Brujeria was formed in 1989 as a representative of the Latino and Chicano community, initially with the members’ identities unknown. The members used masks and pseudonyms throughout their careers until the latest years of the band, where their identities were eventually revealed. Formed by the Fear Factory founder Dino Cazares, Brujeria has been a part of a story where they were thought to be narcotic traffickers. Without further introduction, let’s dive deep into why the band was involved in a series of unfortunate events and what they have done in their career.
Music and Criticism
The band faced for their lyrical themes about drugs, sex, and Satanism, inspired by the actions of Adolfo Constanzo. The album ‘Matando Güeros’ featured a severed head on the cover, later becoming the band’s emblem, while their album ‘Spanglish 101’ protested against English dominance.
Brujeria appears as a highly controversial band due to its provocative music and offensive lyrics. However, the controversy escalated with the launch of their first album, ‘Matando Güeros,’ a Mexican slang for a blond person, which featured a cover image of a decapitated head sourced from the Mexican newspaper ‘¡Alarma!’ The album faced bans in multiple countries due to its anti-white sentiments.
In 2000, “Brujerizmo” was released, incorporating new members. The 2001 compilation “Mextremist! Greatest Hits” included classic tracks and collaborations. A hiatus followed in 2002, with side-projects like Asesino.
After a hiatus and internal issues, Brujeria reformed in 2007, launching the ‘Weapon of Change Tour’ with additional new members. In 2012, Brujeria played at the Maryland Death Fest. In 2016, they announced their fourth studio album, ‘Pocho Aztlan’ after a 16-year gap.
Is Brujeria Involved In Narcotic Trafficking?
During a certain time of their career, the band has been accused of being a part of narcotic trafficking. They have faced suspicions of involvement in the narcotics trade, a historically prevalent business in marginalized and sanctioned communities as a means of survival. The band draws inspiration from the actions of Adolfo Constanzo, a Mexican drug smuggler, practitioner of Palo Mayombe, and serial killer, contributing to the circulating rumors.
Who Are The Anonymous Members?
Fear Factory founder Dino Cazares, known in the band as Asesino, is no longer a member, but the band was formed thanks to him. Though the band has successfully hidden their identities, they now continue their live performances without hiding their faces.
Hiding behind stage names, the current members include Juan Brujo, known as Juan Lepe, Jessica Pimentel as La Bruja Encabronada, Anton Reisenegger von Oepen as El Criminal, Pat Hoed as Fantasma, Shane Thomas Embury as Hongo, Ciriaco Quezada as Pinche Peach, and Henry Sanchez as El Sangrón. The band is still actively working on new music and touring.
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