It was founded by the singer and guitarrist Andrés Giménez in 1992 in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Aníbal Aló on drums and Marcelo Corvalán on bass and backing vocals.
They originally formed under the name of "Animal", but due to legal issues the name was quickly changed to the actual version. A.N.I.M.A.L.'s sound is that of heavy metal and most lyrics are in defense and in favor of ethnic minorities and original peoples of Latin America; this can be seen in many song titles like Solo Por Ser Indios ("Only For Being Indian"), Guerra De Razas ("Race War"), Poder Latino ("Latin Power") and Raza Castigada ("Punished Race").
The band's success grew taking it to play in most Latin American countries, the United States and Europe. In 1999, Iongtime bassist Marcelo "Corvata" Corvalan and then drummer Andres Vilanova (who joined the band at age 17, replacing Martín Carrizo) left the band . Marcelo and Andres were replaced by Cristian Lapolla and Marcelo Castro, however around this time the band entered a clear and slow downward spiral as many fans started losing interest in it.
After a year or so, Marcelo Castro was replaced by Javier Dorado who had briefly joined the band back in 1993 and was replaced in 2004 by Martín Carrizo who rejoined the band.
In 2006 it was announced that the band would take an indefinite break; this resulted in Martín Carrizo's (drummer) leaving the band and Andrés Giménez forming a new band called D'mente (word play meaning both demente ("lunatic") and devil mente ("devil mind", Andres' nickname).
Former members Marcelo "Corvata" Corvalan and Andres Vilanova now play together in the band carajo.
Guerra de razas
A.N.I.M.A.L. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
la mano que azota a un ser
actúa sin pensar.
Un castigo ajeno y propio a
la vez, es tan fría la suerte
que los débiles enfrentan.
Guerra de razas.
La sangre esclava se seca en el
escénica, juzgamos la piel
mordiendo el anzuelo.
Mares de racismo traen
a mi mente incomprensión.
Guerra de Razas,
la sangre esclava se seca en el
suelo.
Manifiestan violencia y agresión
escupen el odio sin remordimiento
mares de racismo traen.
The lyrics of A.N.I.M.A.L.'s song Guerra de razas are a commentary on the atrocities of racism and the violence it breeds. The first verse describes the inhumane treatment of others based on race and the lack of empathy displayed by those who inflict it. The second verse sheds light on the apathy and inaction of society in the face of racism, with people merely focusing on appearances and judging by skin color. The chorus with its repetition underscores the message of the song- that racism ultimately leads to violence and creates a cycle of hate.
The lines "Un castigo ajeno y propio a la vez" and "es tan fría la suerte que los débiles enfrentan" are particularly powerful as they describe the duality of the situation- the punishment inflicted is both external and internal, and those who bear the brunt are often the vulnerable ones. The imagery of "mares de racismo" adds to the impact of the song, conveying a sense of overwhelming sadness and despair.
Overall, Guerra de razas is a sobering reminder of the need for compassion and empathy towards those who may be different from us. It shows us that the consequences of racism go far beyond just hurtful words or actions, and that we need to actively fight against it not just for the sake of others, but for ourselves as well.
Line by Line Meaning
El látigo corta la libertad
The whip cuts through freedom
la mano que azota a un ser
The hand that strikes a being
actúa sin pensar.
Acts without thinking
Un castigo ajeno y propio a
A punishment that is both foreign and one's own
la vez, es tan fría la suerte
At the same time, luck is so cold
que los débiles enfrentan.
That the weak face.
Guerra de razas.
Race war.
La sangre esclava se seca en el
Slave blood dries on the
suelo miramos por fuera, obviamos
Ground we look outside, we ignore
escénica, juzgamos la piel
Stage scene, we judge the skin
mordiendo el anzuelo.
Biting the hook.
Mares de racismo traen
Seas of racism bring
a mi mente incomprensión.
To my mind incomprehension.
Guerra de Razas,
Race war,
la sangre esclava se seca en el
slave blood dries on the
suelo.
ground.
Manifiestan violencia y agresión
They manifest violence and aggression
escupen el odio sin remordimiento
They spit out hate without remorse
mares de racismo traen.
Seas of racism bring.
Contributed by Emily O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.