Devotos
Devotos: The Pioneers of Spanish Punk Rock Hardcore
In the annals of Spanish music, the band Devotos has left an indelible mark as pioneers of the punk rock hardcore genre. Their relentless energy, defiant lyrics, and raw sound have propelled them to the forefront of the counterculture movement.
Formation and Early Struggles
Devotos emerged in Barcelona in 1978, a time of political and social upheaval in Spain. The founding members, Josu Zabala (vocals), Iñaki Setién (guitar), Nacho Beltrán (bass), and Bixente Martínez (drums), shared a common passion for punk rock and a desire to express their frustrations with the status quo.
Despite their raw talent, Devotos faced numerous challenges in their early years. They were often met with resistance from record labels and promoters, who were hesitant to embrace their unconventional sound. The band's outspoken lyrics, which tackled issues of social inequality, political oppression, and personal alienation, further alienated them from the mainstream.
Punk Rock HardCore: A Cultural Anthem
Undeterred, Devotos released their debut album, "Punk Rock HardCore," in 1981. The album became an instant sensation among the burgeoning punk rock scene in Spain. Its title track, a blistering indictment of the establishment, became an anthem for the counterculture movement.
The album's raw energy and uncompromising lyrics resonated with a generation of young people who felt disillusioned and disenfranchised. Devotos' music gave them a voice and a sense of community.
Controversy and Internal Conflict
As Devotos' popularity grew, so did the controversy surrounding them. Their confrontational lyrics and often violent live performances drew criticism from both the media and the authorities. The band also faced internal conflicts, with tensions arising between Zabala and Setién over creative direction.
In 1982, Setién left the band to form his own group, Los Secretos. Despite his departure, Devotos continued to produce albums and tour, maintaining their status as one of the most influential punk rock bands in Spain.
Later Years and Legacy
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Devotos released several more albums, including "Falta de Personal" (1984), "La Última Cena" (1987), and "La Carne" (1993). While they never achieved mainstream success, they remained a cult favorite among die-hard punk rock fans.
In recent years, Devotos have experienced a resurgence in popularity. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and their influence is evident in the contemporary punk rock scene.
Discography
* Punk Rock HardCore (1981)
* Falta de Personal (1984)
* La Última Cena (1987)
* La Carne (1993)
* Directo '96 (1996)
* 20 Años (2001)
* En el Cielo de los Idiotas (2006)
* 30 Años (2011)
* Directo en el Kafe Antzokia (2013)
Members
* Josu Zabala (vocals)
* Iñaki Setién (guitar)
* Nacho Beltrán (bass)
* Bixente Martínez (drums)
Legacy
Devotos have played a pivotal role in shaping the Spanish punk rock scene. Their music has inspired countless musicians and their rebellious spirit continues to resonate with fans around the world. As pioneers of the genre, their legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands in Spain is secure.
In the annals of Spanish music, the band Devotos has left an indelible mark as pioneers of the punk rock hardcore genre. Their relentless energy, defiant lyrics, and raw sound have propelled them to the forefront of the counterculture movement.
Formation and Early Struggles
Devotos emerged in Barcelona in 1978, a time of political and social upheaval in Spain. The founding members, Josu Zabala (vocals), Iñaki Setién (guitar), Nacho Beltrán (bass), and Bixente Martínez (drums), shared a common passion for punk rock and a desire to express their frustrations with the status quo.
Despite their raw talent, Devotos faced numerous challenges in their early years. They were often met with resistance from record labels and promoters, who were hesitant to embrace their unconventional sound. The band's outspoken lyrics, which tackled issues of social inequality, political oppression, and personal alienation, further alienated them from the mainstream.
Punk Rock HardCore: A Cultural Anthem
Undeterred, Devotos released their debut album, "Punk Rock HardCore," in 1981. The album became an instant sensation among the burgeoning punk rock scene in Spain. Its title track, a blistering indictment of the establishment, became an anthem for the counterculture movement.
The album's raw energy and uncompromising lyrics resonated with a generation of young people who felt disillusioned and disenfranchised. Devotos' music gave them a voice and a sense of community.
Controversy and Internal Conflict
As Devotos' popularity grew, so did the controversy surrounding them. Their confrontational lyrics and often violent live performances drew criticism from both the media and the authorities. The band also faced internal conflicts, with tensions arising between Zabala and Setién over creative direction.
In 1982, Setién left the band to form his own group, Los Secretos. Despite his departure, Devotos continued to produce albums and tour, maintaining their status as one of the most influential punk rock bands in Spain.
Later Years and Legacy
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Devotos released several more albums, including "Falta de Personal" (1984), "La Última Cena" (1987), and "La Carne" (1993). While they never achieved mainstream success, they remained a cult favorite among die-hard punk rock fans.
In recent years, Devotos have experienced a resurgence in popularity. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and their influence is evident in the contemporary punk rock scene.
Discography
* Punk Rock HardCore (1981)
* Falta de Personal (1984)
* La Última Cena (1987)
* La Carne (1993)
* Directo '96 (1996)
* 20 Años (2001)
* En el Cielo de los Idiotas (2006)
* 30 Años (2011)
* Directo en el Kafe Antzokia (2013)
Members
* Josu Zabala (vocals)
* Iñaki Setién (guitar)
* Nacho Beltrán (bass)
* Bixente Martínez (drums)
Legacy
Devotos have played a pivotal role in shaping the Spanish punk rock scene. Their music has inspired countless musicians and their rebellious spirit continues to resonate with fans around the world. As pioneers of the genre, their legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands in Spain is secure.