Tzitzimine - Extli Xochitl EP (2008)

Death Metal from Mexico.

In Aztec mythology, a tzitzimitl (plural tzitzimimeh) is a deity associated with stars. They were depicted as skeletal female figures wearing skirts often with skull and crossbone designs. In Postconquest descriptions they are often described as "demons" or "devils" - but this does not necessarily reflect their function in the prehispanic belief system of the Aztecs.

The Tzitzimimeh were female deities, and as such related to fertility, they were associated with the Cihuateteo and other female deities such as Tlaltecuhtli, Coatlicue, Citlalinicue and Cihuacoatl and they were worshipped by midwives and parturient women. The leader of the tzitzimime was the Goddess Itzpapalotl who was the ruler of Tamoanchan - the paradise where the Tzitzimimeh resided.
The Tzitzimimeh were also associated with the stars and especially the stars that can be seen around the sun during a solar eclipse. This was interpreted as the Tzitzimimeh attacking the sun, this caused the belief that during a solar eclipse, the tzitzimime would descend to the earth and devour human beings. The Tzitzimimeh were also feared during other ominous periods of the Aztec world, such as during the five unlucky days called Nemontemi which marked an unstable period of the aztec year count, and during the New Fire ceremony marking the beginning of a new calendar round - both were periods associated with the fear of change.
The Tzitzimimeh had a double role in Aztec religion: they were protectresses of the feminine and progenitresses of mankind. But they were also powerful and dangerous, especially in periods of cosmic instability.

 - Quote wikipedia ("Tzitzimine")

Eztli

From open-dictionary.com - the free dictionary.

Nahuatl

Noun

eztli

1. blood

 - Quote open-dictionary.com ("eztli")

Xóchitl (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈʃotʃitɬ]), a hispanicized version of xōchitlNahuatl pronunciation: [ˈʃoːtʃitɬ], (flower), is a feminine given name somewhat common in Central and Southern Mexico...

- Quote wikipedia ("Xóchitl")


Tzitzimine is a Death Metal band hailing from DF, Mexico. They have prehispanic influences in their music, less strongly evident than other prehispanic Metal bands, though apparently their prehispanic musical manifestations are more lyrical than instrumental.

This is fairly fast-paced and brutal Death Metal. Overall, I quite like it. Great riffs with nice harsh vocals. However, it's a short release (it's an EP), and the production could be slightly better.

One note on the quotations above, I couldn't find a translation of the word "extli", not outright anyway. Though I got the expression it is a variation of the word "eztli". My Nahuatl ain't perfect.

Tzitzimine @ myspace

Album Name: Extli Xochitl EP

Band: Tzitzimine

Genre: Death Metal

Year: 2008

Country: México

Track Listing:

1.	Tzitzimine	05:01
2.	Te Espero en el Infierno	04:37
3.	Maldita Perra	02:10
4.	Extli Xochitl	03:33
5.	In Miquixtli Cenca Mahuiztli	05:46
Total playing time		21:07

 DOWNLOAD

Arkhanoth - Dark Prehispania

Arkhanoth, of Mexico.

I'm proud of the greatness of this people that is in my blood, his pride, history, mysticism, its culture.

Therefore, there is no better way for me to start this ritual, with the glory that once was the Mexica, its gods, its empire, its imposing Tenochtitlan.

Taking their rites and dances to create a universe similar to Aztec ever existed.

I must say that my intention never has been to be a purist.

My main goal is to revive again the greatness of these stories through sound elements (bleak, symphonic / environmental) and invite you to recreate and through music in this world, and teach their moments of glory and battle, darkness and rite.

All through a dark cloud through which you traveled, and through it and you'll hear that world, being charmed by the songs and atmosphere of that era.

-From the project website

This is how Lord Arkhanoth, brain behind this one man band, define the background of your project, then a truly excellent and full of wit, and a deep pride in the roots of our land.
With clear influences of teacher Jorge Reyes, but more aimed at the Dark Ambient, with some elements borrowed from Black and Ethnic Metal, ritualistic rhythms, voices resembling cavernous and the murmur of the winds, in addition to an abundance of pre-Hispanic instruments and the emergence sudden soprano adding a dark and at times mournful, is part of what we find in 'Dark prehispanic' production launched in 2007 and since 2008 can be found in many stores in the country recognized.
Curiously it is the only record that the project has to its credit, the different subjects treated previously released as is the case of 'Forbidden Chronicles' album which tells a story in which the Church in union with Hell, conspire to overthrow the Templars, and then continue with themes aimed at addressing the most epic / amazing and a tribute to the work of J. R. R. Tolkien, reaching the pre-Hispanic themes.
A project that deserves to be made known to all, check it out.

 - Translated (badly) from the Dark Ritual blog


In my opinion, Arkhanoth is actually one of the better prehispanic Metal acts I have heard. Though not strictly BM, indeed having elements of symphonic metal, the blending of all the different both metal and folk/traditional elements is woven eloquently.

A must for prehispanic Metal fans.

