Here Lies Man is an American rock band based in Los Angeles, California, known for their unique fusion of heavy, riff-driven rock inspired by Black Sabbath with the polyrhythmic grooves and Afrobeat elements of artists like Fela Kuti. The band was founded in the spring of 2016 by guitarist and vocalist Marcos Garcia, a key member of the acclaimed Afrobeat ensemble Antibalas, where he honed his skills in West African rhythms and complex arrangements. Garcia, who grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, was immersed in music from a young age—his father owned a Latin music record label, and his mother worked as a DJ on Spanish-language radio in New York City. This diverse musical upbringing influenced his approach to blending genres.
Joining Garcia were drummer Geoff Mann (son of legendary jazz flautist Herbie Mann), bassist JP Maramba, and percussionist Rich Panta, forming a quintet that emphasizes hypnotic repetition, fuzzy guitars, and infectious beats. Their sound often evokes a psychedelic, ritualistic vibe, as if channeling ancient ceremonies through modern heavy rock. Signed to RidingEasy Records, the band burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut in 2017 and has since released three additional full-length albums, touring relentlessly across the U.S. and internationally. Here Lies Man continues to evolve, incorporating elements of doom, prog, and psych while staying rooted in their Afro-rock core.
#4 Ritual Divination (2021)
The band’s fourth full-length amps up the trippy, prog-influenced side, blending doom with Afrobeat in a more expansive way. Tracks emphasize ritualistic repetition and genre-melding grooves, creating a mesmerizing listen that’s challenging yet satisfying. It’s consistently decent without many standout moments of inspiration—locked into a formula that works but rarely surprises. It’s a solid entry for die-hards, but it doesn’t push boundaries as effectively as the debut.
#3 No Ground To Walk Upon (2019)
This album leans heavier into the doom and psych elements, with tracks like “Clad in Silver” delivering sludgy riffs and atmospheric builds. The music itself is strong, full of lively beats and evocative imagery, but it’s hampered by production issues that make it feel muddier than previous releases. Additionally, it doesn’t innovate as boldly as hoped and lacks the inspiration of earlier works. It’s enjoyable for fans but feels like a step back in polish and memorability.
#2 You Will Know Nothing (2018)
Building on the debut, this sophomore effort introduces more variety, incorporating psychedelic flourishes and experimental structures while maintaining the core Afro-rock formula. Songs like “Fighting” and “Floating on Water” showcase evolving songwriting, with richer textures and a broader sonic palette. However, it doesn’t quite hit the same highs as the first album, feeling slightly less focused at times. Still, it’s a solid progression that demonstrates the band’s growth, earning positive nods for its groovy workouts and inventive riffs.
#1 Here Lies Man (2017)
The band’s self-titled debut is a revelation, seamlessly merging the insistent polyrhythms of Afrobeat with crushing, fuzzy rock riffs. Tracks like “When I Come To” and “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” build hypnotic layers of sound, evoking a sense of ritual and intensity that’s both fresh and familiar. It’s praised for its bold fusion, often described as “Black Sabbath meets Fela Kuti,” and stands out for its tight production and infectious energy. This album feels like a perfect introduction to their sound, with no filler—every song grooves hard and leaves you wanting more. It’s the most cohesive and exhilarating in their catalog.