Hailing from Lisbon, Facção Opposta brings together João on vocals, Vagner on guitar, Rattus on bass, and the Brazilian drummer Robson. More than just an Oi! band, the quartet embodies the essence of Portuguese skinhead culture, forging a sound that strongly echoes the influence of major French and British projects from the early ’80s. Their focus is straightforward and no-nonsense: they celebrate what truly matters in the movement’s daily life, focusing on camaraderie, a passion for football, good music, and, of course, a cold beer among friends.
The group’s story began to take shape in 2007, born from chance encounters within the national scene. All members already brought the experience of other musical paths to the table; while João and Robson had played in short-lived projects, Rattus was already a well-known face due to his history with Albert Fish and a recent stint with Crise Total. This union of experiences allowed Facção Opposta to be born with a mature identity and a well-defined purpose within the punk and skinhead landscape.
Their official recording debut came in 2010 through a landmark split CD with the Brazilian band Mão de Ferro. This release was a truly international operation, involving a joint effort between Portugal’s Can I Say Records, Finland’s Bruised Knuckles, and the fellow Portuguese label Zerowork Records. The reach of the record was so positive that it even earned a Brazilian edition via Dunkel Records, which reached the public featuring an exclusive alternative cover for collectors and enthusiasts across the Atlantic.
Around the same time, the group released a single through the Spanish label True Force Records, reinforcing their position with tracks carrying the classic anti-hippie skinhead theme. This item quickly became a coveted rarity, as it had an extremely limited pressing of only 150 copies. To make it even more exclusive, the release was split between two visual versions: one hundred copies featured the standard cover, while the remaining fifty received alternative artwork, sealing the band’s status as a heavyweight name in the underground.
