Claudio O'Connor, drummer Fabián Spataro, and guitarist Antonio Romano. After Spataro exited in 1988, Antonio Scotto took over drumming duties. This formation recorded their self-titled debut album, which holds the distinction of being Argentina’s first thrash metal record. Early live shows were mostly within Argentina, with a single appearance in Uruguay. In 1990, they released the EP Intérpretes, featuring reinterpretations of Argentine rock and tango classics; both this EP and their debut album were later combined into a single CD by Radio Trípoli Discos.
In 1991, Scotto departed and was succeeded by drummer Claudio Strunz. This lineup produced their sophomore studio album, Ácido Argentino. Hermética supported international bands such as Black Sabbath and Motörhead during their tours in Argentina but withdrew from a scheduled headline tour in Paraguay. They also issued the live album En vivo 1993 Argentina and performed at a concert held inside a prison. The band took part in Argentina’s first-ever Monsters of Rock festival, sharing the stage with Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Kiss. Their last studio effort, Víctimas del Vaciamiento, was released in 1994 and promoted through a concert at the Obras Sanitarias stadium.
By the end of 1994, just before their second show at Obras, Hermética disbanded. Ricardo Iorio, who had assumed lead vocal responsibilities on select tracks, went on to form Almafuerte as the frontman. The other members brought in a new bassist and created Malón. Following their formation, these two bands developed a notable rivalry.
Formation and Hermética era (1987–1989)
After the breakup of V8 in 1987, former bassist and lead singer Ricardo Iorio established Hermética. Initially considering Martín Knye from Kamikaze, Iorio ultimately recruited guitarist Antonio Romano from Cerbero. Although Iorio preferred Romano to handle both guitar and vocals along with bass duties himself, his manager recommended appointing a dedicated vocalist; consequently, Claudio O'Connor was selected. Drummer Fabián Spataro from Mark completed the initial lineup. The band commenced rehearsals in Villa Ballester that same year. The name "Hermética" was inspired by hermeticism, symbolizing concepts Iorio associated with the Argentine heavy metal community.
Among their first compositions were "Sepulcro Civil," "Masa Anestesiada," and "Cráneo Candente." Their inaugural performance took place at Helloween pub in San Martín on May 7, 1988. Although Osvaldo Civile—another former V8 member—had formed Horcas earlier, Hermética was the first to perform live. Following Spataro’s departure in 1988 due to workplace conflicts, Tony Scotto joined as drummer, making his debut in August at Club Sáenz Peña. A free concert organized by fanzine Zote in Lomas de Zamora was canceled because of a military uprising.
Throughout 1989, Hermética regularly played at the Arlequines theater in San Telmo—the first heavy metal band to do so—sharing bills with Doppler, 666, Militia, among others. The economic instability caused by Argentina’s hyperinflation that year delayed their debut album’s release. After declining an independent production proposal and an offer from EMI, they signed with Radio Trípoli Discos in May 1989. Recording sessions began two months later at Sonovisión studios, culminating in November with the release of their self-titled album Hermética, recognized as Argentina’s inaugural thrash metal recording. Iorio performed lead vocals for the first time on the track "Desde el Oeste." The band toured Córdoba alongside Hammer and featured Alberto Zamarbide (ex-V8) as a guest during a show in Mataderos. They concluded 1989 with two concerts supporting Pappo & The Widowmakers.
Intérpretes and Ácido Argentino (1990–1992)
During the early 1990s, Hermética embarked on their sole international performance at "Club Platense" in Montevideo, Uruguay, where they shared the bill with Retrosatán and Alvacast. Due to inadequate production arrangements, the band ended up spending the night outdoors. Upon returning to Argentina, they performed multiple shows across Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata alongside acts such as Divididos, Los Violadores, Arácnido, and Rata Blanca. They produced an EP within a tight 27-hour studio session, featuring spontaneous cover renditions of songs originally by V8, Patricio Rey y sus Redonditos de Ricota, Enrique Santos Discépolo, Motörhead, and Manal. As a fan of Budgie, Iorio deliberately mirrored Metallica’s cover EP The $5.98 E.P. - Garage Days Re-Revisited. Additionally, Hermética took part in the "Metal en acción" festival at José Amalfitani Stadium, performing alongside 2112, Lethal, Horcas, Kamikaze, Alakran, and Riff.
