Quito is known for its volcanoes, its historic district, and easy transport to Middle Earth. But if you are like me, and could give a crap about these things, (or just don’t like freezing cold, rainy weather enough to want to go climb a volcano in it), why not attend one of the many many metal shows that happen almost daily in Quito.
Quito is metal-head-freakin-heaven!
Most fans of metal music think of Finland, Sweden, Norway…as where the best metal comes from.
But I disagree. Quito rocks. Well, their weather sucks. But when it comes to music, people, and a good time, Quito Rocks!
And quite frankly, all of Ecuador is full of metal-head minions.
During my 6 weeks in Quito I attended shows, band rehearsals, and studio recordings almost daily.
QUITO LOVES METAL MUSIC!
It was something I never expected. Walking around Quito you see many long black haired, black dressed, skull embellished, metal-heads everywhere. In Mariscal Foche there are even a few metal/rock bars. If you love to travel, and love hardcore and metal music like me, Ecuador is awesome!
The styles of metal music vary in Quito, from straight out thrash metal, to hardcore, to bands like Curare, who, instead of lead vocals, they have lead flutes!
Vocals are traditional Andean indigenous flutes, with the only actual vocals coming from during choruses; and are backup at most. The lead of this band, the man downstage front, is the flutist.
The flutes are the vocals.
The vocals are flutes!
It will blow your freakin’ mind!
Ok, maybe not, but then again, it did mine. Curare is one of the most amazing mashed up music style bands I’ve ever seen.
Descomunal is one of Quito’s most popular metal band, and they have played Quitofest, Altavoz festival (Medellin, Colombia), and Rock en el Parque (Bogota, Colombia), with Lamb of God/Hatebreed in Quito, and a slew of other shows.
They are a crazy, heavy, hardcore metal bands with a ginormous, loyal fanbase, and I personally think they fucking rock! I’ve had the opportunity to see them multiple times, and to go into the recording studio with them. If you want to see a crazy, awesome band, go to a Descomunal show while you’re in Quito.
Mal Rojo, Ente, Kaniwara, Sal y Mileto, Sarcoma,…there’s a million bands in Quito that are amazing and you should check out. And Quito isn’t the only place in Ecuador with amazing metal music. Head to Guayaquil and check out La Bicileta del Diablo, or to the coast in Manta to see Replika. Nearly every city and town in Ecuador has metal music.
So if you are looking to an alternative to the traditional guide-book Ecuadorian adventures, why not check out the local metal music scene. You can find shows on Facebook, or by checking out any of the above listed band pages. Also check outAlarma Ecuador. They put on the bigger shows in Quito: Quitofest, Cannibal Corpse/Suicide Silence/Black Dalhia Murder, and Lamb of God/Hatebreed .
Yes, Scandinavia doesn’t hold the monopoly on the production of amazing metal music anymore. Go to Ecuador and get your metal on!