Mawiza Announce New Album ÜL

May 6, 2025

Like a smoke signal, over the past decade, Mawiza have risen as a guiding force for indigenous metal. By incorporating native instruments, shamanic chanting and tribal rhythms into their contemporary influences, the band represent both the ancestral and modern sides of Mapuche culture. Their fresh yet timeless take on groove metal has won them a Chilean Grammy along with the respect of scene elders like Mercyful Fate, Mastodon, Slipknot and Joe Duplantier from Gojira, who's featured on their upcoming new album.

Today, Mawiza are officially announcing their third full-length ÜL by releasing a stunning video for the album's lead single and opening track. "Wingkawnoam" marches to an industrial beat, but this band of modern-day warriors are guided by the dreams of their indigenous land.

"ÜL means 'chant'", Mawiza says. "The album represents the voice of the land, the origin of feeling, the first call to connect with emotions. It is the part of the spirit that, for a few seconds, becomes one with the wind. It's a force we can hear, resonate, communicate with and return to".

Watch the video for "Wingkawnoam” - Below:

ÜL comes out July 18 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/mawizaul

Mawiza would like to thank our Mapuche community Ngillatuwe Maipu for welcoming them during the video shoot for "Wingkawnoam". Their guidance was essential.

The video for "Wingkawnoam" was directed by Andrés Hetzler (@andreshetzler).

"I have been working with Mawiza for several years," Andrés says. "It's always an honor to continue our collaboration. Their message deserves a strong and powerful visual.

"For this video, the band wanted to bring the history of the Mapuche people to a new audience. It shows how important political decisions were resolved in Mapuche culture through a game of palin.

"I proposed to integrate the band around the bonfire of a ruka, as a symbol for oral storytelling, as this is where Mapuche people gather to remember their history".

Additional production credits
Producer/Art Director - Unai García
Cinematography - Soledad Gatica
1AC - Alejandro Courbis
2AC/Gaffer - Simón Jorquera
Focus Puller - Josefina Berenguela
1st Assistant Director - Carlos Elgueta
Production Assistant - Beatriz Cañas
Photography by Samantha D. Silva & Kata Ulloa
Makeup/Styling by Polvimkp

Ñizol Palife - Ricardo Herrera, Kurra
Patiru - Rodrigo Rojas
Kona - Pablo Ramírez

Pu Palife
Gómez Ricardo Herrera
Esteban Nahuelcheo
Héctor Olivares
Mathias Ferreyra
Fabían Flores
Marcos Soto
Diego Díaz Tell
Vicente Díaz Tell
Pedro Parra

Lineup
Awka - Lead vocals & rhythm guitar
Karü - Lead guitar & backing vocals
Zewü - Bass & backing vocals
Txalkan - Drums & percussion

Guest musicians
Fabiola Hidalgo (Liquen) contributes vocals to "Wingkawnoam", "Pinhza Ñi pewma", "Ngulutu" and "Mamüll reke"

Joe Duplantier (Gojira) contributes vocals to "Ti Inan Paw-Pawkan"

Recording Studio
Estudio del Sur in Chile

Producer
Pancho Arenas

Sound & Mixing Engineer
Pancho Arenas

Mastering Studio
West West Side Music

Mastering Engineer
Alan Douches

Cover Art
Kata Ulloa

Booking information
Europe: juan@thatmusicagency.com
Rest of the World: unai@cowboymusic.agency

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/mawizaul

Follow Mawiza
Bandcamp: https://mawizakvlt.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mawizakvlt
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mawizakvlt
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oJP24bXA2fbdVmNGNmCtt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mawizakvlt
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mawiza/1653435953

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Mawiza Follow the Moon on New Video

April 8, 2025

While still ascending on the metal scene, Mawiza are empowered by their indigenous roots.

The Chilean band hail from the ancestral territory of Wallmapu, which belongs to the Mapuche Nation. By proudly embracing ancestral instruments, traditional chanting and the Mapuzungun language, their style of groove metal has brought them international acclaim. They've won a Chilean Grammy and performed alongside Mercyful Fate, Mastodon, Slipknot and Gojira. Having now signed with the French label Season of Mist, this year, Mawiza are releasing their spirited third album, which RollingStone named one of the 15 Latin Albums that they can't wait to hear.

As this band of warriors prepare to set up on new horizons, today, Mawiza are releasing a new video. Though the song reflects how their culture has changed, "Killari" beams with the strength that they draw from their native land.

Watch the music video for "Killari" below.

Stream "Killari"
https://orcd.co/mawizakillari

Mawiza have shared a stage with metal's biggest influences, but the band are guided by the spirit of nature. In English, "Killari" means "Moonlight". Much like its namesake, the song reveals its transformative energy in phases. Double bass scampers under the cover of darkness as a clean, somber guitar melody is plucked like stars from the sky. "Chomü rayen teyfükan (Destroy the withered flower)", the band howl in unison. "Taiñ mongen ñi afkülekan / Re rükükan mew (End our existence / Out of pure selfishness)".

