As Mercenárias

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years Active

1982–presente

Genres

punk rock, post-punk, alternative rock

Instruments

bass, guitar, drums, vocals

Biography

As Mercenárias is an influential Brazilian punk rock and post-punk band formed in São Paulo in the early 1980s. The original lineup featured Sandra Coutinho on bass, Rosália Munhoz on vocals, and Ana Maria Machado on guitar, initially including a brief stint by drummer Edgard Scandurra before drummer Lou joined permanently.

The group gained prominence in the São Paulo independent scene with the release of their acclaimed debut LP, Cadê as Armas?, in 1986, which featured standout tracks like "Polícia" and "Pânico". This success caught the attention of major labels, leading to the recording of the album Trashland by EMI in 1988, which was voted album of the year by Bizz magazine and featured performances alongside national rock icons like Inocentes and Ratos de Porão.

After a long hiatus resulting from the abrupt end of their record contract, the band resumed activities in 2005 and onward under the leadership of Sandra Coutinho, refreshing their lineup with new music and commemorative tours. Throughout their trajectory, As Mercenárias solidified a fundamental legacy for Brazilian underground music, influencing later generations and participating in major festivals such as Virada Cultural.

Discography

• Cadê as Armas? (1986)
• Trashland (1987)