Blasted Mechanism

Blasted Mechanism

Blasted Mechanism is an alternative rock and electronic group from Lisboa, Portugal, active since 1995. The project begins in 1995 with Valdjiu, who plays the bambuleco and kalachacra, and Karkov. The group builds its identity around an unusual blend of styles, drawing on electronics, tribal rhythms and influences described as reaching beyond conventional genres.

Early releases and first success

Their first release, Balayashi, becomes the best-selling EP in Lisbon from that point onwards and brings Ary’s bass style into the line-up. Early performances use first-outfit skins and didgeridoo, and the group appears on university circuit stages and at major festivals. Songs such as “Atom Bride Theme” become part of that early live reputation.

The debut album, Plasma, arrives in 1999 and is regarded by both audiences and critics as one of the more original records made in Portugal. On that release, “Karkov” — described as a northern European, klezmer-inspired piece — becomes a major fan favourite.

Developments in the 2000s

By 2000, the Mix00 CD includes Brazilian drummer Fred Stone, whose heavy and fast rhythms help shape the group’s mix of electronics and tribal music. That sound forms the basis for Namaste, which reaches the Portuguese charts and is a commercial and critical success. The video for “Are you ready” is considered one of the best Portuguese videos, and the band is nominated for MTV’s best Portuguese act.

The line-up later includes Zymon, described as the Cosmic guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and sitar player, and the group begins performing outside Portugal, including shows in England, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg and Mexico. In 2005, Avatara reaches number one and earns a gold disc in Portugal. Two videos directed by Valdjiu, “Blasted Empire” and “Sun goes down”, also bring further MTV recognition, with “Sun goes down” reaching number one on Portugal’s MTV hot list.

For Sound in light, the band records during 2006 and releases the album in 2007, alongside a second free CD titled Light in sound. That release reaches number two in the national charts and is followed by a new visual image combining mysticism, ancient cultures, technology and inner magnetism. In 2008, the addition of Guitshu leads into a new multi-dimensional concept set for release in 2009.

Line-up and performance history

Across its history, Blasted Mechanism includes Valdjiu and Karkov as founders, with Ary, Fred Stone, Zymon, Winga and Guitshu appearing in later periods. Winga is noted for extensive knowledge of traditional Africa. The group shares stages with Rage Against the Machine, Moby, Marilyn Manson, Nick Cave, Beck, The Prodigy, Fantomas, The Chemical Brothers, Patrice, Gentleman, System of a Down and Asian Dub Foundation, among others.