Fearlessly gritty, melodically captivating, and all the more powerful as immersive escapism when played at full volume or dissected in near silence—Gabriel Pavez’s impact on Bolivia’s heavy rock and metal scenes is impossible to ignore. As a renowned guitarist, composer, and producer, Pavez has spent years refining a sound that pushes the boundaries of Bolivian metal, blending the aggressive energy of thrash, the complexity of progressive metal, and the raw emotion of metalcore. His work with Ztate of Mind, Overcross (formerly Profecía, Turbión), and Dead Memories has made him one of the most significant figures in Bolivian rock, both as a performer and as a producer shaping the next wave of heavy musicians.
There is something unmistakably Pavez about the way his compositions unfold. His music, characterized by distorted, high-gain guitar tones, thunderous drumming, and a seamless blend of intricate harmonies and brutal breakdowns, creates an atmosphere that is both calculated and chaotic. Unlike many metal guitarists who focus purely on speed, his playing carries a deep sense of dynamics and narrative, balancing blistering alternate-picking runs with moments of eerie, drawn-out melodies.
As a bandleader, producer, and technical mastermind, Pavez’s work is as much about sonic craftsmanship as it is about performance. His role as main composer and guitarist for Ztate of Mind and Overcross has been pivotal in defining Bolivia’s modern heavy music identity. His ability to shift between crushing, syncopated riffs and soaring, atmospheric leads gives his music a cinematic quality—one that feels just as suited for an underground metal club as it does for a massive festival stage.
Beyond his guitar work, Pavez’s impact as a producer has raised the standards of Bolivian metal recordings. His production credits include Dead Memories' album Imperar and Andrés Monje’s Distress project, where his approach to tight, aggressive guitar mixes, punchy drum production, and vocal layering has helped create some of the most polished releases in the country’s heavy music catalog. His productions maintain the raw energy that defines metal while ensuring a modern clarity that allows each element of the music to shine.
His influence extends beyond the studio and onto the stage. He has performed at major Bolivian metal festivals such as Illimani Metal, Rock Camba Open Air, and Santa Core, and has shared the stage with international acts like Artillery, Immolation, and Torture Squad. These appearances have not only solidified his reputation but have also helped push Bolivian metal further into the international spotlight.
Ztate of Mind, one of Pavez’s most successful projects, has garnered multiple awards, including Best Band and Best Guitarist at the U-Rock Awards, Best Rock Band at the Rock and Ring Awards, and Metal Bolivian Album of the Year for Turbión. But while the accolades stack up, what truly sets him apart is his dedication to growing Bolivia’s heavy music industry. As the CEO of Iron Faith Records, Pavez has played a critical role in giving local bands access to high-quality production, allowing more Bolivian artists to compete on an international level.
Bolivia’s heavy music scene has long struggled against industry limitations, often operating outside of mainstream visibility. Yet, Pavez is among the few artists proving that the country’s metal movement is not just surviving—it’s thriving. His music, production work, and leadership in the scene continue to define what is possible for Bolivian heavy rock. Whether leading a band on stage, perfecting a mix in the studio, or mentoring new talent, Gabriel Pavez is at the top of his field, shaping the future of Bolivian metal with every note.
