Horcas
Encyclopedia
Horcas is a heavy metal band from Argentina
created in 1988 by Osvaldo Civile, former guitarist for V8
, Argentina’s landmark heavy metal outfit in the 1980s. After quitting V8 in 1985, and impressed by the new generation of thrash metal bands from the Bay Area led by Metallica
, Civile set out to put together a new group in that line. That seminal project, which included former V8 bandmate Gustavo Rowek on the drums, was however delayed for a number of reasons, and it was not until 1988 that it could definitely take off. By that time though, put off by the incessant postponements, Rowek had joined another former V8 member, Walter Giardino
, in his new project Rata Blanca
.
member, but also because they were among the first in Argentina to explore a more extreme line within the genre. In 1990, Horcas landed their first recording deal with indie label Radio Trípoli, and as a quartet, since Zucchi had left the band, cut their first album Reinará la Tempestad.
, Motörhead, Kreator
and Exodus
on their Argentinian dates. However, there were soon to be internal frictions, which ended up in Civile firing all of the band members except for bassist Topo Yáñez, in less than a year. This situation, which forced Civile to re-form the band almost from scratch, together with major problems with their label, which prevented Horcas from recording during 5 years, seriously hampered the band’s growth.
At the beginning of 1999, Horcas returned to the studio to cut its fourth album Eternos, which was to become Civile’s last recording. On April 24, 1999 Civile played for the last time with Horcas. Five days later, on April 29 he was found shot dead in his home. The cause of his death was ultimately never clarified, though speculation points to suicide, since Civile had a long history of alcohol addiction and was said to be prone to depressive attacks.
, Bolivia
, Uruguay
and Brazil
to promote Eternos.
In 2002 Horcas are signed by indie label El Pie Records and record their fifth studio album, the first without Osvaldo Civile. The album called simply Horcas is extremely well received both by critics and fans and yields instant classics such as the songs Esperanza and Reacción. The next year, the band release their first live album Vive, recorded on September 13, 2003 during a sold-out gig at Hangar in Buenos Aires
.
at Vélez Sarsfield
stadium in Buenos Aires
for an audience of 40,000. Shortly after, they change management and touring becomes more extensive on a national scale and begins to include international dates on a normal basis. On November 18, 2004, Horcas release Demencial, their final album for El Pie Records. The album, which inaugurates an era of experimentation for the band, in which they work with lower tunings and new sounds, received excellent reviews from the critics and a mixed reaction from their fanbase, who notwithstanding stayed loyal for its most part.
During the “Demencial Tour”, which kicked off on December 18, 2004 in Buenos Aires
at a sold-out El Teatro, Horcas toured Argentina
, Ecuador
, Venezuela
, Uruguay
and Colombia
where they headlined the second stage at Rock al Parque
Festival in Bogotá
on October 14, 2006. Also for the first time in their career they performed outside Latin America
: on April 30, 2006, Horcas played at Viña Rock Festival in Spain
.
in Buenos Aires in May, 2008.
During 2009 and 2010 Horcas hit the road with the "RH Tour", which included opening gigs for Iron Maiden
on March 28, 2009 at Vélez Sarsfield
stadium for an audience of 40,000, and for Metallica
on January 21, 2010 at River Plate
stadium for a crowd of 60,000. On May 15, 2010 Horcas recorded their tenth album and first DVD live at a sold-out Teatro Colegiales in Buenos Aires as part of a series of events to take place throughout 2010 in celebration of their 20th anniversary. On December 6, 2010 Horcas released their tenth album and first DVD under the title of La Maldición Continúa. The release is available in two formats: Standard (only CD) and Full (CD + DVD). As from the beginning of 2011 Horcas are on the road with their brand new "Maldición Tour".
