Doomed Confessionary: Juanjo, Carlos & Danny (Ender)
Ender is a Puerto Rican progressive doom metal band that emerged in 2021, uniting the collective talents of three musicians with over 20 years of experience into the scene. The trio consists of Juan J. Rodriguez Torres (rhythm and lead guitars, vocals), Carlos L. Maldonado (bass, vocals) and Daniel Figueroa (drums)
Ender is currently gearing up to release their new EP »Ender II: In Silent Throne« on February 20th, 2026 via Praetorian Records. »Ender II: In Silent Throne« is a journey into the collapse of faith and the unraveling of the self, tracing the emotional descent that comes from confronting a world where what was once sacred has rotted away.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Ender: Sure, we are Ender, we’ve been described as progressive doom, which is probably the best description because of the range of bands we’re influenced by. Bands like Cathedral, Pallbearer, Mastodon, Opeth, Sabbath, Cynic, Nevermore, and many more; also, a lot of jazz bands influence our style greatly, from composition to the improv sections. Ender is dynamic, eclectic, and a full sonic experience, blending the intensity of progressive metal with the atmospheric storytelling that makes doom metal so special.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Juanjo: Probably when we started, because we wanted to do something unique and it was a challenge to see how we could create something of our own with all these influences that we have. However, our love of live music and the energy of old school jam bands have always been front and center and that’s basically the blueprint for everything we’ve done since.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Juanjo: So many things. First, it would be our latest EP, it shows how our music and band chemistry keeps evolving and getting tighter.
Carlos: I’m most proud of everything we’ve accomplished in such a short time. In almost five years, we’ve recorded two EPs and are now preparing for a full-length album.
What was your biggest regret?
Juanjo: That we can only practice and compose for so long before we go crazy and need to take a break, haha! Jokes aside, it would probably be not playing enough gigs, adulting is part of life and all, but we just love to play in front of people and share the stage with all these great bands.
Carlos: My biggest regret as a musician is that I spent 10 years without recording any songs or albums. But with Ender, I’ve been able to redeem that, and it was worth the wait.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Juanjo: It would have to be opening for Söen. It was such an amazing opportunity to share the stage with such a great band, one whom we’ve admired for so long and it is always a privilege to play in front of our fans and peers.
Carlos: I have two unforgettable concerts that I’m always grateful for. In 2023, we had the honor of opening for Uada thanks to Bloodstained World Productions (Paul Martinez), which marked the beginning of establishing who we are today. This year’s highlight was opening for Söen in Puerto Rico, thanks to Purple Dimension Productions (Weslie Negron). The feedback was incredible, and seeing the audience’s reaction to our new material was very special for us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Juanjo: How far has the metal scene come. Lots of our homegrown talented bands are touring and playing in front of international audiences.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Carlos: Right now, I’m listening to a lot of amazing albums released this year, including Coroner, Green Carnation, In Mourning, Thron, Paradise Lost, 1914, Wolfheart, Novembers Doom, among others.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Juanjo: Practice, practice and practice. Also, always record and keep track of your ideas/riffs no matter how much you think they suck.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Juanjo: I love bubblegum pop songs. The catchier the better, haha!
Carlos: I’m a big fan of 80’s music and culture it helps me understand catchy vocal dynamics. As a Puerto Rican, genres like Salsa, Plena, Afro-Caribbean Jazz, and Folk have also had a huge influence on me.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in San Juan / Puerto Rico?
Juanjo: There are a lot of incredibly good musicians here, it’s incredible. There’s inspiration around every corner because bands are so good here, in our case we get motivated to always keep up my chops.
Carlos: The music scene on our island is very active and thriving. Over the past five or six years, we’ve seen significant growth in visibility within the metal community – through recordings, tours, music videos, and festivals. For example, A Burning Rose represented Puerto Rico at Wacken’s Metal Battle, and two years before them, Leftovr did the same. Other bands like Moths, Modules, Sacrosent, and Secret Bound are touring the U.S. and Latin America.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
Ender: We have the Island Metal & Hardcore Fest on December 13t, 2025, sharing the stage with a bunch of amazing local bands, and on February 21st, 2026, we have our release party for »Ender II: In Silent Throne«.
What are your plans as a band?
Ender: We’re already underway with new material with the goal of it being our first full-length. We have plans to possibly travel and play some gigs in U.S. (fingers crossed).
How can people best support your band?
Ender: Merch, physical CDs and following us on social media. Bonus points for going to our gigs! You can support our physical CD via pre-order enderpr.bandcamp.com.
Do you have any messages for your listeners?
Juanjo: We’re here because of you all and we’re so grateful your support has taken us this far. We never thought our music would resonate with so many people but we’re just so very grateful for all of you, for my family’s support and for my brothers, Carlos and Danny, for just being the best. Also, if you go to our gigs, you can come by and talk with us, we enjoy hanging out with fans.
Carlos: To our listeners: life is about opportunities, seizing them and going for them. It’s never too late to learn an instrument, to start a band or anything you want to achieve.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well