Draft:Não Religião (Banda)

Não Religião
Origin	São Paulo
Genres	Punk, hardcore
Years active	1985 - 1985
Labels	Eldorado

Não Religião was a Brazilian punk rock band formed in São Paulo in 1985.

History

Formation

The band was formed by Norberto "Betão" (drums) and João Carlos “Tatola” (vocals), who began the project in 1985 in Vila Piauí, a neighborhood in São Paulo. Later, guitarist Kley joined the band, followed by bassist Walter Bert, who was recruited through a newspaper ad placed by the band members.

Known for their sharp lyrics and criticism of society, the band adopted a provocative attitude aligned with the ideals of the punk movement, even though they started their career slightly after the genre's initial peak in Brazil in 1987.

Though they entered the punk scene later, the band quickly established itself as an authentic voice in the alternative music scene. With an intense stage presence and incisive attitude, Não Religião garnered a loyal following and gained prominence in cultural events.

A significant moment in their career was winning the Boca Livre festival, organized by TV Cultura, which showcased their talent and energy on stage.

Style and Influences

Não Religião was part of a Brazilian music scene in the 1980s that combined punk, post-punk, and alternative rock, with critical and socially engaged themes.

The band stood out for their acid lyrics and raw, direct sound, reflecting the roots of punk and hardcore. Unlike many contemporary bands, Não Religião preferred a cleaner approach, avoiding distortion effects.

Emerging during a time when megachurches were on the rise in Brazil, such as the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, the band's lyrics sharply criticized the commodification of faith. They denounced financial and psychological manipulation by some of these institutions. These churches were seen by the band as exploiting people's spirituality for profit, distorting religious values in the name of monetary gain.

Their songs also reflected the political and social dissatisfaction of the era, with incisive lyrics addressing the inequalities and contradictions in Brazilian society.

The band was contemporaneous with other Brazilian acts such as Plebe Rude, Inocentes, Cólera, Garotos Podres, and Ratos de Porão, all of which focused on social, political, and cultural criticism prevalent in Brazil during the 80s and 90s, particularly addressing issues like authoritarianism, inequality, and oppression.

Legacy

The band's debut in the São Paulo scene was through the compilation Contra Ataque from Ataque Frontal label, alongside new bands such as Pupilas Dilatadas, Skárnio, Repúblika, Os Laranjas, Indecisus, and Olho Seco. The album was produced by Clemente of Inocentes.

By the time they recorded their first solo album, A Verdadeira História de um Brasileiro, they were already an experienced band. The album featured the classic "Brasil" and a cover of "Coração de Papel" by Sérgio Reis. In 1991, they released Pegaram Jesus Prá Cristo, which included re-recorded versions of "Estado de Sítio", "Igreja Comercial", "Censura Não", and "Te Dói". Their 1994 album, Ninguém Me Escuta, featured several re-recordings and new tracks, including a cover of "A Face de Deus" by Inocentes.

In 1988, the band played a live show promoted by the alternative radio program Independência Ou Morte! on 89 FM, with performances from bands like Grinders, Lobotomia, and Cólera. The event was recorded live and released as an LP under the program's title.

Between 1985 and 1994, Não Religião appeared on two compilations under the Ataque Frontal label and released three albums through Eldorado Records.

The band performed at several Brazilian festivals and opened for international acts such as Rollins Band, New Model Army, and Motörhead.

While Não Religião never achieved mainstream success, their contribution to the national hardcore and punk scenes is considered significant. Their authenticity and energetic performances helped build a dedicated fanbase and influenced musicians from that era.

Reunion

Years after disbanding, the members reunited for a one-time performance at the 2012 Virada Cultural in São Paulo.

Cultural Impact

Não Religião represented a branch of Brazilian punk rock in the 1980s that emphasized simplicity, speed, and a visceral connection with the audience. Their legacy reflects the innovation and experimentation that characterized Brazil's alternative music scene during that period.

Members

• João Carlos “Tatola” (vocals) .
• Norberto "Betão" (drums).
• Kley (guitar).
• Walter "Bert" (bass).

Discography

• Contra Ataque (Compilation) (Ataque Frontal - 1988)
• Independência Ou Morte (Compilation) (Ataque Frontal - 1988)
• A Verdadeira História de um Brasileiro (Eldorado - 1987)
• Pegaram Jesus Pra Cristo (Eldorado - 1991)
• Ninguém Me Escuta (Eldorado - 1994)