Arkhanoth is a one-man Black Ambient / Ritual project from Mexican artist Lord Arkhanoth, with deep pride in his Mexican roots. "Dark Prehispania" is a work based on the Aztec Mythos, unleashing their Magic. Dark Ambient with several elements of Black Metal, Symphonic, Ethno-Ambient, Ritual Rhythms, cavernous voices and the rustle of the wind. In addition to this an abundance of pre-Hispanic instruments are used, making the music somewhat obscure and at times funerary.

- Quote here.



Album Name: Dark Prehispania
Band: Arkhanoth
Genre: Ambient/Black Metal
Year: 2007
Country:
Track Listing:

1.	In Youalteteo (Gods of the Night)	04.19
2.	Naguall (The Sorcerer)	05.51
3.	In Xipetlanonotza (Invocation of the Disincarnate God Xipe)	04.15
4.	Xipetla'toltencuecuepa (In Tlacaxipeue Xipeteopixtla'toltencuecuepa) [Dialogue with Xipe]	03.23
5.	Xipe Totec Tlamaniliztli (An Offering to Xipe)	04.08
6.	Tzacualcuitlatecomiu' (Mictlan Otitech) [The Bowels of the Pyramid]	06.58
7.	In Teoyayao (In Xochyayao) [Sacred Battles]	10.22
8.	Naualmi'totia (The Sorcery Dance)	03.21
Total playing time		42:37

DOWNLOAD

Balam Akab - Xibalba (2006) & Sacrificio (2010)

And from Mexico, Balam Akab.

BALAM AKAB was formed in early 2000 and later that year presented his debut demo entitled STORM characterized as a stand-alone and low production, it should be noted the concept of mysticismprehispanic, legends and ancient ritualsThe lyrics are brought from old books (Popol Vuh, Chilam Balam, the people of the sun and other documents) that describe the life of civilization before the conquest.AKAB BALAM worships these cultures and gives our roots, and on this record called Xibalba (underworld)
We describe the kingdom of darkness and the passing of the man killed in the ball game and facing challenges and to see the light.BALAM AKAB has left an important mark on the Mexican scene, metal made in Mexico for the entire world.

- Quote lastfm.es (roughly translated to English)

Mayans parroted the story of their forefathers who were white and called Balam Akab in Quiche language. That's equivalent to Hebrew Balym Ak'ab or Ba'al Ya'Kab meaning "lords of Jacob". Mayans used the word "sac" to refer to white ancestrals (Isaak in Hebrew).

- Quote here.

 

Another prehispanic BM band, with strong elements of Death Metal. Interesting band, and a nice break from slow ambient/atmospheric BM. Also amongst the prehispanic BM stuff with better quality production.


Balam Akab Myspace Page

Album Name: Xibalba
Band: Balam Akab
Genre: Black/Death Metal
Year: 2006
Country:
Track Listing:

1.	Intro	01:30
2.	Xibalba	05:41
3.	EK	05:07
4.	La Última Batalla	04:50
5.	Ixquik	05:10
6.	Conquista	04:34
7.	Balam	05:47
Total playing time		32:39

DOWNLOAD

Album Name: Xibalba
Band: Balam Akab
Genre: Black/Death Metal
Year: 2010
Country:
Track Listing:

1.	Guerrero Jaguar	04:41
2.	Tohil	04:44
3.	Invocación	05:53
4.	Sacrificio	06:30
5.	Maiz / Carne - Sangre	03:50
6.	Kin (Nacer del Sol)	05:00
Total playing time		30:38

DOWNLOAD

Yaotl Mictlan - Guerreros De La Tierra De Los Muertos & Dentro del Manto Gris de Chaac

Yaotl Mictlan (meaning “warriors from the land of the dead” in the Mexican language Nahuatl) is is one of the most famous prehispanic BM bands, and most certainly is the most acclaimed.

From the Boston Phoenix:

... with an aesthetic that merges brutal death metal, Mayan imagery, and an over-the-top stage show, they have concocted an angry brew of metallic cultural warfare. In a conservative place like Salt Lake City it makes the band’s heads-on-sticks live savagery all the more righteous and dangerous.

And from their record label (Candlelight Records) website:

They’re lyrics talk about their belief that after christians colonized Mexico their people lost their identity and succumbed to a colonized way of life. Their lyrics are inspired by the unfortunate way in which at the present time their people live in extreme self hatred. Ultimately they would like to see the end of the colonized way of thinking and for their people to embrace their roots.

Quite honestly, I agree. I think Yaotl Mictlan is undoubtedly one of the best prehispanic BM bands around. Though one review of their releases I had read does make a good point that perhaps they do not use the element of their Indigenous sound as much as they could/should, which is of course their drawcard and strength, they are one not to miss.

I quite enjoyed their first full length, but as it turns out, I actually enjoy more their latest full length. The last two songs especially I find amazing. And the last song in particular. It's about nature, or there lack of.

Solid politics, sold music.

