Carajo

Argentine nü metal outfit Carajo rapidly asserted itself as one of South America’s foremost hard-rock acts. Formed in 2001 by Marcelo Corvalán on bass and vocals, Andrés Vilanova on drums, and Hernán Langer on guitar, the trio launched its career with a debut appearance at Buenos Aires’ storied Whiskey a Go Go. Bolstered by enthusiastic crowds and favorable reviews, the group embarked on an extensive domestic trek that included shows across the Argentine provinces of Mendoza, Cordoba, and Catamarca before crossing into Uruguay. In 2002 Universal Music issued the band’s self-titled debut album, whose lead single “Sacate la Mierda” reached number 1 on the national rock airplay chart along with its accompanying video. That success secured Carajo an invitation to Colombia’s Rock al Parque, one of the continent’s largest rock festivals. Several outlets, among them Clarín and La Nacíon, named the band “Revelacíon del Año,” prompting further touring through Argentina, Chilé, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Two additional videos, “Salvaje” and “Ironia,” topped the charts in 2003. Long-awaited sophomore effort Atrapasueños arrived in 2004 and posted robust sales, fueling a South American tour that yielded the live recording Electroporroto Acustizado. Throughout 2006 the musicians refined material for their third studio album while playing to steadily larger audiences, and the resulting Inmudo appeared in 2007 to rank among Argentina’s most successful releases of the year.