Bass
Drums
Vocals
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
created in 1988 by Osvaldo Civile, former guitarist for V8
V8 (band)
V8 was an Argentine heavy metal band created in 1979, one of the first notable Argentine bands of that genre. After its dissolution former members have continued their careers starting other heavy metal bands, Hermética, Horcas, Rata Blanca, Logos and Almafuerte.-Biography:In the beginning of the...
, Argentina’s landmark heavy metal outfit in the 1980s. After quitting V8 in 1985, and impressed by the new generation of thrash metal bands from the Bay Area led by Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, Civile set out to put together a new group in that line. That seminal project, which included former V8 bandmate Gustavo Rowek on the drums, was however delayed for a number of reasons, and it was not until 1988 that it could definitely take off. By that time though, put off by the incessant postponements, Rowek had joined another former V8 member, Walter Giardino
Walter Giardino
Héctor Walter Giardino is an Argentine guitarist, composer and leader of the heavy metal and hard rock band Rata Blanca. He is very influenced by Ritchie Blackmore and Yngwie Malmsteen.-Early Years and V8 :...
, in his new project Rata Blanca
Rata Blanca
Rata Blanca is a heavy metal band from Argentina formed in the 1980s.-Biography:The band was founded by Walter Giardino after he left V8. Rata Blanca played together for about two years before their debut on August 15, 1987 in the theater "Luz y Fuerza" in Buenos Aires...
.
1988-1990 - Reinará la Tempestad
The first version of Horcas to hit the road had Civile on lead guitar, Adrián Zucchi on rhythm, Eddie Walker on the bass, Gabriel Ganzo on drums and Hugo Benítez on vocals. The band quickly garnered recognition in the local heavy metal circles, mainly because of Civile’s past as a V8V8 (band)
V8 was an Argentine heavy metal band created in 1979, one of the first notable Argentine bands of that genre. After its dissolution former members have continued their careers starting other heavy metal bands, Hermética, Horcas, Rata Blanca, Logos and Almafuerte.-Biography:In the beginning of the...
member, but also because they were among the first in Argentina to explore a more extreme line within the genre. In 1990, Horcas landed their first recording deal with indie label Radio Trípoli, and as a quartet, since Zucchi had left the band, cut their first album Reinará la Tempestad.
1991-1996 - Oíd Mortales el Grito Sangrado
In 1991, bassist Eddie Walker leaves the band and is replaced by current member Norberto “Topo” Yáñez, while the rhythm guitar slot is filled by Oscar Castro. With this line-up they release in 1992 their second effort Oíd Mortales el Grito Sangrado ("Hear, oh mortals, the bleeding cry", a twist to the opening line of the Argentine Anthem: "Oíd mortales el grito sagrado" -"Hear, oh mortals, the sacred cry"-). This album, which includes the all-time fan favourite Solución Suicida, broadened the band’s fanbase and seemed to predict a major breakthrough for Horcas in the near future. In fact, during 1993, the band was chosen to open for MetallicaMetallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
, Motörhead, Kreator
Kreator
Kreator is a thrash metal band from Essen, Germany, formed in 1978, but formalized in 1982 under the name Tormentor. They originally performed a speed metal style with Venom influences. Their style of music is similar to their compatriots Destruction and Sodom, the other two big German thrash metal...
and Exodus
Exodus (band)
Exodus is an American thrash metal band formed in 1980 in Richmond, California. Spanning a career of over 30 years, Exodus has gone through numerous lineup changes, two extended hiatuses, and the deaths of two former band members. Guitarist Gary Holt remains the only constant member of the band,...
on their Argentinian dates. However, there were soon to be internal frictions, which ended up in Civile firing all of the band members except for bassist Topo Yáñez, in less than a year. This situation, which forced Civile to re-form the band almost from scratch, together with major problems with their label, which prevented Horcas from recording during 5 years, seriously hampered the band’s growth.
