About Mattador.

Born from the fiery spirit and rich musical heritage of Puerto Rico, Mattador is a melodic rock powerhouse that blends soaring vocals, razor-sharp guitar work, and a rhythm section as tight as it is thunderous.

During their initial run from 1988 to 1995, Mattador built a loyal following on the island and beyond, thanks to their electrifying live shows and emotionally charged songwriting. Their music resonated with fans of both melodic Hard Rock and Latin Rock, creating a cross-cultural bridge that set them apart from their contemporaries and earned them the privilege of working with world-class acts such as Aerosmith and Iron Maiden, among others. During this run, Mattador also caught the attention of the European rock scene, which led to their feature in various rock music charts and music magazines across Italy, France, Belgium, the UK, and beyond.

After a decades-long hiatus, the original members of Mattador reunited in 2022, reigniting the creative fire that launched them all those years ago. What began as a nostalgic reconnection quickly blossomed into a full-fledged artistic rebirth. The result is "Mattador III", an album of all-new material that not only marks a return to form but also a bold step forward, infused with a lifetime of experience and influences from their international performances and collaborations as individuals with an array of well-known international artists and shows such as Luis Fonsi, Third Eye Blind, Grammys, Billboards and performances with the likes of Steve Vai, Billy Gibbons and many other relevant artists during the band's hiatus.

This new album, comprising 12 tracks, showcases the band's signature style through a diverse collection of songs, ranging from classic power ballads to exhilarating rock anthems, heavy guitar riffs, and fast-paced juggernauts. The album benefits from the engineering and co-production of Bob St. John, whose impressive resume includes collaborations with renowned bands such as Extreme, Dokken, Collective Soul, and Duran Duran, among many others.

Their triumphant return caught the attention of Frontiers Music, the renowned Italian-based multinational rock label known for its roster of elite melodic and hard rock acts. With their support, Mattador III is poised to introduce the band's music to a new generation while reigniting the passion of long-time fans.

Today, the band's lineup features original members Michael Villegas on lead vocals and guitar, Carlos Benitez on drums and percussion, and vocals, Miguel "Tito" Rodriguez on lead guitar and violin, and the new addition of Abraham Millett, former member of Third Eye Blind on bass keys and vocals. Together, they forge a unique sound that combines the melodic sensibilities of classic Rock which features an undercurrent of Hard Rock with a hint of Prog and a Modern Edge. Production duties for this new phase are being performed by founding member and drummer Carlos Benitez.

Today, Mattador stands as a testament to the enduring power of melody, musicianship, and brotherhood. With their roots firmly planted in Puerto Rico and their eyes on the global stage, Mattador is back! Louder, tighter, and more inspired than ever.

Michael Villegas - Vocals, Guitar	Carlos Benitez - Drums, Vocals	Miguel "Tito" Rodriguez - Guitar, Violin	Abraham Millet - Bass, Keyboards