Interview With Fabián De La Torre Of The Metalica Fanzine | “Heavy Metal Is Against The System, Not In Favor Of It”
I discovered the Metalica fanzine at the turn of the century—I think around the year 2000 or so. To be honest, I hadn’t known it existed, but from that point on, I became a regular reader of a publication that exuded a true Metal spirit in every line—one that was genuine and stood by the underground scene, especially the local bands. The truth is that the fanzine has been around since the distant ’80s, but due to my age and lack of exposure, I didn’t discover it until much later.
It was something different (and still is). Thanks to the kindness of Fabián De La Torre, I even got to contribute an article on “White Metal,” which helped bring attention to several bands from that era.
The Metalica fanzine is timeless; it’s as if, after so many years, it’s no longer bound by time. It isn’t one thing in the ’80s, another in the ’90s, or yet another today. It has always maintained the same spirit over more than 40 years, which is why I consider it one of the most important and historic channels for promoting Heavy Metal in Argentina.
For that reason, I think Fabián had to be featured in this section, where we interview people in the Metal scene who, without being musicians or having a band, are deeply involved in the scene—and who, in the case of the editor of Metalica Zine, have a lot to say…..
Can you tell us how you came up with the idea to start the fanzine? Did you ever think you’d still be doing it this many years later?
“Hi Gustavo, thanks for the opportunity. I started METALICA ZINE when I was very young because I wanted to express myself and because I realized that the national underground scene wasn’t represented in METAL (editor’s note: an old magazine from the ’80s), which was basically the only print publication in our country during the ’80s. There was RIFF RAFF, which WAS a great magazine, but unfortunately it didn’t last very long. METAL would make up stories and trash the local bands that were just starting to make a name for themselves (unless they paid her or had connections with the editor-in-chief). I’m a person of conviction and, above all, very persistent; if I start something that has no expiration date (like Heavy Metal), I stick with it for life. You must never give up, even when times are tough, such as are often the case in this country.”
What was the goal you set for yourself in the beginning? Do you still maintain that same spirit when putting together the fanzine today?
“Of course I do—to express myself and promote the Heavy Metal scene. Just as I still have the same passion for Heavy Metal as I did when I first discovered it back in 1980, I still have the same drive to put out the fanzine. It’s just that I’m older now… with more responsibilities and less time. By the way, I currently put the fanzine together with my wife, Iron Marcia, and several friends and close acquaintances contribute.”
For those who don’t know or have no idea, how much effort—in terms of time, money, etc.—does putting out the fanzine require?
“It really is a huge effort in every sense. Back in the day—for many years—we published three issues a year, but for quite some time now it’s been two, because there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything I need to do in my life, including… the fanzine. Financially speaking, sending it to the printer currently costs about US$2,000 per issue (approximately three million pesos). Advertising covers between 50% and 70% of the final cost. We cover the rest out of our own pockets, time and time again. And it’s a pleasure that it’s FREE because we love giving it as a gift to all those who share our passion and are interested in the publication. It’s the readers themselves who help us with distribution throughout the country and beyond (I often post photos of people with their copies to show everyone where it ends up).”
Where did that passion for writing and editing come from? It’s not an easy task—we know that from experience—but in general, you’ve always used a conversational style that’s allowed all of us to read and understand what you’ve written over the years…
“Writing and editing have come naturally to me since I was very young, especially when it comes to HEAVY METAL. I was supposed to study journalism, but I ended up graduating with a law degree. Striving for good writing—simple, concise, and not overly complex—is something I aim for in all areas of my life, not just when putting together the fanzine.”
Has it ever crossed your mind, or has anyone ever asked you to do radio, TV, or start a digital media outlet, or is your thing simply limited to good old-fashioned print media?
“I really hate being in front of a microphone or camera—whether hosting a show or appearing as a guest—I don’t like it at all. I also don’t like it when I’m asked to go on stage to say a few words or introduce a band. My thing is writing in the quiet of my home and publishing in print. I’m not trying to belittle anyone who enjoys doing radio, TV…or writing for the web. Everything is valid, and they’re different channels of dissemination, each with its own unique characteristics. Yes, I’ve often been offered or given the opportunity… to host a radio show or do a streaming program at very prominent venues, with all the available technology, and I’ve always turned down those offers. I’m only willing to do what I enjoy and what makes me happy. I’m not interested in the fame or recognition that many people go to great lengths to achieve, nor in keeping track of “likes,” nor in boasting about what I did or didn’t do in the past. My present—and these aren’t just empty words—is the best thing I have. Being in a relationship with a woman with whom I share the same passion for HEAVY METAL is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Together, we’re enjoying the present, traveling to festivals to see bands we’ve listened to since we were kids, as well as discovering new ones we like. Being at home all the time listening to Metal…and having your partner recommend a band to you, or opening a beer and sitting side by side next to the speakers to listen to a vinyl record…it’s priceless. And that’s how we live! I’m truly lucky.”
Something that’s always struck us—at least since I started following the fanzine—is that reaffirmation of the spirit of Heavy Metal, without paying too much attention to what’s “modern” or the latest trends, but above all that inclination to support the local scene… what can you tell us about that?
