Mägo de Oz: The Spanish Folk Metal Pioneers
Mägo de Oz is a highly influential Spanish folk metal band known for their theatrical live shows, complex concept albums, and unique fusion of heavy metal with Celtic folk, rock, and symphonic elements.
Formed in Madrid in 1988 by drummer Txus di Fellatio; released debut album 'Mägo de Oz' in 1994; achieved massive success with the album 'La Leyenda de La Mancha' (1998) and its hit 'Molinos de Viento'; known for frequent lineup changes, particularly lead vocalists; pioneered folk metal in Spain; active touring band with a dedicated global fanbase.
- The band name is a deliberate misspelling of 'Mago de Oz' (Wizard of Oz in Spanish), adding the umlaut for a more 'metal' look, inspired by Motörhead.
- Founder Txus di Fellatio (real name: Jesús María Hernández) stepped down as drummer in 2011 due to health issues (back problems), but remains the band's principal lyricist and conceptual mastermind.
- The band faced significant controversy in 2004 when former violinist Carlitos accused them of plagiarizing riffs for the song 'La Costa del Silencio'. The dispute was settled out of court.
- Vocalist José Andrea (frontman during their peak success years) left abruptly in 2005, leading to legal battles over royalties. He was replaced by Zeta (José Manuel Pizarro), who himself left in 2011.
- In 2013, a fire destroyed their studio, Kyterion II, along with instruments, recordings, and memorabilia. They successfully rebuilt and continued.
- Their ambitious 'Gaia' trilogy of concept albums (2003, 2005, 2010) addressing environmentalism and mythology is considered a landmark in Spanish metal.
- Current vocalist Javier Domínguez ('Zeta' until 2011, returned as 'Javier' in 2015) has a notably different vocal style from his predecessor José Andrea.