Blasted Mechanism

With a sound that combines influences from virtually every known corner of the planet with a decidedly funk-rock backbone, a very peculiar image that is reinvented with each successive album, and an added sense of mystery regarding both their true names and unmasked appearance, Blasted Mechanism have been a very unique proposition in the world of Portuguese popular music ever since the early stages of their career. Formed in 1994 around the core (and only constant elements throughout their tenure) of lead singer Karkov and multi-instrumentalist Valdjiu, Blasted Mechanism first started out as a heavily Red Hot Chili Peppers-influenced funk-metal unit. Early live performances started gaining them a small but dedicated audience and their first glimpses of press coverage. Still, sensing the limitations of their sound, the bandmembers decided to create their own distinct identity. Their first step involved Valdjiu's creation of an instrument called the bambuleco, a crossbred instrument with eight strings combining the capabilities of both guitar and bass. In addition, a growing common interest in world music provided further basis for what was to be an almost full reinvention of the band's sound. But the biggest step was yet to come. In 1996, Blasted Mechanism created a concept based around the bandmembers being mutant aliens. That concept had the visual counterpart to boot, with the band donning masks that gave them a very distinctive appearance. To complete the recipe, they decided not to make any public appearances or be photographed in the future unless they were wearing their masks; they also kept their real names a secret. Given this approach to presenting themselves, it was no surprise to see Blasted Mechanism creating a stir with their live performances, leading to...