The absence of love doesn’t just nudge the heart—it drains it dry, like some spectral leech feasting on the last flickers of warmth. Tenderness, once a roaring flame, flickers out, leaving a cavernous hollow where connection once thrived. The heart grows sluggish, its desires dulled, as though lifeblood has been siphoned by unseen hands. This isn’t loneliness; it’s a nagging phantom, gnawing at the edges of existence. Unmet yearning festers into a void so vast even memories refuse to echo, leaving behind a ghostly shadow of what might have been.
From the restless streets of East San Diego, The Marcelas—brothers Hector and Diego Altamirano, with guitarist Marcos Macabra—revive that chill with Vampire Breath, a goth anthem laced with Chicano flair. Rooted in horror-film theatrics and cheeky self-awareness, the track seduces young goths to sway, funeral-style, to the rhythm of their own doom. Paying tribute to past legends while wielding their own modern bite, the song tells of a soul-stealing siren, whose allure is as icy as it is irresistible. Sure, she’ll give you goosebumps, but those shivers come with a steep price—your very essence, drained with a grin. It’s romance with fangs, served with a wink and a bite.
“Vampire Breath is a loveless romance. Punk rock in vibe and gothic in character, “ says lead vocalist Hector.
With deep, vampiric vocals and piercing yells fit for a punk rock dive, their sound channels chaos and charisma. Often likened to Bauhaus colliding with Dead Kennedys, The Marcelas honor the past while carving their own jagged path. Hector and Diego Altamirano helm this ferocious sonic maelstrom, blending bass-heavy depths with relentless punk percussion. Their high-octane death rock anthem marries lightning-speed vocals, eerie guitar lines, and haunting shrieks. Drawing inspiration from horror aesthetics and acts like Bauhaus, early Horrors, Misfits, Paralisis Permanente, London Plane, and Caifanes, they’re sure to send shivers down your spine.
Pop in a cinnamon Altoid and listen to “Vampire Breath” below.
Fresh on the scene yet steeped in vintage allure, The Marcelas ignite their live performances with theatrical intensity. Enlisting local heavyweight Bidi Cobra (Matte Blvck) to produce their debut EP and album, with Austin Speed handling mixing and mastering, the band boldly sets the stage for their dramatic inclinations.
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