Founded in 1985, Rostros Ocultos, was a rock-pop band from Mexico that gained a large following during the 1980’s. Their band formed as part of a nationwide post-movement initially started by the Spanish rock band, Caifanes. Rostros Ocultos, as well as Mana, Fobia, and Neon, were all 80’s rock bands that followed the principles of the growing post-movement.
Several songs by the band achieved some moderate success. However, it was their hit single El Final that topped the charts and launched the band into fame in 1989. The lead singer at the time has been referred to as one of the voices that symbolizes the Spanish rock movement of the time. The singer is compared to the likes of other Spanish rock pioneers like Enrique Bunbury and Gustavo Cerati.
Rostros Ocultos released an impressive 12 studio albums over the years. Their first albums hit shelves in 1987 and their most recent studio album was released in 2016. They have been represented by multiple labels over the years, including Sony, EMI, BMG, and Fonarte Latino.
They are one of the few popular rock bands from the 1980’s that is still touring, releasing albums, and earning new fans. Of course, like any other band, they have had their fair share of problems along the way.
The Evolution Of Rostros Ocultos
Rostros Ocultos evolved from a previous band known as Montana. Interestingly enough, Montana was actually the combination of a previous band called the Pills and several young Spanish musicians, including Arturo Ybarra and Agustin Villa. The band Montana released an album in 1985 entitled Quiero Mas for the record label WEA.
A year later the band would change its name to Rostros Ocultos and sign a record deal with EMI. Their first album was Disparado, which was released in 1987. Their second album, Abre Tu Corazon, was released in 1989. Both albums featured multiple hit singles. In particular, Abre Tu Corazon featured the bands most recognizable song, El Final.
Following this second album, the band toured throughout the country and their fan base grew significantly. It was at this peak in their career that the group decided to part ways so that individual band members could work on their solo career.
Coming Back Together
The band remained separated until 1997 when the record label requested that they perform together again. They accepted the request and the band was back together. They immediately began work on their next album, Dame Una Razon. This was the final album that they would record for EMI records. By now, the band had helped influence and shape the Spanish rock music industry.
Despite leaving EMI, the band remained together and instead signed a deal with the Sony record label. Their first production for the label was a 15th anniversary “greatest hits” compilation CD. Several well known Spanish music artists participated and performed on the album. They would follow the album release with a tour that ended in Guadalajara.
Over the next years, the band would see drastic changes in the lineup. Their next album was released in 2003 under the Sony label. It was entitled Renacer and focused heavily on the rebirth of the band. The lineup consisted of Arturo Ybarra, Agustin Villa, Karlo Romero, and Victor Hugo. This album was followed by a tour in multiple countries. At many of their shows, they discussed their support for organ donation and its importance. One of their songs even focused entirely on the subject.
The band recently celebrated the 25th anniversary. They followed with two additional studio albums, Monstruos for Fonarte Latino records and Rock Sinfonico en Tu Idioma for Sony records, both of which were released in 2016.
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