After 13 years of waiting to see Brujeria, in my eyes and ears the #1 Mexican Heavy Metal band of all time thanks to their strong message. What I experienced at Webster Hall in New York City, is proof of two things: the impact of Heavy Music is stronger than ever and the influence of the Latin American culture in the United States is more prevalent than ever before. Out of a crowd of about 1000 Metaleros, 900 were of Latin American descent! And 899 were Mexican! Brujeria was formed in Tijuana, after Dino Cazares and Raymond Herrera decided that starting an extreme Metal band was the best way to sneak in some of their friends into the United States. I wouldn't be surprised if they also sneaked in 800 of the Metaleros that took over Webster Hall this past Sunday.
As soon as I arrived to the venue I knew it was going to be a crazy show and that I was going to experience something similar to when I saw A.N.I.M.A.L., a band from Argentina, back in Colombia in 1997. For the few hours I spent at Webster Hall I felt right at home with "la raza". In my opinion the passion we Latinos have when it comes to rocking out is unmatched by any other culture. Maybe the European crowds can match our intensity, but nobody can beat it. It is not arrogance, simply put: we do not hold back our emotions when we sell our ears to our favorite bands. I remember in the early 90's when Guns N' Roses played in Bogotá- the entire city was in rage mode! Kids were blasting GNR throughout the entire city. That night GNR destroyed Bogotá, literally. The kids were so riled up that they joined the destruction! Vandalism at its best!
Even though there were no acts of vandalism that I am aware of at the very first Brujeria show in New York City, the musical power of Brujeria took over the entire crowd before they even stepped on stage. People were moshing up and hassling the roadies as they did the sound check.
Once "Juan Brujo", "Fantasma", "Hongo", "El Cynico" and "El Podrido" started their set with "Pito Wilson" the entire room turned into a vulgar display of power. Luckily I found a great spot so I could show all of you what I experienced, this way I can make this story much more valid and you will know that I am not bullshitting you.
You may be wondering who the guys behind the masks are and why they're hiding their faces. Their front man Juan Brujo is "el mero chingon"! In English? The "big shot"! Juan Brujo is armed with a machete and extremely dangerous, he is one of the most wanted Metaleros in the world. Apparently, he beheaded the guy who dared to steal his hat during the show and as a result is fleeing from "la migra." So I think its smart for him to cover his face.
Fantasma(a.k.a. Pat Hoed) is Juan Brujo's partner in crime, and is also a professional wrestling commentator and radio personality. He is also hiding his face from "la migra". On axe, we have Hongo (a.k.a. Shane Embury) from British Grind Core legend Napalm Death. He hides his face because he doesn't want to steal the ladies from Juan Brujo with his good looks. On bass we have El Cynico (a.k.a. Jeffrey Walker) from British Heavy Metal masters Carcass. He hides his face because Juan Brujo snuck him into the US inside a van made entirely of marijuana. Finally, we have El Podrido from the most influential Swedish Metal band of all time, At The Gates! He is hiding his face because he owes tons of money to every venue in the country, from all the snare drums he has ripped in half!
Then there is Pinche Peach, the most pimp Metalero to ever cross the river (illegally of course). He is Brujeria's hype-man and maybe even their stage puppet. Regardless, Pinche Peach is fucking awesome and kept all of us entertained with his unusual stage tactics.
For over an hour, the band performed all their controversial classics including: "Matando Gueros", "La Migra", "Hechando Chingazos", "Division del Norte" and "Colas de Rata". After seeing Brujeria one thing is certain: they are no stage puppets! What you see is what you get! If Brujeria ever come back to New York City, I highly recommend you experience this amazing band! And if you don’t check them out, Juan Brujo will behead you!
Here is another video, this is "Marcha de Odio"!
Here is another video, this is "Colas de Rata"!
Here is another video, this is "Division del Norte"!
Related links:
Brujeria Official Site
Pictures of Brujeria's NYC takeover
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