abstract

" Sotz' are the victorious war cry of the Maya, a civilization often erroneously categorized as lost, as they survive in our collective memories through History, Legend, and Myth. Armed with the sacrificial blades of extreme metal and Mesoamerican folklore, under the ever-watchful eyes of Kukulkan himself, they bring about a message of Hope in the jaws of Despair, of a safe haven of spiritual balance inside our hearts and minds, with tales of creation and destruction, death and rebirth, as Kisin is to The Great Serpent and the Great Serpent is to Kisin.

They are the eye of the Jaguar. The sons of Tikal. The bards of Popol Vuh. Tzak Sotz'! "

by Ricardo Pereira (Moonshade)

BIOGRAPHY

GENRE: Death Metal

CITY: Porto, Portugal

LABEL: Independent

MEMBERS:

DAN VESCA - Vocals

JISUS ROCHA - Guitar

PEDRO MAGALHÃES - Guitar

EMANUEL RIBEIRO - Bass

LUIS MOREIRA - Session Drummer

ENDORSEMENTS:

Skull Strings (FR)

Solar Guitars (SE)

INFLUENCES: Behemoth, Neurosis, Septicflesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Opeth, Mastodon, Lamb of God, Gojira.

Sotz was formed in 2008, by João "Jisus" Rocha, inspired by ancient Maya civilization. The word "Sotz'" translates as "Bat" in the native language of the ancient Mayans. At the beginning, this project was designed to be an "home project" to never be released. After some pressure from Pedro Magalhães, they made it real, together.

Between 2012 and 2015, were dedicated to completing the line-up, so in October 2017 saw the launch of the EP, "Tzak' Sotz'", which means "conjuring the spirit of the bat", with 5 original tracks released via Raising Legends Records.

In 2018, Sotz' began his tour throughout Portugal, having been present at the Laurus Nobilis Music Famalicão 2018 festival.

Still in 2018, Sotz' released a new single titled as "Baak'", which means " Bone " in the indigenous language.

After some changes on the line-up, Sotz' establish its best and powerful team, celebrating it with the new album titled as "Popol Vuh" - a fundamental sacred narrative that includes the myth of the Mayan creation, the exploits of the twin heroes Hunahpú and Xbalanque and spreading the cult of honor.

Then in November 2nd, 2020, the Mexican “Dia dos muertos”, Sotz’ decided to release its first album on that date. “Popol Vuh counts with three special guests: Stefano Franceschini (Aborted and Hideous Divinity), Sérgio Pinheiro (Dark Oath) e Ricardo Pereira (Moonshade).

Along with this pandemic, Sotz' canceled some shows in 2020, but is currently planning tours for 2021.

The first confirmation for 2021 is the 31st of July, the Vagos Metal Fest 2021, the most important festival in Portugal, where bands like Emperor, Cattle Decapitation, D.R.I, Sick of it All and Kataklysm will be present.