With their audience expanding, Hermética transitioned from Arlequines to Cemento to accommodate larger crowds. Most of their 1991 concerts were held there, featuring support from bands like Todos tus muertos, Pobres pibes, Nepal, Militia, Devastación, Rapier, and Resistencia Nativa. Their albums Hermética and Intérpretes, initially released on vinyl and cassette by Tripoli, were later combined into a single compact disc edition. After Tony Scotto's departure over creative disagreements, Claudio Strunz—formerly the drummer for Heinkel and owner of their rehearsal venue—joined the group and made his debut performance in Sunchales. The band appeared on television shows such as La movida del '90 and Siglo XX Cambalache. They recorded their second full-length album, Ácido Argentino, dedicating 150 hours at Aguilar studios; its release took place at Cemento on December 27.
In January 1992, following an avalanche in San Carlos Minas, Hermética participated in a benefit festival held at Estadio Chateau Carreras. They opened for headliners Riff amid minor disturbances. Later that year, Hermética supported Black Sabbath at Estadio Obras Sanitarias, earning public recognition from lead vocalist Ronnie James Dio. The band sold 25% of their song rights to entrepreneur Daniel Grinbank, a key figure in promoting rock acts in Argentina including Black Sabbath. In October 1992, Hermética opened for Motörhead at Obras. A scheduled concert in Paraguay was canceled after producers attempted to lower the agreed payment; unable to find an alternative venue, Hermética opted not to perform and returned to Argentina.
Live albums and Víctimas del Vaciamiento (1993–1994)
In early 1993, Hermética toured the Patagonia region. By March, Ácido Argentino had achieved gold status from the Argentine Chamber of Phonograms and Videograms Producers (CAPIF), having shipped 30,000 copies domestically. Tripoli proposed producing a new studio album in Miami or Los Angeles; however, the band declined to remain within Argentina. A planned support slot for Megadeth was canceled due to health problems affecting Dave Mustaine. Offers to perform alongside Metallica were also turned down because of contractual disagreements. Following tours through Rosario and Greater Buenos Aires, Hermética held their inaugural Buenos Aires concert on May 15, 1993, at Stadium with a capacity of 5,000 attendees. They recorded the live album En vivo 1993 Argentina along with a home video release that included a heavy metal interpretation of "Si se calla el cantor," originally by folk artist José Larralde. This release marked the conclusion of their contract with Radio Trípoli. On August 17, Hermética performed at Olmos prison alongside bands such as Lethal, A.N.I.M.A.L., Massacre, and British punk group U.K. Subs. The event was captured on record as Radio Olmos. They returned to Stadium for another concert on September 4 and began work on their third studio album.
In 1994, Hermética participated in Buenos Aires' edition of the Monsters of Rock festival with Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Kiss. Subsequently, they released their third studio effort titled Víctimas del Vaciamiento. Due to Stadium's limited capacity constraints, they organized a larger show at Estadio Obras Sanitarias which was recorded and issued as the live album Lo último. The studio album also received gold certification and featured a cover of Larralde's folk composition "De los pagos del tiempo". The band accepted the opportunity to perform at Obras after securing full control over event management.
Disbandment
Hermética's concluding performance occurred in Mar del Plata. Their scheduled second concert at Obras was canceled following unfounded reports that Iorio had contracted hepatitis B. When the remaining members formally requested Iorio to participate, he declined, which ultimately led to the group's dissolution. Iorio ceased all communication and forbade the use of the Hermética name, which he had originally created. After the split, Iorio granted interviews to Clarín, whereas the other members spoke with Madhouse. Iorio confessed to inventing the hepatitis allegation in an attempt to defuse tensions, though this strategy failed. He avoided interaction by returning separately to Buenos Aires. O'Connor, Romano, and Strunz attributed the conflicts to Iorio's unilateral decisions, unequal financial gains, and his refusal to engage in dialogue.
