Nepal (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Thrash metal music |
Nepal is a thrash metal group originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, established in 1985. Their name draws inspiration from the Asian nation of Nepal.
Biography
The band Nepal was initiated by Beto Vázquez and Javier Bagala, with Claudio "Larry" Zavala joining the lineup shortly thereafter. They became known for a distinctive style they labeled "Power Black Metal," showcased at various metal festivals.
In July 1988, they produced their debut demo titled Aquellos Bastardos at Cosmos Studios. This cassette was released as a split with Dr. Jekyll and quickly rose to the top of Argentine charts for "Most Important National Demos," significantly increasing their presence on radio stations and in music magazines.
Their follow-up demo, Nepal II, recorded again at Cosmos Studios in June 1989, demonstrated enhanced production quality. During this period, they performed at notable venues including Cemento, Arlequines, and Larrañaga theaters. By late 1991, following some changes in personnel, Nepal contributed the track "La Señal del Metal" to a split album featuring several local bands.
In April 1990, Nepal recorded the song "Represor" at Sonovision studios for inclusion on Radio Tripoli label's compilation Thrash Vol.1. They also re-released Nepal II with an additional live track titled "Te Destruiré," achieving sales of approximately 1000 copies.
Raza de traidores (1993)
With the addition of Dario Galvan in January 1992, Nepal began crafting new material. Their first full-length album, Raza de Traidores, came out in November through Metal Command Records on cassette format. Recording sessions took place between May and August at TMA La Escuelita studios. The band celebrated the album launch with a concert in Buenos Aires and subsequently opened for the German thrash band Kreator. The Uruguayan label Heavy Weigh Records included their track "Represor" on a South American compilation release. Nepal's initial international appearance occurred in April 1995 at Brazil’s Mountain Rock Festival held in Timbó, where they performed alongside Syndrome.
Ideología (1997)
October 1995 saw the release of Nepal’s sophomore album, Ideología, through Metal Command Records with promotional backing from "Monsters of Rock." This edition was limited to 1000 copies. Following this, the band signed with NEMS Enterprises and held concerts in Buenos Aires to present their new songs live. After these performances, drummer Dario Galvan departed and was succeeded by Facundo Vega. In September 1996, Nepal shared the stage for two shows with Angra.
Manifiesto (1997)
In October 1996, Nepal participated in a Kiss tribute album by contributing their rendition of "Love Gun," released through Sleaze Records. The following May, at a tribute event organized by the Official Iron Maiden Argentine Fan Club at "Cemento," Nepal performed covers of Wrathchild, Running Free, and Judas Be My Guide; this concert was recorded for members of Iron Maiden.
Toward the end of 1996, Nepal began composing tracks for their third studio album, Manifiesto, which was recorded and mixed at El Zoologico studios. Released by NEMS Enterprises in Argentina and Rock Brigade Records in Brazil, this album employed the innovative Holophonics 3D Sound technology created by engineer Hugo Zuccarelli. This system delivers an immersive three-dimensional audio experience and had previously been utilized by renowned artists such as Pink Floyd, Yes, Roger Waters, Vangelis, Steve Vai, and Paul McCartney.
Final years
Touring in support of Manifiesto kicked off in January 1998. In April, Nepal served as the opening act for Moonspell, and on August 22, they performed as the supporting band for Blind Guardian at the "Cemento" venue in Buenos Aires. That same year, they also took part in the "Metal Rock Festival II."
At the invitation of the producer from "Rock and Pop International", Nepal opened for Megadeth on October 4, 1998, followed by an additional performance at "Cemento."
In January 1999, drummer Dario Galvan left to explore progressive music styles, with Marcelo Ponce stepping in as his replacement. Nepal shared the stage with Almafuerte at Obras Sanitarias before an audience of 5,000. By May, they were back at "Cemento," showcasing two new songs ("Genosiglo" and "Sobre el Filo") intended for a fourth album that ultimately never materialized.
The group officially dissolved in 2000. Following the split, Larry Zavala embarked on a solo path while Beto Vazquez went on to establish Beto Vázquez Infinity.
Final lineup
- Larry Zavala – Lead vocals
- Beto Vázquez – Bass guitar and backing vocals
- Javier Bagala – Guitar
- Marcelo Ponce – Drums
Former members
- Dario Galvan – Drums
- Facundo Vega – Drums
- Willie Urroz – Vocals
- Raúl Jesaim – Guitar
- Jorge "Tanque" Iglesias – Drums
Guest artists
Studio albums
- Raza de Traidores (1993)
- Ideología (1995)
- Manifiesto (1997)
Demo recordings
- Aquellos Bastardos/Rompehuesos (Split CD) (1988)
- Nepal II (1989)
Collaborative projects
- Metal Rock Festival II (1998)
- Navidad Metálica (1999)
Cover tracks
- "Love Gun" originally by KISS
- "Children of the Grave" originally by Black Sabbath
- "Lanzado Al Mundo Hoy" originally by V8
- "Muy Cansado Estoy" originally by V8