“In HEAVY METAL, there’s no manual, there are no rules… but there are codes and customs. I got into Heavy Metal just as it was taking off in our country… although it had already taken off worldwide a little while before. Our passion for Heavy Metal first came to us through the music—incredible, the best!—and then through the lyrics, which we identified with. The most experienced… the one who’d been on the scene the longest, would introduce bands to the newcomers. Those who were part of a group—the famous “brigades”—would invite those who were on their own to join in and share the experience. Among the bands… there was no competition… just sharing. Bands were formed exclusively out of love and passion for this style of music and way of life. That was the spirit of Heavy Metal, and that’s what I’ll always continue to promote. Trends? The word itself explains it. A trend is a fashion… and Heavy Metal doesn’t follow fashions. And first and foremost, our own scene (the national scene)! Because in Argentina and South America, it was always harder than in the so-called “First World,” clearly due to economic and social issues. Once, the press people at the “Nems Enterprises” label asked me to interview Tarja… because the label’s owner—an acquaintance of mine—was her partner, and she was his lead artist. They wanted me to interview her and put her on the cover of the fanzine. I told them no way—the covers are for Argentine bands, and I’ve rarely made an exception. Besides, I don’t like NIGHTWISH! Haha!!!!
You’re a guy who experienced the birth and growth of the Argentine Heavy Metal scene practically from its beginnings. Does any specific, noteworthy anecdote come to mind right now that you’d like to share with us? How were things back then compared to today?
“Back then, things were said and settled face-to-face. Now it’s full of armchair critics and haters hiding behind a keyboard (as in all areas of life). I’m not going to tell you that things were better or worse back then. I think, like any era, it had its good and bad sides. A specific anecdote… I don’t remember if it was with V8 or HERMÈTICA—they were rehearsing at Marcelo Tommy’s house, chronologically speaking, of course. One day I called him to do a story on them, so I headed over there. I interviewed them with my old tape recorder, and when I got home… a couple of days later, I sat down to listen to it and couldn’t make out a thing—it was a disaster; either the sound had come out really bad or the tape had gone to hell! Embarrassed, I called Marcelo again and explained the situation, and the guy tells me… “No problem, we’ll wait for you on such-and-such a day so you can do it again!” Of course, Ricardo was very different from how most people came to know him during his ALMAFUERTE days or as a solo artist… and let me tell you, I was a real tough guy with my interviews! Ha ha!!!”
Beyond the opinions you usually share in the fanzine’s editorials, what do you think of the current national Heavy Metal scene? What’s your take on it?
“The scene is in great shape. Musically speaking, we have top-notch bands ready to take on the world! And there’s no need to sing in English… we can easily stick to our own language. Technologically, we’ve also made great strides, and in terms of exposure, we couldn’t ask for more. Plus, we have a large number of young people who’ve joined the scene in recent years, and that’s what matters most. Everything is good except that partisan politics has crept into the scene, creating division among those who think differently. That’s a battle we’re losing. Everything is politics, but partisan politics is something else entirely because absolutely all politicians are against the people, against the working class—I don’t know how they could possibly be in their favor! Heavy Metal is against the system, not in favor of it!”
We know you’ve always made room for bands that call themselves Christian or are part of what’s called “White Metal.” What’s your take on that, and which bands do you know and have enjoyed?
“Metal is a broad and generous space in every sense—if Black Metal exists, why shouldn’t White Metal exist? Everyone can believe whatever they want, as long as they make good music! Ha ha!! When it comes to White Metal, I like STRYPER, TROUBLE, and SAINT, among others.”
There’s a question I’ve always wanted to ask you, and I’m not going to miss this chance to ask it. Let’s just say it’s almost a compliment! What do you think of Manowar’s slogan, “Death to False Metal”???? (hahaha)
“The phrase—as you rightly say—was coined by MANOWAR in the ’80s to refer to that whole flood of glam bands that were created solely to ride the wave of success that legitimate groups like Mötley Crüe, Poison, Ratt, Cinderella, and many others were enjoying. In short, what De Maio and his crew were calling for was to maintain the spirit of authenticity and not be a farce driven solely by commercial interests. I still stand by the phrase, though I reserve it exclusively for the SCAMMERS in the scene. Musically speaking, everyone is free to play and listen to whatever subgenre they like. Being authentic… being TRUE is an honor in all aspects of life, not just in Heavy Metal. That said—and let me be clear—I couldn’t care less about anyone who thinks differently on the subject.”
We appreciate your time for this interview, for always lending a hand to all of us in the underground media, and for sharing thoughts that truly help build a much better scene—both on a human level, primarily, and on a technical one. I’ll leave you one last space for a brief closing reflection, and for whatever else you’d like to express…
“Thanks for the opportunity. HEAVY METAL is a style of music and a way of life that transcends bands and fans. All generations fighting for Metal! Welcome to those who join us with passion and honor to carry it forward in an honest way.”
It’s an honor for us to feature Fabián De La Torre in our webzine—a humble guy, a true heavy metalhead like few others, who has always supported us, just as he has supported all Heavy Metal projects, whether they’re bands, labels, production companies, media outlets, etc. The thanks are all ours!!!!
Here are the links to Fabián De La Torre’s social media accounts, so you can follow him and stay up to date on announcements regarding the release of each issue of the fanzine and how to get it…
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005807415238