1997-1999 - Vence - Eternos - Civile's death
However, Civile continued with Horcas against all odds. This fact, along with the devotion his persona inspired in the local heavy metal fanbase, opened the band a new window of opportunity in 1997, when with a new line-up which included current members Sebastián Coria on guitar, Guillermo De Luca on drums and the charismatic Walter Meza on vocals, Horcas were able to finally record their long-awaited third album Vence. The album, which yielded the classic Argentina, Tus Hijos - also to be the band's first video clip - was acclaimed by critics and fans alike, and Horcas were once again on their feet. 1997 and 1998 were extremely successful years for Horcas during which the band expanded dramatically their fanbase and finally established themselves as one of the leading Argentinian and Latin American heavy metal acts. At that time Civile is quoted as saying that after 7 years he had finally put together the band he had strived so many years for.At the beginning of 1999, Horcas returned to the studio to cut its fourth album Eternos, which was to become Civile’s last recording. On April 24, 1999 Civile played for the last time with Horcas. Five days later, on April 29 he was found shot dead in his home. The cause of his death was ultimately never clarified, though speculation points to suicide, since Civile had a long history of alcohol addiction and was said to be prone to depressive attacks.
1999-2003 - Horcas - Vive
The remaining band members were then faced with the dilemma of continuing with the band or not. Finally it was decided that Horcas would continue as a tribute to Civile. The band then enlisted guitarist Gabriel Lis and went on their first international tour that included MexicoMexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, Bolivia
Bolivia
Bolivia officially known as Plurinational State of Bolivia , is a landlocked country in central South America. It is the poorest country in South America...
, Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
and Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
to promote Eternos.
In 2002 Horcas are signed by indie label El Pie Records and record their fifth studio album, the first without Osvaldo Civile. The album called simply Horcas is extremely well received both by critics and fans and yields instant classics such as the songs Esperanza and Reacción. The next year, the band release their first live album Vive, recorded on September 13, 2003 during a sold-out gig at Hangar in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
.
2004-2006 - Demencial
2004 will be a turning point in Horcas’ career. The year begins with the band opening for Iron MaidenIron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
at Vélez Sarsfield
Estadio José Amalfitani
The Estadio José Amalfitani is a stadium located in the Liniers neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The venue is mainly used for football matches and is the home of the Argentine Primera División club Vélez Sársfield. The stadium is nicknamed El Fortín or El Fortín de Liniers...
stadium in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
for an audience of 40,000. Shortly after, they change management and touring becomes more extensive on a national scale and begins to include international dates on a normal basis. On November 18, 2004, Horcas release Demencial, their final album for El Pie Records. The album, which inaugurates an era of experimentation for the band, in which they work with lower tunings and new sounds, received excellent reviews from the critics and a mixed reaction from their fanbase, who notwithstanding stayed loyal for its most part.
During the “Demencial Tour”, which kicked off on December 18, 2004 in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
at a sold-out El Teatro, Horcas toured Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
, Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
, Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
and Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
where they headlined the second stage at Rock al Parque
Rock al parque
Rock al Parque, is a rock music festival taking place in Bogotá, Colombia, since 1995. The festival's entry is free of charge. In 2004, 400,000 people reached the event. It is considered the most important rock festival in Latin America. It has ska, punk, hardcore, metal, and other genres on its...
Festival in Bogotá
Bogotá
Bogotá, Distrito Capital , from 1991 to 2000 called Santa Fé de Bogotá, is the capital, and largest city, of Colombia. It is also designated by the national constitution as the capital of the department of Cundinamarca, even though the city of Bogotá now comprises an independent Capital district...
on October 14, 2006. Also for the first time in their career they performed outside Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
: on April 30, 2006, Horcas played at Viña Rock Festival in Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
2006-2008 - Asesino
In 2006 Horcas are signed by SoyRock/TockaDiscos – Sony BMG, their first contract with a major. Under this deal they release on October 26, 2006 their eighth album Asesino, which takes experimentation a step further. This album has a significantly darker tone than any of its predecessors and received mixed reviews. However, the “Asesino Tour” 2007-2008 was extremely successful with almost 100 dates which included a slot in the Vive Latino festival in Santiago, Chile on April 15, 2007 and opening for MegadethMegadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
in Buenos Aires in May, 2008.
