Maná Returns with ‘Drama Y Luz’

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since Mexican rockers Maná released a proper studio album. Sure, 2008’s platinum-selling Arde el Cielo captured the guys in their live element, but it was short on original songs. That’s all going to change with a high-profile tour and a new full-length record, Drama Y Luz.

Maná — consisting of singer Fher Olvera, drummer Alex Gonzalez, guitarist Sergio Vallin, and bassist Juan Diego Calleros — has been together for more than 20 years. In that time they’ve scored three Grammys, five Latin Grammys, nine Billboard Latin Music Awards and sold more than 25 million albums worldwide.

It’s clear that demand is high for more Maná. So what took the guys so long to get back into the studio? As the band said to Billboard magazine, they prefer to take their time when crafting a record and are very serious about the process.

"It's like taking a cake out of the oven before it's fully done. Our tradition has always been to fully cook our albums and with this philosophy we've prevailed over managers and record labels."

From the Drama Y Luz details that have leaked so far, it definitely sounds like one tasty “cake.” The new album is reported to feature complex lyrics, Caribbean influences and backing arrangements by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

And Drama Y Luz’s April 12 release date is only the beginning of the 2011 Maná blitz. Starting in June, the band will kick off a massive stadium tour across Latin America and the U.S.

Are you excited about Maná’s new album? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Drama Y Luz, Hot Stuff, Mana, Música