With more than twenty years of existence, Absoluto Rock Bar has become a safe place for rock and metal fans, both Paraguayans and visitors. Locals are known for their passion and loyalty to their favourite groups, and they share that devotion inside Absoluto Rock Bar. Also, Absoluto is an important stage for Paraguayan rock and metal bands, who have found a home for their music. With its stage set at the centre, the venue is built for concerts.
Located in downtown Asunción, practically every weekend, there is live music. From international acts to local groups, every rock and metal enthusiast is welcome at Absoluto Rock Bar. Adela Acevedo, bar manager, explains: “Absoluto always had the aim of not only playing rock and metal, but also of offering live concerts.”
A place designed to enjoy music
Absoluto does not disappoint rock fans when it comes to drinks. “Our public really likes beer, as metal and rock fans. Mostly beer, but sometimes also fernet with Coke.” Everything inside Absoluto is designed to appeal to rock and metal fans. “We serve pizzas, hamburgers, and French fries. Our clients are very traditional.”
The bar has a darker visual tone, with ultraviolet lights that make the graffiti shine. “These graffiti artworks represent personalities such as Ronnie James Dio and Lemmy Kilmister, who are pillars of heavy metal and rock.”
“When we have international concerts, we remove the tables and chairs to host more people. In that format, around 400 to 450 people can stand and enjoy the show.” During the week, there are usually eight to ten large tables, and visitors can also sit at the bar counter to enjoy food, drinks, and live music. “Behind the bar counter, we have a chalkboard that we change regularly, drawing something related to each event. We also show football matches, UFC, or Formula One.”
Live shows and international music groups
“In that same chalkboard, when Cirith Ungol came last March, we painted all their albums there.” Cirith Ungol is a 1970s Californian metal band inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. “We try to do this with every band. It is very unique. Every group loves seeing their artwork or albums on that chalkboard.”
Paul Di’Anno, former vocalist of Iron Maiden, has performed twice at Absoluto. “Both loved seeing their albums and artwork displayed. For us, it is not only a matter of pride having them here, but also the idea behind the chalkboard.”
Bands such as Artillery, Grim Reaper, Manilla Road, Nocturnal, Mayhem, Gorgoroth and Pestilence have all played in Absoluto. Omen and Onslaught have performed twice. “Riot, a US metal band, had to play two days because the first one sold out. For example, Blood Red Throne, a Norwegian band that usually plays at huge festivals, played here. Paraguay was one of the first countries they played outside Norway, and it was here in Absoluto. We were almost crying because they sounded even better live.”
Regarding live shows and admission, Adela explains: “It depends on the type of band. We do not organise all the shows. Many of the arrangements are handled by the band or the organiser. If someone wants to organise an event, we can provide the venue, but the sound system and any other expenses are the organiser’s responsibility. We do charge admission for these shows. The most expensive concerts are usually the international ones, which happen every three to four months.”
What makes Absoluto special?
“I work here because of my love for Absoluto. As a metal fan, all of us know not only the story of Absoluto, but also the story of every group that played here. Each band is meaningful, and every fan can tell you why. Absoluto is a reference in the South American rock and metal scene.”
Absoluto aims to maintain its identity and strengthen its legacy as one of the main references for rock and metal music in Paraguay. “What we do not want is to lose our essence. Our objective is to remain the number one bar in Asunción for rock and metal.”
And what about future plans? “We want to keep bringing groups. Some bands are already lined up for next year, although I cannot mention them yet,” hints Adela.
VIP Card benefits
As a VIP Card member of The Asunción Times, you can enjoy a 20% discount simply by presenting your VIP member card, just one of the many VIP Member Benefits. Absoluto Rock Bar is located in the heart of Asunción on Herrera 163.
Absoluto Rock Bar opening hours
If many people are having fun or do not want to go home yet, Absoluto usually stays open longer.
- Monday: closed
- Tuesday: 18:00 to 00:00
- Wednesday: 18:00 to 00:00
- Thursday: 18:00 to 00:00
- Friday: 18:00 to 03:00
- Saturday: 18:00 to 03:00
- Sunday: 18:00 to 03:00