2008-present - Reviviendo Huestes / 20th anniversary Live CD and DVD
On October 16, 2008 Horcas released their ninth album Reviviendo Huestes. With a title that recalls the name of the song Reviviendo las Huestes included on their first album, Horcas seemed to suggest a return to the roots. However, the album does not abandon experimentation altogether, but rather revisits the past through a present day lens. Proof is the remake of their classic Solución Suicida which closes the album.During 2009 and 2010 Horcas hit the road with the "RH Tour", which included opening gigs for Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
on March 28, 2009 at Vélez Sarsfield
Estadio José Amalfitani
The Estadio José Amalfitani is a stadium located in the Liniers neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The venue is mainly used for football matches and is the home of the Argentine Primera División club Vélez Sársfield. The stadium is nicknamed El Fortín or El Fortín de Liniers...
stadium for an audience of 40,000, and for Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
on January 21, 2010 at River Plate
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti
Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, is a stadium in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires, Argentina at the intersection of Figueroa Alcorta and Udaondo. It is the home venue of Club Atlético River Plate and is named after former club president Antonio Vespucio Liberti...
stadium for a crowd of 60,000. On May 15, 2010 Horcas recorded their tenth album and first DVD live at a sold-out Teatro Colegiales in Buenos Aires as part of a series of events to take place throughout 2010 in celebration of their 20th anniversary. On December 6, 2010 Horcas released their tenth album and first DVD under the title of La Maldición Continúa. The release is available in two formats: Standard (only CD) and Full (CD + DVD). As from the beginning of 2011 Horcas are on the road with their brand new "Maldición Tour".
Current members
- Sebastián Coria - Guitar
- Guillermo De Luca - Drums
- Gabriel Lis - Guitar
- Walter Meza - Vocals
- Topo Yáñez - Bass
Former members
Guitar- Osvaldo Civile † (1988–1999) - (V8V8 (band)V8 was an Argentine heavy metal band created in 1979, one of the first notable Argentine bands of that genre. After its dissolution former members have continued their careers starting other heavy metal bands, Hermética, Horcas, Rata Blanca, Logos and Almafuerte.-Biography:In the beginning of the...
, Té de Brujas) - Adrian Zucchi (1988) - (Motor V, Traidor)
- Oscar Castro (1991–1993) - (Lethal, Legion, Existencia, Azeroth, Bizarro)
Bass
- Eddie Walker (1990–1991) - (Lethal, Razones Concientes, Motor V, Existencia)
Drums
- Gabriel Ganzo (1988–1993) - (El Dragon, Razones Concientes, Res.ca.te, Existencia)
Vocals
- Carlos Perigo (1988) - (Predador, Rata BlancaRata BlancaRata Blanca is a heavy metal band from Argentina formed in the 1980s.-Biography:The band was founded by Walter Giardino after he left V8. Rata Blanca played together for about two years before their debut on August 15, 1987 in the theater "Luz y Fuerza" in Buenos Aires...
, Heinkel, Wizard) - Hugo Benítez (1988–1993) - (Metralla, Letal, Motorman, Existencia)
- Christian Bertoncelli (1995–1996) - (Imperio, Bajel, Renacer, Azeroth)
Albums
- Reinará la tempestad - 1990
- Oíd mortales el grito sangrado - 1992
- Vence - 1997
- Eternos - 1999
- Horcas - 2002
- Vive - 2003
- Demencial - 2004
- Asesino - 2006
- Reviviendo Huestes - 2008
External links
- http://www.horcasoficial.com.ar Horcas Official Website
- http://www.rock.com.ar/bios/0/264.shtml Horcas' Biography at rock.com.ar