Doomed Confessionary: Ricardo, Francis & Daniel (Templo de Chivos)
Photo credits: Verónica Mogollón
Emerging from the depths of South America’s underground, Templo de Chivos is a sonic ritual forged in the fires of grunge, stoner, and sludge metal. Originally from Venezuela and now based in Chile, the band blends raw energy, hypnotic grooves, and satirical religious aesthetics into an intense, immersive experience.
With lyrics that dive into themes of corruption, mysticism, and existential chaos, Templo de Chivos doesn’t just play music – they summon a congregation. Their live shows are a spectacle of sweat, distortion, and ritualistic madness, where no sin goes unpaid.
Doomed Nation sat down with Ricardo Guerrero (vocals/guitar), Francis Maestre (bass/vocals), and Daniel Martín (drums) to talk about their journey, challenges, and what’s next for the unholy temple. Welcome to the congregation – may your vices fuel the noise.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Ricardo: Templo de Chivos is a temple where we love making loud, raw, and groovy noise – music that you can move to while embracing the glory and chaos. We invite everyone to enjoy the ride. I love composing, but in this temple, we believe in free will – here, you actually get to choose.
Daniel: It’s a place where you sweat a lot.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Ricardo: Challenges have always been part of the journey. The band has been through a lot – from an abrupt separation due to migration to rebuilding everything from scratch in Chile. We went through several lineup changes until we found the perfect chemistry. Right now, the three of us fit together seamlessly, and I hadn’t felt that in a long time.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Ricardo: I’m proud that in the last two months, we’ve been rehearsing hard, and now we’re fully prepared to hit the stage.
Francis: The band finally feels solid and committed. There’s real magic in our trio.
What was your biggest regret?
All together: No regrets! [laughs]
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Ricardo: In Venezuela, back in 2017, we played at a national band festival, and it was an unforgettable experience. In 2021, we had our Chilean debut at Óxido Bar with our previous lineup, and the reception from the Chilean crowd was amazing.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Ricardo: Discovering the Chilean music scene, attending shows, and watching how other bands work hard to promote themselves. I’ve learned a lot from them.
Daniel: Realizing that I get caught in doomscrolling on Spotify, but with music instead of bad news.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Francis: I loooooove love love Dozer, L.A. Witch, If These Trees Could Talk.
Daniel: Aphex Twin.
Ricardo: Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the Ramones again, and I also discovered a band called Majesty Crush.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Francis: “Dance while you play bass.” I’ve gotten a lot of encouragement from musician friends, and that pushes me to keep improving my dance hahaha.
Daniel: “Learn a rule so you can break it later.” It applies to music structures, but honestly, I live by it.
Ricardo: When I was 12yo, a former guitar teacher once told me I had no musical ear and should quit music. As you can see, I don’t follow advice.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Daniel: I don’t believe in guilty pleasures.
Francis: Pleasures are just pleasures – no guilt involved.
Ricardo: I listen to Ricardo Arjona.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Santiago / Chile?
Daniel: The scene in the capital feels a bit slow, but at the same time, there’s this feeling that something big is about to happen.
Ricardo: I see more activity – maybe because I come from a country where the rock scene is almost non-existent. But something is definitely brewing, especially outside the capital, where things seem more vibrant.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Francis: Starting in March, we’ll be playing in different bars around the city, also some regional shows in Chile, and possibly Argentina – we’ve got an invitation from some great friends over there.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Ricardo: The new EP is coming soon, a South American tour would be amazing, but an European tour would make me really happy.
Francis: I love traveling, and I love playing music – combining both sounds perfect to me.
Daniel: I just want to keep playing until I’m too old to hold the sticks.
How can people best support your band?
Ricardo: You can support us through Bandcamp, streaming platforms, Social media, donations, and soon, we’ll have official merch available.
Francis: Come see our show!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Ricardo: Open your mind to music. Don’t trust politicians or false prophets. Believe in rock and roll.
Daniel: Don’t trust anyone who isn’t in touch with their dark side.
Francis: Life is hard, but there is so much beauty in being alive. Love is Sharing, Believe. I cannot wait to meet you! Thanks for all your love and support.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well