Matanza (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Jimmy London, Donida |
| Headquarters | Rio de Janeiro , Brazil |
| Products | Hardcore punk music, countrycore music |
Matanza was a hardcore punk group originating from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, established in 1996. Their sound uniquely fused elements of hardcore punk, country, and heavy metal, giving rise to the subgenre known as countrycore.
Biography
Formed in 1996 by Jimmy London and Donida, Matanza sought to merge the straightforward early melodies of Johnny Cash with the fast-paced energy typical of Scottish punk band The Exploited. Alongside drummer Nervoso and bassist Diba, they produced the demo Terror em Dashville in 1998.
In 1999, after recording new material, producer Rafael Ramos from Deckdisc took interest, resulting in a contract with the now-defunct label Abril Music. With China on bass, their first album Santa Madre Cassino was recorded in December 2000 and released in March 2001. However, the band was eventually dropped due to insufficient radio airplay.
Matanza collaborated again with Ramos for their sophomore album, Música para Beber e Brigar (Music to Drink and Brawl), which featured Fausto on drums. Standout songs include "Bom é Quando Faz Mal," accompanied by videos directed by Eduardo Kurt, who also helmed earlier clips and those for their Johnny Cash tribute.
What began as a four-song tribute evolved into To Hell with Johnny Cash, a full-length album comprising twelve covers of Johnny Cash tracks.
Their October 2006 release, A Arte do Insulto (The Art of Insult), demonstrated a more polished band with heavier compositions and powerful live shows that were later documented on DVD. Promotion efforts included the music video for "Clube dos Canalhas" ("Scoundrels' Club") and the publication Matanza Comix, overseen by Donida.
The live album MTV Apresenta Matanza, recorded in December 2008 at Hangar 110 under director Romi Atarashi, featured Jonas on drums. This period marked a shift as guitarist Donida stepped back from performing to concentrate on songwriting, with Mauricio Nogueira (formerly of Torture Squad) stepping in for live performances.
In March 2013, Matanza unveiled Odiosa Natureza Humana (Hateful Human Nature) through Deckdisc. The fifth studio work was captured live on tape over a three-day session and produced by Rafael Ramos.
Bassist China left in 2015 to focus on guitar duties and was succeeded by Dony Escobar. China participated in recording their seventh full-length album, Pior Cenário Possível (Worst Case Scenario), which debuted that April and marked Mauricio’s first contributions to songwriting.
In May 2018, citing personal, professional, and artistic disagreements, Matanza announced their breakup effective October of that year.
On 11 January 2019, former members reformed the band without Jimmy London; Vital Cavalcante took over vocal responsibilities.
Style and influences
The band’s lyrics frequently explore themes such as hatred, violence, alcohol, and women, often set against a backdrop reminiscent of the "Wild West". The press coined their style as "country-core". Drawing inspiration from Johnny Cash, they released a covers album in 2005 titled To Hell With Johnny Cash, featuring some of his early works. The 2006 album A Arte do Insulto incorporated influences from traditional Irish folk music. Other significant inspirations include Motörhead, Slayer, Dropkick Murphys, and The Exploited—artists associated with extreme metal and punk rock genres.
Donida served as the primary composer for the group.
Final roster
- Jimmy London – lead vocals (1996–2018)
- Donida – guitar (1996–2018; studio sessions only from 2008 to 2018)
- Maurício Nogueira – guitar (2008–2018)
- Jonas Cáffaro – drums (2008–2018)
- Dony Escobar – bass (2015–2018)
Previous members
- Diba – bass guitar (1996–2003)
- Nervoso – drums (1996–2003)
- China – bass guitar (2003–2015)
- Fausto – drums (2003–2008)
Studio albums
- (2002) Santa Madre Cassino
- (2003) Música Para Beber e Brigar
- (2005) To Hell with Johnny Cash
- (2006) A Arte do Insulto
- (2011) Odiosa Natureza Humana
- (2012) Thunder Dope
- (2015) Pior Cenário Possível
Additional releases
- (1998) Terror em Dashville (demo recording)
- (2008) MTV Apresenta Matanza (live and video album)
Side projects
Bassist Donida and former bassist China established Enterro, a black metal group that debuted with the album Nunc Scio Tenebris Lux in 2008.
In 2007, Donida took on the role of editor for the band's publication, "Matanza Comix."
Lead singer Jimmy London ventured into television, hosting shows on MTV Brasil such as Rockgol and Pimp My Ride Brazil in 2007. He also contributed voice acting for animated series and collaborated with Rock Rocket on the track "Eu Queria me Casar."