If there is one name that is synonymous with the very soul of Portuguese metal, that name is Tarantula. With four decades on the road, this band from Valadares (Vila Nova de Gaia) isn’t just a group of musicians—it’s a national rock institution.
Today, we dive into the timeline of this legend founded by brothers Paulo and Luís Barros.
From the Chaos of “Mac Zac” to the Birth of an Icon
It all began in October 1981 with Mac Zac. The group debuted at the legendary “Great Portuguese Rock Marathon” in Vila Franca de Xira and even took their sound to Germany (Frankfurt and Offenbach) as early as 1982.
By 1985, the Mac Zac chapter closed to make way for something bigger: TARANTULA (spelled without the accent, so the whole world could read it).
Ground Zero for Portuguese Metal
The year 1987 is etched in history. That’s when the self-titled album Tarantula hit the shelves. Why was it so important? It was the first heavy metal record entirely recorded, produced, and released by a Portuguese collective with nationwide distribution.
From there, the machine never stopped:
- The 90s: Albums like Kingdom of Lusitania (recorded at the mythical Rec ‘n’ Roll studio) and Freedom’s Call solidified the band’s status.
- International Reach: By the end of the decade, they signed with the prestigious AFM Records, releasing albums like Light Beyond the Dark and Metalmorphosis, sharing a label with giants like Fear Factory and Danzig.
Paulo Barros: A Guitar That Knows No Borders
The virtuosity of guitarist Paulo Barros has always run parallel to the band. With three solo albums (Vintage, Gemini, and K:arma 6), Paulo proved to be one of Europe’s premier “shredders,” even showcasing his work at the prestigious Coliseu GuitarFest.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Paulo and vocalist Jorge Marques also provided musical and vocal direction for Disney productions in Portugal, such as Peter Pan and High School Musical? Versatility is the name of the game!
Sharing Stages with Giants
Over the years, Tarantula didn’t just watch their idols from afar. They shared bills and stages with true icons of the global Rock and Metal scene:
- Deep Purple
- Motörhead
- Helloween
- Slash & Joe Satriani
- Manowar & Testament
40 Years of Thunder: “Thunder Tunes From Lusitania”
In 2021, to celebrate four decades of resilience and maxed-out volume, the band released the album Thunder Tunes From Lusitania. It is living proof that Portuguese metal is alive, kicking, and louder than ever.
Current Lineup:
- Jorge Marques: Vocals
- Paulo Barros: Guitar & Vocals
- José Aguiar: Bass & Vocals
- Luís Barros: Drums, Keyboards & Vocals
Did you enjoy revisiting the history of Tarantula? What is your favorite album by the band? Leave a comment below and share this post with that friend who lives and breathes Heavy Metal! 🤘
💿 Full Discography
If you’re looking to dive into their sound, here is the complete roadmap of their studio releases:
Tarantula Studio Albums
- 1987: Tarantula
- 1990: Kingdom of Lusitania
- 1993: III
- 1995: Freedom’s Call
- 1998: Light Beyond the Dark
- 2000: Dream Maker
- 2005: Metalmorphosis
- 2010: Spiral of Fear
- 2021: Thunder Tunes From Lusitania
Tributes
- 2001: 20 Anos de Tarantula – Tributo (A 20th-anniversary tribute featuring various artists)
Paulo Barros (Solo Projects)
For those who appreciate world-class guitar work, Paulo’s solo discography is a must-listen:
- 1997: Vintage
- 2003: Gemini
- 2007: K:arma 6 (Note: Often cited as 6 or 7 depending on the release edition)
- 2015: 4
- 2018: More Humanity Please
Pro Tip: Most of these are available on major streaming platforms. If you’re a newcomer, we recommend starting with Kingdom of Lusitania for that classic 90s feel or Thunder Tunes From Lusitania to hear their modern power!
