Some of the notable metal sub-genres that have thrived in South America

South American Metal #

What metal music sub-genres are popular in South America? #

Metal music in South America has developed its own unique characteristics, influenced by the cultural and social context of the region. Various sub-genres of metal have gained popularity there, each reflecting different aspects of the region’s musical heritage and social issues. Here are some of the notable sub-genres that have thrived in South America:

• Latin Metal: This sub-genre incorporates traditional Latin American music elements with metal, using native instruments and rhythms. It often features lyrics in Spanish or Portuguese and can include styles like salsa, samba, or tango fused with metal.

• Thrash Metal: South America, particularly Brazil and Chile, has a strong thrash metal scene. Influenced by the global thrash movement of the 1980s, bands from these countries often add their unique flair to the genre.

• Death Metal: This genre has also found a foothold in South America, with bands often incorporating local cultural elements into their music and lyrics. The themes can range from indigenous mythology to contemporary social issues.

• Folk Metal: Blending heavy metal with traditional South American folk music, this sub-genre is characterized by the use of folk instruments and melodies. It often explores historical and mythological themes.

• Power Metal: Popular in many parts of the world, power metal also enjoys a significant following in South America. Bands in this genre are known for their melodic elements and often grandiose themes.

• Doom Metal: Though less prevalent, doom metal has its niche audience in South America. This genre is known for its slower tempos and more somber or melancholic tone.

• Black Metal: This genre, known for its extreme nature and often controversial themes, has a dedicated if smaller, following in South America. Some bands incorporate local folklore and history into their music.

Each of these sub-genres reflects the diversity and complexity of the metal scene in South America, influenced by both global trends in metal music and the unique cultural contexts of the region. The metal scene in South America is dynamic, continually evolving, and serves as a critical outlet for artistic expression and social commentary.

Anything “military”? #

In South America, the intersection of metal music with military themes or influences isn’t a predominant trend as in some other regions, particularly in Europe where genres like “war metal” have a more pronounced presence. However, there are aspects of the metal scene in South America that touch upon military themes, often reflecting the region’s historical and political contexts.

• Lyrics and Themes: Bands in genres like thrash metal, death metal, and black metal may incorporate military themes into their lyrics. This often reflects the region’s turbulent political history, including military dictatorships, civil unrest, and revolutionary movements. The lyrics can be a form of protest or social commentary, addressing issues like oppression, war, and human rights abuses.

• Visual Aesthetics: Some bands might adopt military-inspired aesthetics in their stage attire or album art. This can be seen as a symbolic representation of rebellion or resistance against authority, aligning with the broader ethos of defiance commonly found in metal music.

• Band Backgrounds: There may be individual musicians or bands in South America with personal or family backgrounds connected to the military. These experiences could influence their music, either directly through thematic content or indirectly through the intensity and aggression of their sound.

• Musical Influence: Musically, some bands might incorporate martial elements into their compositions, like the use of marching rhythms or aggressive, ‘battle-like’ soundscapes. This is more about creating a particular mood or tone rather than directly engaging with military topics.

While the metal scene in South America is not predominantly focused on military themes, the genre’s diverse nature allows for the exploration of a wide range of topics, including those related to the military, war, and conflict. This exploration is often reflective of the artists’ personal experiences, cultural background, and social and political concerns, rather than a general trend in the genre.

List some signed bands as per the seven sub-genres above? #

Creating a comprehensive table of signed metal bands from South America across the seven sub-genres I previously mentioned would be an extensive task, given the vast and dynamic nature of the metal scene in that region. However, I can provide a representative sample of notable bands within each sub-genre to give you an idea of the diversity and richness of South American metal.

Please note that this table includes a mix of historically influential bands as well as some contemporary ones, and it’s not exhaustive. The metal scene, |particularly in regions like South America, is characterized by a significant number of independent and underground bands, which might not be widely known but contribute substantially to the genre’s richness and diversity. Also, the categorization of some bands can be subjective, as many groups incorporate elements from multiple sub-genres.