The explosion of Brujería into the metal scene was no accident. Juan Brujo and the crew had a clear vision: to create hardcore music in Spanish, for a Latino audience hungry for representation in a genre dominated by English. Back in the early 90s, when the death metal scene was predominantly Mexican and Latino, there was a noticeable gap — very few bands sang in Spanish, and even fewer embraced Latino culture in their music.
Juan Brujo recalls how the scene started with underground bands like Tierra, which played hardcore shows in houses because clubs wouldn’t book them — they were just too intense for the mainstream. The crowd was almost exclusively Latino, with no English speakers around, making it clear that something authentic and local was needed. This inspired Brujería to fill that space, bringing the aggressive, raw energy of metal with lyrics in Spanish that spoke directly to their community.
The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Juan’s parents weren’t metal fans and sometimes even punished him for his music choices, highlighting how metal was still misunderstood by many. But despite this, Brujería grew steadily, gaining a devoted fan base across Latino neighborhoods — from the Bronx to Paris — who connected with the band’s rebellious spirit and cultural pride.
Brujería’s music is not just metal; it’s a statement against division and hate. Juan mentions how certain forces try to build walls — literal and metaphorical — to separate people and fuel racism. But the band’s message pushes back against this, promoting unity and resilience within the Latino community.
Over time, the band’s lyrics and themes have evolved. Early on, their words were raw and sometimes harsh, reflecting the struggles and anger of the time. Now, Juan says, there’s a new perspective — older, wiser, but still passionate. Brujería continues to inspire with Spanish-language metal that encourages pride and strength among listeners.
Juan also reflects on the broader Latino music scene, noting that while some genres like narcocorridos and traditional metal have become mainstream, bands like Piñata Protest bring fresh energy and innovation, mixing punk and ska with Latino influences — something new and exciting for the community.
Brujería stands as a powerful example of how music can transcend language and culture to unite people. Their story is about breaking barriers, celebrating Latino identity, and using metal as a tool for empowerment.
In Juan Brujo’s words, “We’re not just marijuana smokers or criminals — we’re intelligent people with something important to say.”
Catch Brujería on tour and stream Pocho Aztlán wherever you get your music
Watch the full video interview below.
Interview by The Mighty Zee | Editing by Capital Chaos TV
Categories: brujeria, Interviews, News
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