Hailing from Columbia, Onïxx deliver a Hard/Heavy Metal sound that refuses to conform, pushing against trends in favor of something raw, personal, and unfiltered. Their riffs hit hard, their vocals cut through with attitude, and their songwriting leans into tension, emotion, and a sense of defiance that feels integral to who they are as a band. In this interview, the group dives into its formation, how its sound evolved, the creative risks it is willing to take, and the ideas about identity, individuality, and resistance that shape everything it does.
Interview:
The account of Onïxx’s formation also reveals how much of a band’s identity can emerge from persistence. The story is not presented as a neat or instant arrival, but as a gradual process of finding the right people, recognising a shared purpose, and turning separate musical instincts into one collective direction. That sense of commitment runs through the band’s answers: the music matters not because it offers an easy path, but because creating it is meaningful in itself.
That openness becomes especially important when Onïxx discusses its influences. Rather than treating genre as a fixed boundary, the band describes a broad listening culture—one that can absorb blues, jazz, AOR, rock, traditional heavy metal, speed metal, progressive ideas, and neoclassical colour without losing sight of its central purpose. The result is less a checklist of references than a way of thinking: tradition provides a foundation, while curiosity keeps the music moving.
TheNwothm: For readers discovering Onïxx for the first time, how would you introduce the band and what is the story behind its formation?
Onïxx: Hello! Greetings to everyone tuning in, and to the team at “The Nwothm”—we are very grateful to be featured here. Onïxx is a Hard/Heavy Metal band formed in 2023 in Bogotá, Colombia, in the aftermath of the pandemic. The project originated with several musicians from the southern part of the city: guitarists Jhon Jairo Fonseca and Ricardo Cristóbal, along with drummer Alexander Alcalá. They had been composing their own music and writing their own lyrics, but for a long time, they struggled to find a vocalist who met their standards.
At the time, the band was rehearsing at Mystical Estudio—a space run by the members of “Alma Dorada,” a group with a 25-year history in the Colombian heavy metal scene. One day, while discussing music, they decided to pitch the project to vocalist and producer Alejandro Macbeth. Shortly after, his brother, Miguel Suárez (“Migue”), joined the band as the bassist, completing the lineup. The rest is history.
As of today, Onïxx consists of:
Alejandro Macbeth – Vocals
Ricardo Cristóbal Acosta – Guitar
Jhon J. Fonseca – Guitar
Alexander Alcalá – Drums
Miguel F. Suárez – Bass
TheNwothm: How did the name Onïxx come about, and what does it represent for you as a band?
Onïxx: The name refers to the black gemstone and the connection that precious stones share with the Earth and the universe. In Central and South America, black stones—such as onyx and obsidian—are associated with the ceremonial magic of our ancestors and the opening of portals; they also symbolize that dark aspect of reality and the soul, where the shadow is cast—stretching from the sublime realms down to the most physical states of matter.
The shadow, the veil of the cosmos, a black hole, death—all of these can represent the concept we wish to explore: a stone that acts like a magnet, serving to transmute the psyche and the soul.
TheNwothm: Growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, what first inspired each of you to pursue heavy metal?
Onïxx: Growing up in Bogotá, in a country like Colombia—choosing to play heavy metal is a profound decision. We exist in an environment where artistic movements like rock and metal aren’t native to our country’s ecosystem, folklore, or cultural identity. Yet, music always finds its place among certain kinds of people; no matter the region, heavy metal finds a way to manifest itself. It’s fantastic to hear what’s coming out of the underground scene—the way it sounds, shaped by the unique culture, language, and perspective each group brings to the genre—it’s brilliant in every respect.
There is also a clear connection between language, place, and musical identity in Onïxx’s description of its sound. Singing in Spanish is not treated as a limitation or a novelty, but as part of the band’s natural voice. That choice allows the group to approach familiar heavy-metal traditions from its own cultural position, preserving the emotional directness of the genre while giving the songs a distinct point of view.
