Mexican Metal

Mexico-via-L.A.’s Metalachi

Metalachi
Metalachi

“Bang,” “quack” and “sizzle” are onomatopoeias. If a band name were ever onomatopoeic, it would be Mexico-via-L.A.’s Metalachi — the self-proclaimed first and only heavy metal mariachi band in the world.

Lead singer Vega De La Rockha calls the band’s blend of traditional Mexican music with hard rock and metal a genre of its own.

“El Cucuy [trumpet player] is very fond of the ranchera sound,” La Rockha tells EW. “Pancho [guitarron player] is a fan of both genres.”

“I’m a huge metal fan,” La Rockha continues. “All the different preferences give the Metalachi sound its particular style.”

Metalachi usually performs covers, and you haven’t lived until you’ve been serenaded by Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” or Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” complete with horns and sweet, sweet strings.

“For Mexicans there is nothing better than partying with mariachi music,” La Rockha explains, “and for gabachos nothing says a good time like partying with heavy metal and hard rock.”

La Rockha adds: “The inspiration is to give our fans the best party show in the U-MEX-A!”

Metalachi comes to Eugene 9 pm Tuesday, April 5, at Old Nick’s; $10 adv., $12 door. 21-plus.