Mawiza, the Chilean indigenous metal band that sings entirely in Mapuzugun, is preparing its first tour of Chile, with dates confirmed for November 14 and 19. The band arrives with an unexpected proposal: an acoustic EP that sets distortion aside and places Mapuche ceremonial singing at its core. Here is what this new chapter is about.

An EP Without Electric Guitars

The new release is titled Iñ Mongeletew, which translates roughly as “Those Who Gave Us Life.” Unlike the band’s previous records, there are no walls of guitars or crushing drums here. The quartet chose a more primal, acoustic format, while keeping the dark and dense atmosphere that defines its sound.

The centerpiece of the EP is ülkantun, traditional Mapuche singing tied to ritual. Band member Awka summed it up with a clear idea: the instruments can disappear, but ülkantun is the group’s voice and essence. That statement explains why this shift feels less like a break and more like a return to the roots.

From Europe to Chile’s Regions

Mawiza is not a new name for followers of the heavy music scene. The band has toured Europe, played in Scandinavian countries and shared a stage with Sepultura in Chile. That international path gave visibility to an unusual proposal: extreme metal performed in the language of the Mapuche people.

Now, with this EP in hand, the group—Awka, Karü, Zewü and Txalkan—has decided to look inward and take its music to different cities and regions across the country throughout November and December 2026.

The First Confirmed Dates

Two shows have been announced so far. On Saturday, November 14, the band will perform at the Instituto Nacional, the same school where Sepultura played more than two decades ago. Then, on Thursday, November 19 at 9:00 p.m., the tour reaches Barley Restobar in Rancagua. Tickets are available through Portaldisc.

The rest of the schedule, including more dates in Santiago and other regions, will be announced in the coming weeks. For those who know Mawiza for its fiercer side, these concerts will be a chance to hear the band from a far more intimate and ceremonial place.

Why This Shift Matters

It is rare for a metal band to unplug, especially in the middle of an international expansion. Mawiza’s move shows that its identity does not depend on volume, but on the language and tradition behind it. It also confirms that the Chilean scene keeps producing distinctive projects that can connect with audiences abroad without losing their roots.

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Source: Futuro Chile.