At home, Mawiza have seen the Mapuche Nation endure troubling times. Trees on their land have been cut down by developers. Many people from the tribe have been forced to move into the city. "My mother taught me to respect all life", says the band's vocalist and rhythm guitarist Awka. Between its scraping dissonant riffs and the flowing proggy grooves of bassist Zewü, "Killari" waxes and wanes between sorrow and anger. But by following the moon, the band find strength in transformation. "Wenu peaymi / Look to the sky!", Awka shouts with both his spear and axe raised as the drums circle into a thunderous breakdown.

"You can feel low in the night", says Awka, who identifies as non-binary. "Our people have often witnessed oppression against those deemed 'deviant', 'nefarious' or 'diabolical' for not fitting into the concept of man and woman. In ancient times, masculinity and femininity were respected and understood as real forces in constant communication, prayer and movement. But as time passed, through way and the loss of the Spanish crown, the image of the Mapuche man became idealized as virile, strong and an overwhelming warrior, while the woman was seen as the source of future heirs.

"If there is one concept that we as young Mapuche embrace, it's total decolonization", he continues. "As wentxu or 'men' of the Mapuche people, we need zomo newen or 'feminine strength' to exist in a permanent state within each of us. We protect our Epu püllü or 'two spirits' with songs like 'Killari'.

"I feel a deep connection to the moon and how it influences all cycles of nature, including the transformation within ourselves", says drummer Txalkan, who wrote the music for "Killari". "The song weaves together rhythms and claves from various Latin American percussion styles. When I play it, I try and reflect that sense of movement and evolution through its variations".

The video for "Killari" also reflects the changing forces within the Mapuche Nation. "In popular culture, Indians are often shown wearing dirty clothes or being covered in mud", the band says. "We wanted to look like kings". To make this fashion statement, they collaborated with three of the most prominent trendsetters in Latin America. Their stylish outfits were designed by Matías Hernán (@matias_hernan), Ceremonia (@ceremonia_) and Labios Enfermos (@labios.enfermos).

Even the filming location for "Killari" was chosen after an artist's own heart. What was once an abandoned underwear factory was converted by Chilean artist Beatrice di Girolamo into a woodworking studio. It's here, in this re-imagined space, that Mawiza uncover a modern piece of Mapuche artwork in the climbing light of Karü's guitar solo. "Killari" first appeared on the band's previous album Kollong, which in English means 'mask'. While kollongs are traditionally carved from wood, by adding bits of moss and industrial plastic, this new version pieces together all the current aspects of Mapuche culture.

"Naq uwamtuymi ta lüq pelom / Feel the white light descending", Awka chants. As he dons the mask, Mawiza becomes the sworn protectors of this illuminating ceremony.

"Some ancient Mapuche concepts are impossible to translate" Awka says. "It would be easy to say that our society was inclusive with non-binary and gender-fluid people. But it is far more complex. Our words are not static. Our weavings are not tied with blind knots. Our ruke or 'house' are made to be disassembled.

"Our machi have always embodied this from the most visible perspective", he continues. "The body is a vessel for forces. The feminine force of küyen is crucial to our understanding and daily lives as Mapuche. Look to the sky and you can find the strength of your mother".

The video for "Killari" was directed by Andrés Hetzler (@andreshetzler).

In 2023, Mawiza released the single “Txükur” with the Mapuche rapper MC Millaray and a tremendous and very particular version of Metallica's “Battery”, which they adapted to Mapuzungun.

In August 2023, Mawiza were invited to record a live session by Joe Duplantier, leader of Gojira and owner of Silver Chord Studios in New York. They also visited West West Side Studio, owned by renowned producer Alan Douches and performed an acoustic concert at Selva Gallery in Brooklyn.

At the end of 2024, Mawiza re-released Kollong. This version includes new recordings of vocals done entirely in Mapuzungun and drums re-recorded by Txalkan.

This year, Mawiza will release their third album on Season of Mist.

Booking information
Europe: juan@thatmusicagency.com
Rest of the World: unai@cowboymusic.agency

Follow Mawiza
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mawizakvlt
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mawizakvlt
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oJP24bXA2fbdVmNGNmCtt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mawizakvlt

Mawiza Vocalist Speaking at TEDx Pucón

April 5, 2025

While pushing the boundaries of modern metal, Mawiza are deeply connected to their native roots.

The Chilean band have performed with the underground's biggest and heaviest influences - including Merycful Fate, Mastodon, Slipknot and Gojira - but they hail from the ancestral territory of Wallmapu, which belongs to the Mapuche Nation. By proudly embracing ancestral instruments, traditional chanting and the Mapuzungun language, the band's fierce bent on groove metal bridges contemporary and ancient culture.

This year, Mawiza are releasing their third album and first since signing with Season of Mist, which RollingStone named one of the 15 Latin Albums that they can't wait to hear. As they prepare to make their most spirited statement yet, today, the band's vocalist is delivering a speech at TEDx Pucón, a local event that's celebrating how nature inspires, nourishes and transforms local leaders in Chile. Awka will speak to how music can be a bridge between culture, territories and memories.

