Release date: 2025

Mexico’s heavy metal legacy runs deep. It’s a country that not only embraces international acts with fervor but also nurtures its own underground movements. Their allegiance is often fierce and never overlooked. From the heart of Puebla, a city known for its culinary traditions, colonial architecture, and iconic Talavera tiles, comes the band Insurgents.

Since 2023, the band has been quietly building momentum in the local scene, playing support slots and earning a reputation for raw energy and unfiltered sound. In 2025, they’ve released Demo, a rough-edged debut that feels more like a warning shot as their official introduction. It’s aggressive, stripped down, and unapologetically DIY.

Insurgents is clearly intent on making noise. Demo is proof they’re not waiting for permission.

Insurgents Line-Up

Iván Cristales – Vocal

Adrián Solis – Lead Guitar

Manuel Bouchan – Rhythm Guitar

Luis Alberto Doporto – Bass

Victor Manuel Bagatella – Drums

Review

The album kicks off with “Not Today,” a track that nods unmistakably to Haunt in its opening moments. There is tight riffing, melodic phrasing, and a sense of urgency. As the song unfolds, Insurgents begin to assert their own identity, shifting into a heavier, more grounded territory.

The low end hits hard: double kick drums thunder with precision, while the bass line bounces with a lively, almost galloping momentum. It’s a mix that feels surprisingly dialed-in for a demo. Each instrument sits clearly in the pocket, with subtle flourishes audible across the spectrum. The track peaks with a bright, forward-driving guitar solo that cuts through the mix without overpowering it.

It’s a confident opener that is raw, energetic, and promising

“State of Mind” opens with a slower, ringing guitar line and vocals that lean into a brooding, introspective tone. There’s a clear attempt to shift emotional gears from the opener, aiming for something more atmospheric and reflective.

However, the track struggles to maintain cohesion. Several breakdowns interrupt the flow, feeling more like abrupt detours than intentional transitions. The ambition is there, and credit is due to Insurgents as they are clearly reaching for dynamic range. The execution lacks focus and punch, leaving the song feeling uneven.

That said, the late-song guitar solo stands out. It’s expressive and well-placed, offering a glimpse of the band’s potential when everything clicks.

Closing out the trio, “New Blood” kicks the door wide open. Blazing guitars, punishing bass, and thundering drums set the pace, while the vocals snarl with urgency. This is Insurgents at full throttle, and they are raw, aggressive, and locked into their lane.

The track pulses with adrenaline, easily the most cohesive and commanding cut on the demo. If there’s a signature sound emerging, this is it. You can practically see the crowd erupting as the band tears through this one live.

A sharp, quick solo slices through the final stretch, adding just enough flash without derailing the momentum. It’s a standout moment, and a clear crowd pleaser.

Conclusion

Demo by Insurgents is a raw, spirited debut that hints at a band still finding its footing but doing so with conviction. It’s lean, aggressive, and undeniably rough around the edges. That’s not a flaw; it’s the sound of something being built from the ground up.

When Insurgents lean into their strengths (shredding guitars, a thunderous rhythm section, and fierce vocal delivery) they hit hard. Tracks like “Not Today” and “New Blood” showcase that fire with clarity and purpose. “State of Mind,” while less cohesive, suggests a willingness to stretch creatively, even if the execution doesn’t fully land.

There’s room to grow, no question. But the ambition is there, and so is the spark. Demo feels like a statement of intent or a proverbial line drawn in the sand. With time, refinement, and a clearer sense of direction, Insurgents could carve out a space that’s entirely their own. The DNA is strong. Now it’s about evolution.

The future legacy of metal in Mexico shows a great deal of potential through the continued efforts of Insurgents!

TheNwothm Score: 7/10

Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insurgents.mx

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insurgents.mx/