Twenty-four years after forming in Ciudad del Este, Kuazar has achieved what no Paraguayan band outside folklore has accomplished: completing a proper European music tour. According to Loudwire – a leading online magazine about hard rock – Kuazar is now Paraguay’s most popular metal band, having built its reputation alongside international acts.
“Why should I sing about Odin when I could sing about the Pombero or Luisón? Let them sing about their myths. I will sing about mine.”
Josema González, who founded Kuazar alongside Ratty González and Marcelo Saracho, boldly declares this statement. Together, they have shattered major barriers, demonstrating that Paraguayan narratives can captivate audiences worldwide.
From local heroes to international recognition
The trio systematically built their reputation through strategic performances with metal giants, sharing stages with Megadeth and opening for Slipknot, earning respect within metal’s elite circles.
Their latest milestone came recently: “The first band in the history of Paraguayan rock, pop, soul, jazz, all those genres outside of folklore, to carry out a proper tour in Europe, and the United Kingdom,” Josema declares.
The distinction matters. Whilst other Paraguayan bands have performed abroad, “many went to do shows in Europe, but no one did a proper tour”. In April, Kuazar shared stages with thrash legends Vio-lence and Exhorder across ten cities, making history.
Cultural ambassadors in combat boots
This was not typical metal touring. Across London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Dublin, Sheffield, Belgium, and Spain, Josema transformed shows into cultural exchanges, delivering spontaneous history lessons about the War of the Triple Alliance, the Chaco War, and basic Guaraní phrases.
“People in South America know everything about Europe. But Europe knows nothing about us. This was our turn to speak,” Josema states. “We behaved like ambassadors of Paraguay with pride; we carried the flag representing the good things about Paraguay, so people would know where we are located geographically.”
When metal meets Paraguayan history
Kuazar takes its name from “Quasar”, the moment when a black hole absorbs a neutron star, generating universal explosions. Perfect metaphor for a band creating sonic explosions from Paraguayan identity colliding with international metal.
Their album Hybrid Power avoids fantasy. Tracks like “Twenty Days in Hell (Boquerón)”, and “Machete Che Pópe (Acosta Ñu)” chronicle real battles from Paraguay’s bloodiest wars, incorporating Guaraní lyrics.
“Iron Maiden sings about World War II aerial battles. Metallica’s ‘One’ reflects the horrors of war. Many bands here sing about Viking battles. We realised we were not singing about our own, Paraguayan, heroes. So we changed that.”
Modern themes receive similar treatment. “Future Necropolis” examines generations consumed by social media, “marching towards a future necropolis like zombies.” “Silence” tackles depression and communication breakdowns, dense themes rarely addressed in pop culture.
“The riffs are brutal, yes, but they must mean something. We want to hit people in the chest, not just the ears.”
Independent success against all odds
Maintaining a metal band in Paraguay requires rebellion against economic reality. Kuazar survived hardship, lineup changes, and zero industry support whilst maintaining fierce independence.
“People will spend millions on a barbecue but will not invest in a music video,” Josema says bluntly. “Musicians sabotage themselves. If you do not believe in yourself and invest in yourself, nothing will happen.”
The band recorded Hybrid Power in the U.S., mixed and mastered by Brendan Duffey, known for working with Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, and Brazilian metal bands like Angra. Every video, tour, and album: self-funded through determination and sacrifice.
This independent approach paid off. From supporting international legends to headlining European tours, Kuazar proved independent Paraguayan bands can compete globally.
Kuazar’s European validation
European reception exceeded expectations. Metal Underground – a website dedicated to this type of music – called Kuazar “one of the most surprising opening acts in recent times,” highlighting their stage charisma and sound power.
London initially made Josema González nervous, a city that “has seen everything.” Instead, they received their warmest reception. In Dublin, Ireland, Josema drew parallels between Guaraní and Gaelic. “Two languages almost erased by larger empires.” Creating cultural connection transcending metal’s boundaries.
Birmingham held special significance. At Black Sabbath Bridge, heavy metal’s birthplace, they stood as proof Paraguayan metal had arrived. Later, Becky Baldwin (Mercyful Fate bassist) attended their show, signalling influence reaching metal’s inner circles.
Kuazar legacy message
For Josema González, Kuazar’s message remains revolutionary: “It is possible. Our stories matter. Paraguayan metal can stand on any global stage. We did it, now others will too. It is more a message for my daughters: ‘Hey, you can do it. Do not doubt it. Go for it.'”
New material develops steadily. González confirms he is “closing the connecting thread of what will be Kuazar’s next album.” They have not performed in Paraguay in 2025 yet. “We are seeing what we are going to do regarding upcoming local shows.”
From Ciudad del Este clubs to European festivals, from supporting Megadeth to becoming Paraguay’s most popular metal band on Spotify: Kuazar’s trajectory declares that Paraguayan culture deserves global stages.
Twenty-four years after forming, Kuazar has proven that outsiders can become centre stage, local stories can have global impact. And sometimes the loudest revolution begins with absolute refusal to stay quiet.
Kuazar’s “Hybrid Power” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other digital platforms. Follow Kuazar on Instagram for updates on the band’s upcoming projects, and tour dates.
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