Born in the shadow of Pinochet’s brutal dictatorship in the early ’90s, Chile’s Jusolis funneled that era’s chaos into a volatile blend of stoner rock, metal, and grunge. Just as a major label deal loomed, the band fractured—until now.

Thirty years later, Jusolis finally delivers their first proper album, and it lands with a powerful impact. Tracked in three days at Santiago’s BYM Studios and mastered by Seattle legend Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden), the self-titled debut sounds anything but nostalgic.

We spoke with León (vocals, guitar) from the band to discuss their inspiring return and why this is the beginning of a new chapter for the band.

Interview with Jusolis

Third Eye: Jusolis was formed in the early ’90s in Chile, shortly after the end of the Pinochet dictatorship. How did that historical moment shape the band’s sound and spirit?

León: I can’t speak for all of us, but I think it shaped it for sure, mostly on an unconscious level. Our individual experiences of that dictatorship are quite different. In my case, my parents were exiles, so I didn’t even grow up in Chile. I grew up in Canada and arrived in Chile in 1990, coinciding with Chile’s return to democracy. 

I remember travelling to Chile as a kid and feeling scared when watching members of the military and police on the streets. The main emotions I recall were sadness, fear, and anger—emotions I think many Chileans would share.

When Jusolis formed, we were very young, and we were largely influenced by bands from abroad. There never was any intention of using Jusolis as a vehicle for political expression. Soon after forming, we had the privilege of being able to share our own songs live. In these shows, we witnessed firsthand a wonderful explosion of pent-up energy – pent-up anger, pent-up dreams of freedom, etc. 

Again, we were not a political band, and we were not consciously trying to be part of anything political, but the moment was charged with history and unrest, and we couldn’t help but be swept up in it. While not overtly political, our music was fueled by (and gave fuel to) the sentiment of the youth at that time.

Third Eye: Why was now the right time to finally record and release these songs after thirty years?

León: It was really about opportunity. I hadn’t visited Chile in 15 years, and when I planned on visiting again during the Christmas vacation of 2023, I was in touch with the guys in the band. Previously, every time I’d gone back to visit (which unfortunately isn’t as often as I’d like) we put on a reunion show that was always a lot of fun. This time around, we wanted to do the same and started thinking about rehearsals. Then we thought: why not try to record the album during that same time?

Third Eye: You recorded the album in just three days. Was that fast-paced approach part of your original ethos, or did it reflect the urgency to capture something raw and unfiltered?

León: I think it was mainly for two reasons. First, it was simply more practical than anything. As we had a very limited time to get it done, we couldn’t labour too much on the details and waste time.

So, in a sense that aided us in completing the project. We’re super pleased with how it all turned out. It’s crazy to think that we hadn’t played together in 15 years and we got together for three days and got this done…

Second, we embraced those limitations because they helped us stay true to how we probably would’ve sounded had we recorded in the early ’90s.

Third Eye: What was it like working with Jack Endino, a legend of the Seattle sound? How did he impact the final mix or vibe of the album?

León: Sam (guitarist and backing vocals) in the band has worked quite extensively with Jack Endino in other bands he’s a part of, such as: Yajaira, The Ganjas, and Wild Parade. So, that connection obviously helped us get Jack to master the album. 

As for the sound, I would first say that Nes at BYM Records did such an incredible job in the mixing process. He managed to make it sound very alive, raw, and professional, yet not overpolished or overproduced.

He also stuck to the sonic signature of the 90s. The mastering is that final touch… it’s the cherry on top. Jack Endino certainly provided that, and his mastering elevated what was already a solid mix without losing the rawness we wanted. Given his history and ear for that era, he was the perfect person for the job.

Third Eye: Which song on the album feels most personal or emotionally charged for you, and why?

León: That’s a tough one. None really come to mind as being more personally or emotionally charged than any other. But, if I can include just part of a song, it might be “Air Vacuum,” specifically the chorus where I sing “You’ll never come back. You’ll never come back to the place where the sun shines over you.”

I forget how those lyrics came about. I think I was 18 or 19 when I wrote them. Maybe I already knew I was leaving Chile at the time. Maybe not. I truly forget. But, when I listen or sing the song, I do think of Chile, its warmth, its sun, and a longing to return.

To meet the moment, we are doing a small tour of several Chilean cities to promote the release of the album. So, that’s super exciting!

Third Eye: Do you see this release as a closing chapter or the beginning of a new one for Jusolis?

León: It’s certainly not a closing chapter. We’re good friends and our history after disbanding is one of constant reconnection, including playing occasional reunion shows. So, there’s no reason why that won’t happen again.  

This time however the stakes are higher as we’ve put out an album. To meet the moment, we are doing a small tour of several Chilean cities to promote the release of the album. So, that’s super exciting!

Third Eye: What would you tell your younger selves (the ones writing these songs in high school) about this moment, three decades later?

León: Honestly, I would say that despite being young with an abundance of optimism and confidence, our instincts and feelings were pretty much confirmed. We were extremely close friends, and I don’t think we could imagine a time where we wouldn’t be close. 

We also were young and had that innate confidence that we played in a good band and wrote good music. Now, three decades later, we’re still close, still proud of the band, and it feels amazing to finally share these songs with the world.

Third Eye: Last question and more of a personal one … Much of the world, including the U.S., where I am, is falling under the sway of autocracy again. What would you say to those of us who are frightened by the instability?

León: The rise of autocracy is truly frightening, but I’ll offer you perhaps a silver lining. The one thing I like to keep in mind – more from a teleological perspective – is that autocrats and dictators often spark social movements that, ironically, bring them down.

And those social movements that arise are far more inspiring than what could ever have been achieved had the status quo persisted.

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