Watch Awka's speech at TEDx Pucón
Friday, April 4 @ 1:30 pm Eastern Time

https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/58778

After his speech, Awka will join his bandmates for a special acoustic performance, which will include new versions of songs from Mawiza's Pulsar Award-winning album Kollong.

MAWIZA is a metal band originally from the Wallmapu, ancestral territory of the Mapuche Nation in South America, which sings in Mapuzungun, their ancestral language.

Their identity is based on the preservation of their roots, the relationship of the human being with nature and the conservation of biodiversity, guided by their cosmovision and cultural struggle.

Founded in 2014 as Nunca Seremos Dichosos, they released two albums under that moniker, Tierra (2017) and Kollong (2019). With this formation, they managed to tour not only Chile, but also Colombia and Bolivia. Kollong included the single "Mawiza ñi piwke", the first Metal song sung entirely in Mapuzungun. In 2020, the album won the prestigious Pulsar Award (Chilean Grammys) in the Best Metal Artist category.

After several line-up changes, in 2021, the band decided to change its name to Mawiza and leave behind its mixed use of Spanish and Mapuzungun. They committed to Mapuzungun as its sole language of expression.

Major milestones in the band’s career include: opening for Gojira and Mastodon in 2022 in front of more than 10,000 people, playing with Mercyful Fate at the Movistar Arena Santiago, performing at Knotfest Chile 2023 and playing in front of 30,000 people at the Pasiwali Festival in Taiwan.

Others include participating in the Fluvial music fair in Valdivia, as well as in the Micsur fair in Santiago.

In 2023, Mawiza released the single “Txükur” with the Mapuche rapper MC Millaray and a tremendous and very particular version of Metallica's “Battery”, which they adapted to Mapuzungun.

In August 2023, Mawiza were invited to record a live session by Joe Duplantier, leader of Gojira and owner of Silver Chord Studios in New York. They also visited West Side Studio, owned by renowned producer Alan Douches and performed an acoustic concert at Selva Gallery in Brooklyn.

At the end of 2024, Mawiza re-released Kollong. This version includes new recordings of vocals done entirely in Mapuzungun and drums re-recorded by Txalkan.

This year, Mawiza will release their third album on Season of Mist.

Booking information
Europe: juan@thatmusicagency.com
Rest of the World: unai@cowboymusic.agency

Follow Mawiza
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mawizakvlt
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mawizakvlt
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oJP24bXA2fbdVmNGNmCtt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mawizakvlt

Mawiza Sign to Season of Mist

November 20, 2024

Season of Mist is proud to welcome Mawiza!

Amidst the ever-changing metal landscape, Mawiza continue to stand proud. The Chilean band raise horns in honor of their indigenous roots. Armed with thunderous riffs, pounding grooves, tribal chanting and ancestral folk instruments, these metallic warriors are fierce champions of the historic struggles of the Mapuche people.

Mawiza won Best Metal Artist at the 2020 Pulsar Awards. They have performed alongside many of the genre's most influential forces, including Gojira, Mastodon, Mercyful Fate and Slipknot.

This Saturday, Mawiza are performing at the Taiwan Pasiwali Festival, which celebrates the brave, adventurous and romantic spirit of aestronesian culture. On November 30, the band are playing a special acoustic set at Fluvial, an international conference that showcases talent from across the Chilean music industry. More live dates are planned for next year, including appearances at major European summer festivals.

Lineup

Awka - Vocals & Rhythm guitar
Karü - Lead guitar & backing vocals
Zewü - Bass & backing vocals
Txalkan - Drums & percussion

MAWIZA is recognized for blending metal with traditional Mapuche ritual folk. This unique musical approach encompasses not only sound, but also visual and thematic elements that reflect the Mapuche culture and cosmovision. The band stand out for their use of ancestral instruments and traditional chants (ülkantun), achieving a powerful fusion between the aggressiveness and energy of metal music and the spirituality of their indigenous roots. They have been recognized for their impact on the Chilean and international music scene.

In 2020, Mawiza received the prestigious Pulsar Award at the Chilean Grammys for the year's best metal band. This recognition consolidated their position in the industry, validating their artistic proposal and their effort to make Mapuche culture visible through an unconventional genre.

Mawiza has shared the stage with important international bands such as Slipknot, Mercyful Fate and Mastodon. They've also performed alongside Gojira and collaborated with Joe Duplantier.

In addition to their distinctive musical style, Mawiza are a symbol of cultural resistance and indigenous identity. Their lyrics and image present a deep connection with nature, spirituality and the historical struggles of the Mapuche people. They seek to not only entertain, but also educate and sensitize listeners to the importance of Mapuche identity and the preservation of its language and traditions.

Booking information
Europe: juan@thatmusicagency.com
Rest of the World: unai@cowboymusic.agency

Follow Mawiza
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawizakvlt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mawizakvlt
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mawizakvlt
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oJP24bXA2fbdVmNGNmCtt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mawizakvlt