Arandu Arakuaa

Arandu Arakuaa is a Brazilian folk metal band formed in the country's capital, Brasília.

History

Guitarist and founder Zândhio Aquino said he was born and raised near a Xerente territory, in the state of Tocantins, where he came in contact with indigenous music and Brazilian regional music such as baião, catira, cantiga de roda, and vaquejada. He cites Metallica and Black Sabbath as his influences from the metal side.
Arandu Arakuaa means "knowledge of the sky cycles" or "cosmos knowledge" in Tupi–Guarani. They began in April 2008 when Zândhio Aquino started to compose songs in Old Tupi. After a few unsuccessful attempts with some musicians, the band finally established its final lineup between October 2010 and February 2011 as members Nájila Cristina, Adriano Ferreira and Saulo Lucena became part of the group.
In August 2011, the band performed their first show, and in June 2012 released their first demo album in June 2012. Between February and April 2013, they recorded their debut album, Kó Yby Oré, released later that year in September.

Musical style

The band is noted for blending extreme heavy metal with Brazilian folk music, specifically indigenous tunes. Their lyrics also reflect indigenous cultures, referring to their myths and rites.
Along with bands Aclla, Armahda, Cangaço, Hate Embrace, MorrigaM, Tamuya Thrash Tribe and Voodoopriest, they form the Levante do Metal Nativo, a movement gathering bands that mix heavy metal with typical musical elements from that country and/or write lyrics about it.

Members

Zândhio Huku — guitar, viola caipira, tribal vocals, keyboards, maracá
Andressa Barbosa — bass, vocals
Guilherme Cezario – guitar, backing vocals
João Mancha — drums, percussion

Former members

Nájila Cristina — vocals, maracá
Adriano Ferreira — drums, percussion
Saulo Lucena — bass, backing vocals
Lís Carvalho — vocals

Touring members

Karine Aguiar — vocals
Ygor Saunier — drums, percussion
Pablo Vilela — guitar
Juan Bessa — guitar

Discography

EP

2012 – Arandu Arakuaa
2021 – ''Ainãka''

Studio albums

2013 – Kó Yby Oré
2015 – Wdê Nnãkrda
2018 – ''Mrã Waze''

Singles

2020 – "Waptokwa Zawré"
2020 – "Kaburéûasu"
2020 – "Ybytu"
2020 – "Am’mrã"
2020 – "Kûarasy"

Videos

2013 – "Gûyrá"
2014 – "Aruanãs"
2015 – "Hêwaka Waktû"
2016 – "Ipredu"
2018 – "Huku Hêmba"
2018 – "Îasy"
2020 – "Waptokwa Zawré"
2020 – "Kaburéûasu"
2020 – "Ybytu"
2020 – "Am’mrã"
2022 – "Kûarasy"