Skizoo at the Maxim Rock

By Irina Echarry, photos: Caridad

HAVANA TIMES, March 18 – Red walls, lots of smoke, colored lights, youth wearing black army boots and wanting to release a little energy. That was the setting awaiting the Spanish rock group Skizoo at the packed Maxim Rock Club in Havana on March 11th.

Not many bands come to our island with the aim of sharing their music with Cubans, but for many it’s the best way to assess the quality of artists – listening to them live.

That’s why when vocalist Alejandro (Morti) Martínez came out on stage, the shouts were forthcoming.  With his dark suit, elbow-length leather gloves, black fingernails, and eye makeup, he promised to offer a bit of everything.

However, the public was quite varied, and not everyone left pleased with the music. Eugenio said, “It’s a group for teenagers. I didn’t like them very much. But, in any case, it is always good that groups come; it’s how we find out if we like them or not.”

Despite the screaming and high volume, couples found it the perfect occasion to fall in love. “They seem like nice guys in satanic garb like my boyfriend,” said Yadira, before trying to penetrate Luis’ eyes.

The group Skizoo -also made up by Antonio Bernardini and Jorge Escobedo (guitars and backup singers), Jose Hurtado Fuentes (bass) and Ivan Ramirez Bella (drums)- are considered one of the one of the best groups on the Spanish rock/metal scene.

Their CDs have won them both critical and public recognition, with their performances loaded with positive messages.

Our public requested a little musical violence, but Morti, knocking back a Cubalibre, said “I think violence reflects a lack of having anything to say.”

Later that night Skizoo also played along with the Cuban heavy metal group Zeus.

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