Ekhymosis

In the latter part of the 1980s, singer and guitarist Juan Esteban Aristizabal, known professionally as Juanes, launched the Colombian heavy metal group Ekhymosis. The ensemble first performed in its hometown of Medellín and later handled its own production for the 1988 release Ekhymosis as well as De Rodillas in 1991. Drawing from assorted acts across the American and British rock landscapes, the musicians laid down Niño Gigante in 1993, Ciudad Pacífico in 1994, and Amor Bilingue in 1995. Their debut acoustic live effort arrived the following year under the straightforward title Unplugged. After securing a deal with Fonovisa, the band issued a self-titled album for international distribution. Ekhymosis dissolved in 1998 once Juanes opted to launch a solo career.