Sagrado Inferno
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Defunct | 1987 (first period) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2012 |
| Headquarters | Belo Horizonte , Brazil |
| Products | Heavy metal music, demo recordings, EPs |
Sagrado Inferno is a heavy metal ensemble from Brazil, established in 1983 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. As one of the earliest influencers in the local heavy metal, thrash metal, and black metal scenes, they played a crucial role in shaping bands such as Chakal, Witchhammer, and Sepultura. The band ceased activities in 1987 but reunited in 2012.
Formation and initial demo (1983–1984)
Originating in 1983, Sagrado Inferno holds the distinction of being the inaugural heavy metal group from Minas Gerais. Their initial sound drew inspiration from 1970s acts like Black Sabbath, evolving later through the impact of albums by Metallica, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Destruction, Kreator, and Mercyful Fate. Marcos Rodrigues pointed out that although he listened to Stress’s debut album, it did not shape their musical direction.
The band produced their debut demo, titled "Sagrado Inferno," in 1984, which included three tracks: "Sagrado Inferno," "Vida Macabra," and "Perseguição." The latter track has maintained its influence over time and continues to be covered by groups such as Chakal and Witchhammer. Despite facing constraints in recording capabilities, this demo became a cornerstone for the burgeoning heavy metal community in Belo Horizonte. A significant milestone was their performance at the Metal BH II festival in 1985 alongside bands like Sarcófago, Sepultura, Armmagedom, Chakal, and Minotauro. Tragically, that year they lost original drummer Betao-Ronca Ferro due to alcohol poisoning during a social gathering.
Missed opportunity (1986)
In 1986, a conflict between guitarist Silvinho and João Eduardo de Faria Filho, owner of Cogumelo Records, resulted in Sagrado Inferno forfeiting the opportunity to record the first metal album produced in Minas Gerais. This chance was instead awarded to Sepultura, who shared the release with Overdose on Século XX / Bestial Devastation.
Silvinho’s death and disbandment (1987)
The band’s trajectory ended abruptly in 1987 just prior to recording their first single when guitarist Silvinho died from an electric shock. Following this event, bassist Marcos Rodrigues moved to Santa Bárbara in 1992 where he took up a role as a school director; other members pursued different careers.
Revival of Sagrado Inferno
After a quarter-century hiatus, original member Marcos Rodrigues brought Sagrado Inferno back into existence. Observing a scarcity of local heavy metal enthusiasts, he waited until his children matured before forming Laranja Mecânica—named after one of their own songs—and producing a demo. Upon consulting his brother Dilsinho, former guitarist, Marcos reinstated the band under its original name.
Current lineup
- Markin Junior – Vocals and Guitar (2012–present)
- Lukas Vilela – Bass (2012–present)
- Marcos Rodrigues – Drums (2004–present); previously Bass (1983–1987)
Past members
- Pedro Vitor – Guitar (2012)
- Dilsinho – Guitar (1984)
- Silvinho – Guitar (1983–1987)
- Ronaldo – Drums (1984)
- Robinho – Vocals (2012)
- Victor Peixoto – Vocals (2012)
- Fernando Righi – Bass (1983)
- Rogerio – Vocals (1984)
- Heitor Alípio – Bass (2012)
- Roberto UFO – Guitar (1983); also linked with Sepultura, Sarcofago, Kalabouço ("Rob Thunder"), Apolium
Demo Recordings
- (1984) - Demo
Extended Plays
- (2016) - Sagrado Inferno