Cemican means "The Duality of Life and Death" in the Mexican language Nahuatl, a language spoken by roughly two million people in Central Mexico. Cemican's songs are written in both Nahuatl and Spanish.
It’s a fitting name for a band whose music, visual presentation and live shows highlight the “transportation to true life and joy” of slain warriors as they seek to enter the mythological Aztec realms of Tlālōcān or Mictlān.
Onstage, the Mexican troupe acts out that mythology: dressing in armor and face paint, recruiting fans for simulated “sacrifices.” That full sensory experience is part of what grabbed European audiences at festivals like Wacken in Germany and Hellfest in France.
Cemican’s unwavering goal is to “let everyone hear the mystical sounds of death.” Within and beyond their theatrical live shows, the Mexican sextet pursues that mission brilliantly, weaving brutal metal riffery with indigenous, pre-Hispanic instrumentation (flutes, rattling percussion) and lyrics exploring the often-morbid myths and legends of Aztec and Mayan culture.
“One day we asked ourselves: If Amon Amarth talks about Vikings, Eluveitie about Celts, Týr from Norse mythology, why don’t we make a band that talks about the myths and legends of the Aztecs and Mayans?” the drummer recalls. “And so we rescued the ancient sounds and incorporated the Nahuatl and Mayan language in the songs.”
Learn more about Cemican in this article:
Cemican: Mexican Folk-Metal Warriors Channel "The Mystical Sound of Death"
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Jon 🐇
most excellent! yay! :D
Shadow Bliss
Cool
Cryptic Jasmine
Really cool! I didn't know about this band but I really like the concept and unique way they represent themselves within metal!
I love their visuals and use of traditional instruments!
by 🔮 Danitza
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Jason
I'll have to give it a listen when I get out of work.
Let me know what you think.
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This just made it into the gym playlist rotation for sure!
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Tatsu0ni
Unique take on metal :D
I love folk metal and was so excited when I found Cemican!
by 🔮 Danitza
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Nicole
AWESOME blog post, thank you for sharing this knowledge!
You're welcome! Thanks for reading.
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