Whether playing or conversing within the band, the bond between Acrolein’s five members is strong according to its bandmates. Luis Lopez handles the lead guitar and sharp riffs, Aveytia steps into the light as the lead singer, Leo Chacon locks in on the bass, Carlos Hernandez rounds out the guitar work and Ryan Balibrera drives the rhythm on drums.
Each member found music in their own way, but together they’ve built a sound that thrives on energy and grit.
The origins of Acrolein date back to eighth grade, just before the pandemic, with their founding members Aveytia and Balibrera. The two shared a love for classic rock, trading songs and admiring the late Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
Their friendship soon evolved into the idea of starting a band, slowly expanding their lineup with the other three. After three years of friendship and growing in their passion for music, the band officially came together.
Now entering their official fourth year together, Acrolein blends a mix of influences while carving out their own style. They cite genres of 90s and 2000s “emo-sprinkled” rock and infused with soulful elements, as some of their favorites.
Their goal is to never copy and paste but create with sound that strikes a balance between heavy riffs and melodic undertones shaped by the perspectives of each member.
Songwriting often begins with Hernandez, Chaon and Balibrera outlining the structure before lyrics are added, making it a collaborative effort where everyone contributes.Their track “737” exemplifies this, weaving together different ideas into a song that feels both raw and melodic.
“You’re not getting the whole song from one person. You’re getting that little piece from everyone else, making it that much more authentic,” Aveytia said. “Not to sound pretentious, but I do feel like there isn’t someone in the scene that sounds exactly like us.”
Acrolein reached a major milestone when they entered The University of Texas at El Paso’s (UTEP) Battle of the Bands. Excited for the opportunity, they signed up immediately and were thrilled to be selected as one of the top 10 groups.
The competition gave them their first chance to perform for an audience of over 500 people, and the reception was overwhelmingly positive. Their music connected not only with devoted rock fans, but also with casual listeners, proving their sound has a broad appeal and why they were among the top contenders.
“That was the biggest show we’ve ever played, so the fact that we got an overwhelming amount of love and support from people we’d never met, or maybe people who don’t even listen to this kind of music, was like overwhelming,” Hernadez said.
With their triumph, Acrolein earned the opportunity to record at Genuine Reference Studios, gaining firsthand experience of a professional studio environment and a deeper understanding of the recording process.
Performing at UTEP’s Minerpalooza expanded their reach even further, connecting them with a new audience and asserting their place in the local scene.
For Acrolein, it wasn’t just about exposure—it was about proving that dedication and passion could translate into opportunity.
Looking back, the group was stunned by how far they had come: from recording in a garage to a performance of their live in front of hundreds.
Yet even with the progress made, they remain grounded, creating music for themselves first and not for outsider approval, all while keeping aspirations alive for what’s ahead.
Their next goals are to open for a major artist at Lowbrow Palace and eventually sign with an independent record label to gain more resources while staying true to their sound. Still, they emphasize a day-by-day mindset, staying consistent and grateful for every step forward.
“Were grateful for every opportunity that comes our way, people underestimate what they can do in the month that they don’t even think about the stuff they can do in a year,” Lopez said. “Take it day by day and slowly do something towards that goal, even if it’s not a huge step, taking those small steps, those are the ones that end up counting on the long run.”
Music is more than a career ambition to Acrolein; it’s the joy of friendship, expression, and shared passion. Their story shows that with persistence and authenticity, even a band with “rough edges” can carve out something lasting.
Cameron Mason is a staff reporter for The Prospector and can be reached at [email protected]
