Heavy riffs from the South, where the Atlantic meets the mountains. 128–181 BPM.
Metal Catarinense is a heavy metal subgenre originating in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in the mid-1980s. It blends traditional heavy metal with thrash and death metal elements, often featuring aggressive riffs, fast double bass drumming, and lyrics about local history and nature.
The defining artists of Metal Catarinense — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Metal Catarinense.
Metal Catarinense is characterized by fast, aggressive riffing, often with palm-muted chugs and tremolo picking. Drumming is intense, with frequent use of double bass pedals at high tempos (128-181 BPM). Vocals range from deep growls to high-pitched screams, and production tends to be raw but powerful.
The rhythm section drives the music with blast beats and syncopated patterns, while guitar solos are technical but not overly flashy. The overall sound is dark and heavy, with occasional melodic interludes or folk-inspired passages that hint at the region's cultural roots.
Metal Catarinense emerged in the mid-1980s in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, influenced by the global rise of heavy metal and local rock scenes. Bands like Krisiun and Vulcano pioneered the sound, drawing from thrash and death metal.
The genre evolved through the 1990s and 2000s, incorporating elements of black metal and groove metal while maintaining a distinct regional identity. The scene grew alongside Brazil's underground metal circuit, with festivals and fanzines fostering a tight-knit community.
Culturally, Metal Catarinense reflects the state's mix of European immigrant heritage and Brazilian identity. Lyrics often explore local folklore, environmental themes, and social issues, setting it apart from other Brazilian metal scenes like those in São Paulo or Belo Horizonte.
How Metal Catarinense is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Metal Catarinense, focus on tight, aggressive drum patterns with prominent double bass. Use a kick drum sound that cuts through the mix, often with a clicky attack. Guitars should be downtuned (e.g., Drop C or lower) with high gain and palm-muted chugs.
BPM typically ranges from 128 to 181, with a driving, relentless feel. Avoid excessive swing; keep rhythms precise and mechanical. Samples of natural sounds (e.g., rain, forest) can be used for atmosphere, but the core is live instrumentation. Record drums with close miking for clarity, and layer guitar tracks for thickness.
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