Chilean guitarist and international band Le Coc pays homage to old-school rock legends, telling fascinating, impassioned tales with energetic melodies and soaring vocals.
Le Coc is the brainchild of Santiago-based Andres Vidal, who used isolation during the pandemic as a catalyst for artistic expression and to start creating and publishing music. He soon connected with Greek vocalist Tasos Lazaris and drummer Glenn Welman, who formed an international creative partnership that’s already fuelled multiple albums.
On the sound they’ve honed, Andres told us: “The Le Coc sound is a homage to old-school rock, infused with timeless energy and authenticity. It’s a blend of classic rock influences and heartfelt storytelling, created alongside Tasos and Glenn, who share the same passion for this enduring genre. Together, we aim to honor the roots of rock while contributing to a new era—breathing fresh life into a sound that continues to inspire generations.”
To get a taste of this, they sent us Cold Fire Tears, the second track from Handmade Heart, their fourth album in two years, which was released last month. It opens up with high-pitched sounds and a light plodding guitar then a spinning riff under engaging vocals, which impressively intensify as the guitar lick builds. A huge cry and powerful guitars feed into a big singalong chorus, and the pace drops with light instrumentals and vocals. The vocals hit a big high note, ushering in heavier guitars and powerful vocals, setting up a lively conclusion led by a piercing guitar solo.
On the track, Andres said: “Cold Fire Tears has been met with incredible enthusiasm. Listeners have shared how deeply they connect with its emotional core, and many describe it as both powerful and immersive. For those who haven’t heard it yet, this song embodies the essence of rock, love, and passion. I truly believe it has the power to transport listeners to an imaginary world—a place where emotions run raw, and the story unfolds vividly in their minds.
The album is packed with more rocky, metal-tinged goodness, including That Unforgettable Smile, No News Good News, which features a delicious guitar solo halfway through, and Squeeze My Thoughts, which you can check out in the video below. And there’s plenty more in the back catalogue, including the excellent Spanish language EP Llovera por Siempre.
On the album, Andres said: “Handmade Heart is an album filled with powerful and emotional messages that delve into the essence of human nature through a collection of unique stories. Each track offers its own narrative, inviting listeners to reflect on life, love, and the raw emotions that make us human. For true rockers, I hope this album resonates deeply, capturing not just the spirit of rock but also the feelings and connections that define us all.”
The Le Coc sound has been heavily influenced and shaped by legendary British and American rock bands like Rush, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple and guitarists like Joe Satriani. And on what inspires him to write music, Andres explained: “In Handmade Heart, deep feelings take center stage as the primary influence. The album explores themes of love, doubt, connection, and the complexity of human emotions, all conveyed through powerful melodies and storytelling. It’s about channeling raw emotion into music that resonates with listeners on a personal level.”
Having travelled around South America a fair amount, I discovered a real dirth of rock and metal music scenes, despite people seeming to have a love for the genres. “Unfortunately, in Chile and much of Latin America, rock and metal have been overshadowed in recent years by more ‘popular’ genres like urban music and reggaeton,” Andres explained. “That said, the rock community remains strong and passionate, as evidenced by the massive turnouts at live gigs from legendary bands like Iron Maiden, who performed here this year.”
“While support for new rock and metal musicians isn’t as widespread as it once was, I’m confident that through dedicated efforts and meaningful music, we can contribute to keeping rock alive and thriving—rekindling the spirit of this genre for both old fans and a new generation.”
Le Coc is focused on promoting Handmade Heart and their previous albums across the rock scene and share their music with as many people as possible. Andres also has plans to start working on another album through this year, with the goal of releasing it in 2026.
And he added: “Le Coc is about more than just music – it’s about reawakening the passion for Rock. We want to share that fire with everyone, from longtime fans to those discovering the genre for the first time.”
You can follow Le Coc on Facebook, and check out their music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube.
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