A History of Drowned

Drowned: Unraveling the Depths of Brazilian Extreme Metal

Hailing from the picturesque city of Belo Horizonte in Brazil, Drowned emerged from the depths of the underground metal scene to become one of the most revered and influential bands in the country’s thriving extreme metal landscape. With their ferocious blend of death, thrash, and black metal, Drowned have carved a path of sonic destruction that has captivated audiences worldwide. Let’s delve into the fascinating history of this enigmatic band and explore the key milestones that have shaped their journey.

Formed in 1994 by guitarist Marcos Amorim and drummer Rafael Porto, Drowned initially began as a project rooted in the raw aggression of early death metal. Drawing inspiration from bands like Sepultura, Morbid Angel, and Death, the duo quickly expanded their lineup to include vocalist Fernando Lima and bassist Beto Louzeiro, solidifying their sound and vision. The band’s early demos and EPs garnered attention for their blistering intensity and uncompromising approach, laying the foundation for what would become their signature style.

It was with their debut full-length album, “Bonegrinder,” released in 2001, that Drowned truly made their mark on the global metal scene. The album showcased the band’s evolution towards a more nuanced and sophisticated sound, incorporating elements of thrash and black metal into their sonic palette. Tracks like “Blood Red” and “Rage Before Some Hope” demonstrated the band’s ability to seamlessly blend blistering speed with haunting melodies, earning them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Over the years, Drowned continued to push the boundaries of their sound, releasing a series of albums that showcased their growth and maturity as musicians. From the relentless aggression of “By the Grace of Evil” to the dark and atmospheric tones of “Belligerent Part I: The Killing State of the Art,” the band’s discography is a testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of extreme metal.

One of the defining moments in Drowned’s career came in 2017 with the release of their critically acclaimed album, “7th,” which marked a bold departure from their previous work. Drawing inspiration from the band’s Brazilian roots and incorporating elements of traditional music into their sound, “7th” showcased a new level of depth and complexity in Drowned’s music. Tracks like “Violent March of Chaos” and “The Bitter Art of Emptiness” displayed a newfound sense of maturity and introspection, solidifying the band’s reputation as innovators in the extreme metal genre.

Despite their underground status, Drowned have built a loyal following both at home and abroad, earning a reputation as one of Brazil’s most respected metal bands. Their electrifying live performances have garnered praise for their intensity and raw energy, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the global metal scene.

As Drowned continue to evolve and push the boundaries of their sound, one thing remains clear: their uncompromising commitment to creating uncompromising and unrelenting metal music. With each release, they continue to captivate audiences with their ferocious blend of death, thrash, and black metal, cementing their legacy as one of the most formidable bands in the Brazilian extreme metal scene.