Narcosis (band)
| Industry | Music |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1984 in Lima, Peru |
| Headquarters | Lima , Peru |
| Products | Rock music, albums |
Narcosis is a rock group originating from Lima, Peruvian, established in 1984. As trailblazers of the 1980s underground punk rock movement in Lima, they independently financed two albums during their short initial existence of just over a year. Their first release, the self-produced cassette titled "Primera Dosis" (1985), is recognized as a seminal work and stands as one of the most influential and frequently pirated records in the history of Peruvian rock. Although their activity was limited, Narcosis continues to hold significant sway within Peru's rock scene.
Known as a cult favorite, Narcosis has consistently disseminated their music beyond traditional media outlets. Their songwriting addresses topics tied to social activism and cultural critique, encompassing themes such as depression, indoctrination, blasphemy, pessimism, anarchism, and global concerns—highlighting the band’s deliberate commitment to meaningful and provocative messages.
Formation and Early Days
The band’s inception stemmed from interactions among Fernando Vial, Jorge Madueño, and Alvaro Carrillo after Vial placed an advertisement in Segunda Mano magazine toward the end of 1983. Carrillo introduced his friend Luis Piccini, who brought along his drum kit. Initially, the ensemble experimented with several names including "Sociedad Anónima (S.A.)," "Los Descartados," and "Los Descartables." Due to scheduling conflicts, Madueño replaced Piccini on drums. The group ultimately adopted the name Narcosis, drawing inspiration from Hermann Hesse's novel Siddhartha, symbolizing a fleeting escape from life’s suffering and absurdity.
Emerging during Lima’s concurrent underground rock surge—which blended Punk and Hardcore with Post-Punk styles—Narcosis debuted live on October 6, 1984, at Carnaby bar alongside prominent acts LeuZemia and Masacre. Following Carrillo’s departure due to unforeseen circumstances, Vial brought in his friend Luís "Wicho" García as vocalist, finalizing the lineup.
Debut Album "Primera Dosis," Achievements, and Performances
In February 1985, Narcosis recorded their first album Primera Dosis inside Madueño’s living room using García’s portable 4-track recorder improvised with a microphone and Walkman tape-player serving as a mixing console. The initial batch of 200 cassettes represented Peru’s pioneering fully DIY rock album. Despite receiving proposals from local labels, the band opted for complete independence.
Their follow-up release, Acto de Magia (1985), captured a live session at Lima’s Magia bar, preserving the raw intensity of their shows despite limited recording gear. This demo epitomized creative autonomy amid a commercially driven music industry.
A defining incident took place on February 17, 1985, during the Rock en Rio Rímac festival before an audience of 5,000. While performing "Sucio Policía," police intervened by firing shots into the air and storming the stage—underscoring the friction between underground musicians and law enforcement.
By 1986, members had moved on to other ventures: Vial joined Autopsia, García collaborated with Miki González before becoming part of Mar de Copas, and Madueño became involved with Eructo Maldonado.
Narcosis reunited in 2001 to mark their 15th anniversary and have intermittently performed since with guest artists. Key reunions include a 2007 concert in Medellín, Colombia; appearances at Lima’s "Onuba" dance venue; a series of shows across Peru celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2011 coinciding with a vinyl edition of Primera Dosis; a single performance in mid-2013; and participation in the "Revolución Caliente" festival at Lima’s National Stadium on October 25, 2014.
Current
- Luis "Wicho" García – lead vocals, production
- Jorge "Pelo parao" Madueño – drummer
- Fernando "Cachorro" Vial – guitarist (passed away 24 October 2020)
Past
- Luis Piccini – drummer (1984)
- Alvaro Carrillo "Gallito" – vocalist (1984)
Discography
- 1985 – Primera Dosis, independently produced cassette
- 1986 – Acto de Magia, independently produced cassette
- 2003 – Narcosis, compilation CD released by Fernando Vial’s Pasajeros del Horror label
- 2011 – Primera Dosis issued on vinyl