The Obras concert was recorded and initially released as a live album titled Lo Último, with studio editing applied to enhance sound quality. It was later reissued as a double album called En Concierto, which restored the authentic live audio experience.
Following Hermética's breakup, Ricardo Iorio established Almafuerte alongside guitarist Claudio Marciello and drummer Claudio Cardacci, assuming lead vocal duties while incorporating covers from Hermética and V8. Meanwhile, the remaining members recruited bassist Karlos Cuadrado and formed Malón. Both groups inherited Hermética’s fanbase and emerged as rivals; a 1995 poll by Madhouse highlighted their prominence within Argentina’s metal scene.
Hermética continues to exert significant influence on Argentina’s heavy metal community, particularly among younger audiences who never witnessed their live performances. A reunion has not occurred due to unresolved personal disputes; during Malón’s 2011 reunion, Claudio O'Connor emphasized that any reunion would require harmonious relations among all four original members.
O'Connor, Romano, Cuadrado, and Javier Rubio created La H no murió, an Hermética tribute band that has toured extensively across Argentina and Paraguay.
Style and lyrics
Hermética was a thrash metal ensemble shaped by influences such as Motörhead, Megadeth, and Black Sabbath. Bassist Ricardo Iorio was the primary composer of their material, while guitarist Antonio Romano contributed distinctive guitar solos. The band featured contrasting vocal styles: lead vocalist Claudio O'Connor delivered high-pitched singing that contrasted with Iorio’s rougher voice, who occasionally provided vocals but seldom led entire tracks. Iorio regarded his vocal contributions in Hermética as inferior compared to his later performances with Almafuerte since those songs were not crafted specifically for his style. The commercial success of their second album Ácido Argentino enabled a larger production budget for Víctimas del Vaciamiento. Iorio proposed re-recording their debut album with drummer Claudio Strunz using increased resources; however, the record label rejected this idea.
Though considered somewhat traditional in style, Hermética gained popularity through introspective and thoughtful lyrics. Unlike many heavy metal groups, their music resonated strongly with working-class listeners. Iorio wrote lyrics from a personal viewpoint and drew inspiration from 1940s Argentine tango music. The band was part of the Rock chabón movement within Argentine rock, influenced by themes of Argentine nationalism, family values, and regional identity. Iorio clarified that he does not endorse racism or fascism. Their lyrics were consistently written in Spanish since Iorio opposed composing in English merely to appeal to international markets. The first two albums addressed a variety of topics; for instance, "Memoria de siglos" explores themes such as cult of personality, buck passing, peace through strength, and wage slavery. Each track on their third album tackled a distinct subject matter.
Final line-up
- Ricardo Iorio – bass guitar and occasional vocals (1987–1994)
- Antonio Romano – guitar (1987–1994)
- Claudio O'Connor – lead vocalist (1987–1994)
- Claudio Strunz – drums (1991–1994)
Previous members
- Fabián Spataro – drums (1987–1988)
- Antonio Scotto – drums (1988–1991)
Studio albums
- Hermética (1989)
- Ácido Argentino (1991)
- Víctimas del Vaciamiento (1994)
EPs
- Intérpretes (1990)
Live recordings
- En vivo 1993 Argentina (1993)
- Lo último (1995)
- En Concierto, Parte I & II (1995)
Video releases
- En vivo 1993 Argentina (1993)
Compilation albums
- Sentimiento argentino (Mexican compilation, 1998)
Bibliography
- Frank Blumetti and Miguel Mora, Hermética: el sonido de la gente, Madhouse Extra, Buenos Aires, 1993
- Deborah Pacini Hernandez, Rockin' Las Américas, University of Pittsburgh Press, 2004
External links
- [AllMusic: Hermética](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/herm%C3%A9tica-p468565)
- [Discogs: Hermética](https://www.discogs.com/artist/123456-Herm%C3%A9tica)