Brazil has one of the most passionate and influential metal scenes in the world, known for its raw energy, political edge, and devoted fan base. Heavy metal began gaining traction in Brazil in the late 1970s and early 1980s, heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and traditional hard rock. However, it was during the mid-1980s that the Brazilian scene exploded, particularly in the realm of extreme metal.

The most famous Brazilian metal band is Sepultura, formed in Belo Horizonte in 1984 by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera. They started with raw thrash and death metal before evolving into groove metal and incorporating Brazilian tribal rhythms, influencing countless bands worldwide.

Other notable thrash and death metal bands from Brazil include Korzus, Mutilator, Sarcófago (known for their extreme, blasphemous imagery and influence on black metal), and Krisiun, one of the country’s leading death metal exports. Brazil also has a strong power and traditional heavy metal presence with acts like Angra and Shaman, blending melodic metal with Brazilian music elements.

Brazil hosts major festivals such as Rock in Rio, which, although not exclusively metal, has featured legendary performances from Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer. The country’s underground thrives through smaller festivals and an extensive network of local bands, often fuelled by DIY ethics.

FAMOUS METAL BANDS FROM BRAZIL

Angra | Crypta | Dorsal Atlântica | Korzus | Krisiun | Nervosa | Mutilator | Sarcófago | Sepultura | Shaman | Soulfly | Vulcano

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