Distortion, Mosh, and the Macarena: The night MÁQUINA. made Porto shake again
words: Joana Coelho
photos: Ricardo Silva
At 10:05pm, with a packed room and a palpable sense of anticipation, MÁQUINA. took the stage for a long-awaited return to the Invicta city. Opening hostilities without warning or apology: a raw scream, a wall of distortion, and the immediate launch of a relentless sonic locomotive.
This tour serves as the live crucible for their latest record BODY TRANSMISSION: a devastating fusion where abrasive noise rock, and industrial techno collision-course into heavy, danceable catharsis. By the third song, the venue had already reached its boiling point. Crowdsurfers took over, frenetic dancing spread, and the trio’s signature raw energy turned the space into a non-stop celebration from start to finish. Between continuous dance and a jumping mosh pit, the floor was literally shaking under our feet.
Alongside the hypnotic trance and industrial weight of the new tracks, there was also room for the band’s disarming charisma. Roughly halfway through the set, riding a wave of rhythmic clapping from the crowd, the drummer/vocalist busted out the Macarena moves: because anyone bold enough to drop the Macarena dance earns my absolute respect.
They closed the set with their usual finale, culminating in a collective mosh pit with the entire room jumping in a final burst of catharsis.
Once the show ended, the band once again showed their usual warmth toward fans, welcoming everyone warmly for hugs, photos, and quick chats. After a small pilgrimage to find a pen that would actually write on the album cover, I managed to get my copy of their new vinyl signed by the trio.
Having followed MÁQUINA. since the very first concert I caught back in 2023, the level they’ve reached on this album cycle is undeniable. The new material translates into one of the finest live performances I’ve ever seen them deliver: a band at the top of their game, fully committed, and completely tireless on stage. Always an absolute pleasure to watch this trio in action once again.
