Widely known for both their success and the young age at which they attained it, Infierno 18 are synonymous with Argentine power pop. The foundation was laid in 1999, when preteen cousins Nicolas and Tomas Taranto began rehearsing a rock group in their grandmother's basement. As the group's personnel shifted and the bandmembers tried on different instruments for size, the outfit that had been occupying grandma's basement soon took on the name Infierno 18. The youths began choosing rehearsals over video games, their compositions began to take shape, and Infierno 18 settled into the punk-core sound their fans would come to love. In 2001 the band put together its first, home-cooked demo, featuring a handful of original songs. The recording fell into the hands of industry legend León Gieco, who invited the band to perform at his 50th birthday party, which was to be held at the Roxy in Bueno Aires. Though Infierno 18 were slated to play only two songs, the audience full of music industry veterans loved the performance so much that the group played a full set. More opportunities to work with Gieco arose, and Infierno 18 found themselves sharing stages with some of Argentina's hottest up-and-coming acts. Their debut disc, Malos Aires, was released in 2002. Invitations from festivals began pouring in, and soon the group was taking to stages alongside bands such as Massacre, A.N.I.M.A.L., Charlie Brown Jr., and others. Tours along the Atlantic coast with Kapanga seasoned the group, offering new insights and creative ideas that led to the recording and 2004 release of Infierno 18's sophomore effort, Efecto Secundario. Regular performing and radio support aided the band in climbing to the top of the power pop-punk ladder, and seven years into their career, Infierno 18 were opening for Simple Plan before sold-out audiences. Their 2007 release, Estas Lista Para Esto?, enjoyed a lasting presence on airplay charts throughout Latin America, laying to rest any "sparkle and fade" notions regarding Infierno 18. ~ Evan C. Gutierrez, Rovi