In our case, a few of us simply came together because we love making music and rocking out. Many musicians in Colombia don’t play because it’s profitable or because they want to become rock stars—that just doesn’t happen here. We do it because, in a way, it’s a form of self-actualisation; for some, it’s therapy or a cathartic release. It’s rare to find people who are truly committed to working seriously, but we believe we have a lineup that’s driven and willing to invest both time and money—that’s a great sign. We plan to record plenty of material; we’ll see what the future holds.
TheNwothm: Which bands, albums or artists have had the biggest influence on the Onïxx sound?
Onïxx: As for us, we’re heavy-duty consumers of heavy metal. We don’t have a predefined template for what Onïxx should sound like—we don’t say, “We want to sound exactly like this other band.” We all enjoy a wide range of genres, from blues, jazz, and AOR to hard rock, heavy metal, and speed metal. We also like to experiment with elements of progressive and neoclassical rock. Bands from the N.W.O.B.H.M. (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) scene, as well as the Swedish and broader European heavy metal scenes, really influence our musical composition. While we sing in Spanish, we strive to stay true to traditional sounds, crafting our music to evoke the aesthetic of that era. In terms of our musical style, you might compare us to bands like Randy or Holocaust, while our vocal approach leans closer to groups like Ángeles del Infierno, Luzbel, Santa, Kraken, or Cloven Hoof. We have our own style, and with our upcoming work, we aim to establish a distinctive sound—a signature of our own.
TheNwothm: The Colombian metal scene has produced many talented bands over the years. How has your local scene helped shape your identity and approach to music?
Onïxx: We have seen everything grow side by side; although our project is relatively new, most of its members have a long history within the national scene. There are some very good bands in Colombia—especially in the city of Medellín, where we believe there is excellent music and a more established heavy metal community.
In Bogotá, there are also very good bands, but most of them emerge from the hillside neighbourhoods or the southern districts. This gives the metal scene—and the bands themselves—a distinctly underground, more defiant character. As we say in Colombia, they have “more street”—a quality that lends them a grittier, more combative edge, with a sound that feels like it was forged on the road, full of power and energy.
TheNwothm: As a Colombian heavy metal band, what has the response been like from listeners outside South America?
Onïxx: We have released only three singles so far, and we are currently working on finishing the recording and production of our full-length album. The band’s sound has been well-received; globally, there is a growing interest in traditional sounds and in bands that cultivate an image—effectively capturing the essence of the era, both visually and sonically—while reviving the sound and defining characteristics of traditional Hard Heavy music. With a clear concept and distinct character, we aim to establish ourselves as the “gem” of the Colombian Hard Heavy scene.
TheNwothm: How would you describe the Onïxx sound to someone who has never heard the band before?
Onïxx: Pure, unadulterated hard heavy metal—featuring two guitars, bass, drums, and vocals—with a sound rooted in blues, rock, and hard heavy metal, at times bordering on speed metal. To the average listener, we’re a band in the vein of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, or Saxon—but with our own distinct sound, and in Spanish. You’ve got to see us!
TheNwothm: What are the key ingredients that make a song unmistakably Onïxx?
Onïxx: Sometimes there are things that we, as a band, don’t notice, but others do; every country or region of origin has its own distinct characteristics. It is truly interesting to hear traditional heavy metal in other languages. For us, creating music in Spanish—our native tongue—is deeply rewarding. We approach the vocal performance with greater freedom; we feel that many Spanish-language heavy metal bands are often constrained by their vocal composition or melodic phrasing. We want to break free from those limitations to offer a sound that is more traditional—one aligned with the roots of the genre, which have, historically, been expressed primarily through English-language traditional heavy metal.
Across the interview, the band’s ambitions are balanced by an awareness of the work still required. Onïxx speaks about recording, refining material, developing a live identity, and continuing to grow without losing the spontaneity that makes the project enjoyable. The future, as they describe it, is not about abandoning what brought them together; it is about giving that original impulse more room, more focus, and a larger body of music through which to express it.
