Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
.MAR: Blending styles and spreading emotions from Argentina
Today Chaoszine.net introduces a band from Argentina that is significantly impacting on the local scene, sharing the stage with international acts and establishing itself as one of the standout revelations in the rock and metal circuit: .MAR.
.MAR (pronounced “Mar”, or “Sea” in English) was established in 2015 following a series of musical projects that originated in the suburbs of Buenos Aires. After an extensive period of experimentation and development, the band transformed from a traditional power trio into an innovative group, merging styles and atmospheres that span progressive rock and metal to post-rock and electronic music.
The band stood out in the Argentine scene after sharing the stage with international giants like Gojira, Trivium, and Alcest. This caught the attention of the local audience, especially those looking for a new experimental proposal in progressive music, while also captivating part of the metal audience after their recent performances. In October 2022, .MAR released their debut album, “Mar I”, a six-track instrumental record. The creative process began in early 2016, but it wasn’t until 2019 that the band entered the pre-production phase. It was recorded, mixed, and mastered during the pandemic, and in July 2022, they released “Fuerza” as the first single along with the band’s social media channels.
In August 2022, Gojira, the French metal powerhouse, announced .MAR as the opening act for their show at the Luna Park Stadium, marking their live debut in front of an audience of around 6,000 people with an exhilarating and heartfelt performance. Following this positive reception, local promoters began offering .MAR slots at new international concerts. In December 2022, the band opened for Trivium at Art Media, and in April 2023 for Alcest at Uniclub.
Drummer Rodrigo Torres Pinelli reflects on the show featuring the Duplantier brothers’ outfit: “It was an unforgettable experience that marked the band forever. We made our debut in front of an audience that was eagerly waiting to see the main act, Gojira. Still, it was a gig that went exceptionally well. We were quite nervous since it was our first live performance, but we pulled it off, and the crowd responded positively to our approach. We took a significant step for ourselves and for the progressive and metal music scene. We demonstrated that this kind of thing can be achieved. Hopefully, it will happen for many more“.
Locally, .MAR played their first headline show at Club V in March 2023, with tickets selling out. The band then opened for Arde La Sangre and Undermine, two of the most relevant bands in the current Argentine scene. Throughout the rest of 2023 and 2024, the band focused on increasing their live performances and released two new EPs with a series of live session music videos.
On the trio’s plans for 2025, the musician states: “Our goal is to return to composing, creating new music, and seizing the opportunities we have to perform both in Buenos Aires and in other cities. The aim is not to play excessively, but to select our dates wisely and focus on composing the new album”.
.MAR consists of Manuel Cernello (guitars), Rodrigo Torres Pinelli (drums), and Augusto Fernández Britos (bass). What united these three musicians? “With .MAR, we initially aimed to create a space free of lyrics, making it purely instrumental. Our goal was for the band to serve as a refuge for us, the composers, who sometimes need to find shelter there, shielding us from daily life and its events. .MAR offers a more introspective environment, yet it is also quite dynamic and full of energy“, explains the Argentine drummer.
Recently, the trio performed for the first time in Resistencia, Chaco (Argentina) and will conclude the year alongside Northern Lights at Club V in Buenos Aires.
Additionally, the Argentinian outfit is confirmed as the supporting act for the American group This Will Destroy You. The show, which will also feature Jesse Beaman, is a Noiseground production and is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Uniclub (CABA). Grab your tickets here.
More info about.MAR here: