Mafia Rusa

Born in 2004 in Anaheim, CA from members of ska outfit Matamoska, Mafia Rusa built their identity around themes of the occult and supernatural — dark lyrics delivered with raw, high-voltage energy. Named after a scene in the cult Mexican film Nicotina, the band blends hardcore punk aggression with ska groove, drawing from Gallows, Refused, Todos Tus Muertos, Mano Negra, and more — ranging from the horror-tinged fury of “Dr. Bulex” to the dancefloor energy of “Chino Loco Quiere Guerra.”

Two decades in, the lineup has evolved but the energy hasn’t. The current crew — Héctor Rivera (bass), Edwin Salas (lead vocals), César Aranda (guitar), Daniel “Dony” Gil (second vocals & guitar), Juan Carlos “Charles” Castro (guitar), and Rogelio “Roger” Chávez (drums) — brings ska-core fury and rhythm built for the open air to MacArthur Park on June 27.