What makes the conversation compelling is the consistency between Onïxx’s artistic ideas and its practical outlook. The band’s answers return repeatedly to commitment, freedom, enjoyment, and the desire to remain genuine—values that apply equally to writing a song, preparing an album, responding to a local scene, or stepping onto a stage. Their story is still unfolding, but the direction is clear: keep developing, keep experimenting, and keep the spirit of heavy metal alive through personal conviction rather than imitation.
TheNwothm:The Onïxx sound combines a variety of heavy metal influences. How has your songwriting evolved since the band first started?
Onïxx: For us, changing rhythmic patterns and performance styles from one song to the next is essential—it’s like an experimental game, riding the rhythms like a wave and exploring the various emotions that music can evoke. That’s why you’ll hear tracks like “Enemigo Oculto,” which centers on a guitar riff reminiscent of Van Halen as the song unfolds; or songs like “Vivo y Muero,” which lean more toward the sound of Spanish-language rock or romantic music.
As you can see, we allow ourselves plenty of room to maneuver within the realms of rock and metal—all while adding that signature flavor of a classic, dual-guitar band.
TheNwothm: “Enemigo Oculto” and “Vivo y Muero” are two of the songs you’ve released so far. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind those tracks and what they mean to the band?
Onïxx: These two singles will be part of the upcoming full-length album. “Enemigo Oculto” (“Hidden Enemy”) addresses our position as artists in relation to the establishment—how the system seeks to oppress a soul that harbors dreams and an as-yet-undiscovered gift. It explores how such an individual is forced into the role of an antagonist to the status quo—a rebellious piece in an equation that doesn’t truly concern them—within a world that, for the sake of freedom, they long ago ceased to care about.
“Vivo y Muero” (“I Live and I Die”) delves into the dilemma of love: how one might live or die for another person in a world that turns hearts into plastic and leaves them fragile, ultimately exposing anyone who dares to love to the prospect of solitude.
TheNwothm: Are you currently working on new music, and if so, can you give us an idea of what direction the next chapter of Onïxx is taking?
Onïxx: We are currently working on a full-length release. We aim to have 7 or 8 tracks ready by the first quarter of next year; we are currently recording vocals for some songs and beginning work on demos for others. A great thing about this band is that we have a substantial amount of original music, giving us plenty of material to choose from for the final version of this debut release. We are very excited and hope to have all the material ready by mid-April 2027. The recording and mixing are being handled by Archetype Records, with production and mastering managed by the band, under the Mystical Estudio label.
TheNwothm: How important is the live experience to Onïxx, and what do you aim to deliver whenever you step onto a stage?
Onïxx: Having fun! Our motto is: if it isn’t fun, it isn’t good music. The experience you get when the audience sees you enjoying yourself is boundless. People naturally catch the energy you’re putting out; if you’re feeling scared, sad, stiff, or disconnected—and therefore not giving it your all—the audience will sense it. But if you project good vibes and a genuine desire to put on a great show, the audience is sure to enjoy it right along with you!
TheNwothm: Are there any upcoming live dates, festivals or touring plans that fans should keep an eye out for?
Onïxx: To wrap up the year, we have a couple of dates at some local pubs. This weekend, we’ll be joining the band A.R.S.—who are traveling from Medellín—for the Raven concert featuring the Gallagher brothers. We’ll also be part of “Bogotá es Rock 2026” on November 7th, an outdoor event showcasing eight bands from various metal subgenres across different districts of the capital.
TheNwothm: As we wrap up, what message would you like to leave with supporters and those who are only just discovering Onïxx?
Onïxx: Look out for the next album—it’s already in the works! There’s plenty of traditional heavy metal in store for those of you craving great riffs and soaring, piercing vocals. We’ll have the full-length record ready by the middle of next year. Greetings to everyone, and “Stay Heavy” from Colombia!
Heavy Metal Gëms!
To Rob and The NWOTHM, thanks a million for the interview—see you soon!
Thanks!
