“We tried to make it the worst thing in Spanish,” says Juan Brujo of his band Brujería, and oh, how they've succeeded. Mention the name of this Southern California metal band—with revolving members over the years coming from such bands as Faith No More, Fear Factory and Napalm Death—and Mexican mothers cross themselves, politicians turn into mestizo Jerry Falwells, and the authorities begin shutting down concerts and arresting guys for merely promoting the band. The fun began in 1993, when Brujería released their debut album, Matando Güeros (Killing White People), with a cover of a decapitated gabacho: 22 Latin American nations promptly banned the album, according to Brujo. Subsequent albums have scorched American immigration policy, discussed the Zapatistas and always pledged love to their sweet Satan. But Brujería (“witchcraft” in Spanish) is more Latino Spinal Tap that GWAR, with a vulgar humor predicated more on Mexican Spanish's numerous double entendres and puns (former California Governor Pete Wilson becomes “Pito” (Penis) Wilson, for instance) to bring some levity to their sound, which could burrow through a tunnel. Brujería is so damn loud it explains why the band has a large white following, says Brujo. “Lots of our fans don't even know what we sing about. To them, all they hear is 'rar rar rar.' Later on, they find out it's in Spanish, but they don't care.”
Brujería plays with Cattle Decapitation, Letum Ascensus and Tazumal at the Galaxy Concert Theatre, 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 957-0600. Wed., 8 p.m. $25. 18+.
