South America has one of the most passionate and intense heavy metal communities in the world. Metal first gained a foothold in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and thrash began reaching Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and other countries through imported vinyl and tape trading. Despite political repression, censorship, and economic hardship across much of the continent, a strong underground developed, defined by raw energy and dedicated fans.
Brazil became the continent’s epicentre, with Sepultura rising from Belo Horizonte to become global icons of thrash, death, and groove metal. Bands like Sarcófago and Krisiun cemented Brazil’s reputation for extreme brutality. Argentina contributed massively with V8 and later Hermética, thrash metal institutions that gave voice to social struggle, while Chile produced proto-death legends Pentagram Chile and thrash outfit Criminal.
Elsewhere, Colombia developed an especially fierce underground, with bands like Parabellum and Reencarnación creating a proto-black metal sound under the violence of Medellín’s drug wars, while Kraken gave the country its most beloved heavy metal anthem-makers. Peru built a cult reputation through death/black pioneers like Mortem and extreme acts such as Anal Vomit. Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia also grew committed underground scenes, often exchanging tapes across borders.
South America is also famous for its audiences – some of the loudest and most loyal in the world. International bands consistently rank cities like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Santiago among their best live experiences, with fans chanting football-style, singing solos, and creating unparalleled atmospheres.
Festivals such as Rock in Rio (Brazil), Rock al Parque (Colombia), Metal Para Todos (Argentina), and The Metal Fest (Chile) showcase both global headliners and regional heroes.