Yaotl Mictlan Myspace Page

Album Name: Guerreros De La Tierra De Los Muertos
Band: Yaotl Mictlan
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 2006
Country: (now USA)
Track Listing:

1.	Espejo Que Humea	02:43
2.	El Gran Sacrificio De Quetzalcoalt	05:23
3.	Aztlan	05:01
4.	A Batalla Vamos	05:55
5.	Códices	03:36
6.	Resistencia Itzae	05:54
7.	Sexto Sol Aún Naciendo	08:58
8.	Sangre De Vida	03:07
9.	Guerra Indígena	04:58
10.	Fuego Rebelde	05:26
11.	Anenécuilco: Semillas De Rebelion	03:51
12.	Nuevo Sol De Teotihuacan	10:10
13.	Caída Del Aguíla	05:30
Total playing time		01:10:31

DOWNLOAD 

Album Name: Dentro del Manto Gris de Chaac
Band: Yaotl Mictlan
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 2010
Country: (now USA)
Track Listing:

1.	Dentro del Manto Gris de Chaac	07:21
2.	Garra de Jaguar (Ocho Venado)	06:16
3.	Cihuacoatl (La Llorona)	06:20
4.	Hun Hunapu	04:55
5.	Gemelos Heroes	04:32
6.	Noche Triunfadora	06:08
7.	Huelitiyotl Mexica	07:33
8.	Nada Verde Creece Aqui	06:21
Total playing time		49:26

DOWNLOAD

Prehispanic Black Metal (+ Compilations)

Translated from the Prehispanic Metal | Folk Metal Latinoamericano group from last.fm:

It's a genre inspired by the vast cultural wealth
Whose desire is to rescue Latin America throughlyrical, most of the time, are engagedancestors and the use of instruments of eachcountry, hopeful that American societylisten to this music and integrates a bit more toancient cultures of America. Also leada metal identity in Latin America.

Prehispanic Black Metal is a relatively unknown genre, but is slowing gaining recognition.

Looking at the name etymologically, it is derived of music inspired by indigenous culture predating the colonisation of the Spanish. This is then obviously strongly linked to music from Latin America (if not exclusive to, at least at this point), including countries colonised by other imperialist powers (such as Brazil with the Portuguese). This music takes inspiration and pride in both their culture (stories, traditions, etc) and music (indigenous instruments, singing/chanting etc). Not to mention their connection to the Earth. And this manifests itself as the sounds of animals and nature - or it's destruction.

This is evidently related to Folk music, though very much with it's own character - without getting into the many complex particularities, their specific relationship to colonisation and continued oppression marks a very distinctive difference here.

And because of this, I think it is difficult to categorise certain bands that imitate this music, yet do not share this history, this culture, this ancestry. For example, there is one such Russian band. I have not much listened to that band, but a Russian band imitating all this strikes me as strange, if not problematic, to say the least.

And of course, add all this to Black Metal. Though some bands may simply be different variations of Metal, the strongest tendency is variations of Black Metal.

And here are some compilations related to thus:

Compilation:

Metal Nativo Latinoamericano

01 - Aztra - Alturas (Ecuador)
02 - Ek – Hijos del sol (México)
03 - Guahahihoque – Along a Path (Colombia)
04 - Ch'aska – Imperio Caído (Perú)
05 - Yaotl Mictlán – Resistencia Itzae (México)
06 - Yanaconas – Tupac Amaru (Argentina)
07 - Folkheim – 1781 (Chile)
08 - Wangelen – Bajo Hualles y Canelos (Chile)
09 - Kukulcán – Señor de la guerra Huitzilopochtli (México)
10 - Kranium – Reencarnación (Perú)
11 - Paghania – Santuario del Puma (Chile)
12 - Chaquen – Donde los ángeles caminan (Colombia)
13 - Balam Akab – La última batalla (México)
14 - Yana Raymi – Magia Oscura (Perú)
15 - Mictlán – Ce Miquiztli (México)
16 - Diadema Tristis – Myth from the Ruins (Argentina)

DOWNLOAD

Metal Nativo Latinoamericano II

01 - Datura - Datura (Colombia)
02 - Muluc Pax - Akbal Lugar de Oscuridad (México)
03 - Toccata Magna - Incognite Soul (Brasil)
04 - Arraigo - Zamba para los Huérfanos (Argentina)
05 - Ai apaec Peru Salvaje- Marcha Inca (Perú)
06 - Anerhoth - Hordejaylli (Colombia)
07 - Tierramystica - Spiritual Song (Brasil)
08 - Auka Runa - Indian Land Brave (Chile)
09 - Khondor - Andean Metal Prevails (Colombia)
10 - Xipe Totec - Eztliquiahutl (México)
11 - Corubo - Nhanderu Hasy Katu (Brasil)
12 - Son Iok - Mexicca (México)
13 - Vento Negro - Centrodonte Triunfo Austral (Brasil)
14 - Hun Camé - Teponaztli (México)

DOWNLOAD

More prehispanic BM to come!