Panama City’s Clavo are part of a growing wave of hardcore coming out of Central America. Formed in 2024 from the remnants of Include, the band began with guitarist Aaron and drummer Edwin jamming at home before recruiting bassist Edd and vocalist Dani. “They gave life to the band, adding different styles but a unified message of rage, self-improvement, and honesty,” Aaron tells No Echo.
That mix of styles is central to Clavo’s identity. Alongside elements of raw punk, metalcore, powerviolence, and beatdown, the band incorporates rhythms rooted in their culture. “As Panamanians, we are characterized by tropical sounds, an insane amount of rhythm and passion,” Aaron explains, noting touches of early salsa and Mozambique, with plans to incorporate Yoruba drums.
Clavo have handled everything themselves so far. “We take pride in being a self-produced band,” Aaron says. From basic home recordings to learning how to master tracks in-house, the band has kept full control of its output.
Their latest EP, Ignored Distress Call, reflects that approach while focusing on betrayal and personal struggle: “how we react as individuals when people we trust turn their back on us.”
With a debut LP in the works, Clavo are also part of a resurging local scene. “Panama has been through a revival in punk and hardcore,” Aaron says, pointing to younger bands like Hez, Berserk, Cycling, and Distrito Olvidado. Even with challenges around DIY shows, “the scene is perseverant—we always find a way.”
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Clavo on social media: Instagram
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