V8 (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Ricardo Iorio, Ricardo "Chofa" Moreno |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
V8 was an influential heavy metal group from Argentina, established in 1979, recognized as one of the pioneering metal bands in both Argentina and the wider Latin American region. After their breakup, former members went on to form significant bands including Hermética, Horcas, Rata Blanca, Logos, and Almafuerte.
History
The origin of V8 traces back to founders Ricardo Iorio and Ricardo "Chofa" Moreno, who were motivated by the film The Song Remains the Same, featuring tracks by Black Sabbath. Prior to V8, they briefly played in groups named Alarma and Comunión Humana. Early compositions such as "Voy a enloquecer", "Si puedes vencer al temor", and "Muy cansado estoy" marked their initial repertoire. Their debut performance took place in August 1980 at Club Sahores, with Iorio handling vocals and bass, Moreno on guitar, and Gerardo Osemberg playing drums. In 1982, following a show with WC, vocalist Alberto Zamarbide and drummer Gustavo Rowek exited WC to join V8. Due to asthma issues, Moreno left and recommended guitarist Osvaldo Civile, establishing the classic lineup of Iorio, Civile, Zamarbide, and Rowek.
V8’s visibility increased after performing at the "Buenos Aires Rock" event, which was promoted by Riff’s producer. Their aggressive metal sound contrasted sharply with the predominantly hippie crowd, with some tracks openly critiquing that culture. Despite these differences, V8 maintained amicable ties with Riff; notably, Riff’s leader Pappo contributed guest guitar work on V8’s first album, Luchando por el Metal. This release was succeeded by their second album, Un paso más en la batalla.
An attempt to relocate to Brazil did not succeed; upon returning from this venture, both Civile and Rowek had departed. Drummer Adrián Cenci joined the group, which briefly expanded its lineup to include two guitarists: Walter Giardino and Miguel Roldán. Giardino’s involvement was brief, leaving Roldán as the sole guitarist. The band’s increasing focus on religious themes culminated in their third album, El fin de los inicuos. Diverging spiritual views eventually caused internal tensions that led to V8’s breakup.
The impact of V8 extends well beyond their active years; after disbanding in 1987, members went on to create notable bands: Osvaldo Civile formed Horcas, Zamarbide along with Roldán and Cenci founded Logos, Rowek teamed up with Giardino to establish Rata Blanca, while Iorio started Hermética. In 1996, a reunion concert featuring most former members—excluding Iorio—was recorded and released as Homenaje.
Following the passing of Civile, tribute compilations emerged reflecting contrasting perspectives: Iorio produced No Esta Muerto Quien Pelea, showcasing underground Argentine artists; meanwhile, "Nems" Records issued V8 No Murio, featuring prominent Latin American musicians. A limited edition digipak includes the best-of collection No Se Rindan as a bonus disc accompanied by an extensive booklet. The 2001 release of the Antologia box set gathers all three studio albums alongside unreleased tracks and photographic material. Original V8 vinyl records have become highly sought-after collector’s items commanding premium prices. In April 2014, an official box set compiling the complete discography from the original 1980s lineup was made available.
Final lineup
- Ricardo Iorio – bass guitar (1979–1987), lead vocals (1979–1982)
- Alberto Zamarbide – lead vocals (1982–1987)
- Adrian Cenci – drums (1985–1987)
- Miguel Roldán – guitar (1985–1987)
Former members
- Gerardo Osemberg – drums (1979–1981)
- Ricardo "Chofa" Moreno – guitar (1979–1982)
- Alejandro Colantonio – drums (1981–1982)
- Osvaldo Civile – guitar (1982–1985)
- Gustavo Rowek – drums (1982–1985)
- Walter Giardino – guitar (1985)
- Gustavo Andino – drums (1985)
- Guillermo Venuto – drums (1985)
Studio records
- Demos (1982)
- Luchando Por El Metal (1983)
- Un Paso Mas En La Batalla (1985)
- El Fin De Los Inicuos (1986)
Live recordings
- Homenaje: Obras/MCMXCVI (1996)
Compilation albums
- No Se Rindan (1991)
- Antología (2001)
External links
- Band Biography at rock.com.ar