Maria Iskariot is a Belgian punk band that has quickly gained recognition for their raw garage-punk sound and blunt storytelling. We first encountered them when they opened for Tropical Fuck Storm during their European tour, and it was clear from the start that they were something special. Their debut EP EN/EN dropped in 2024, making a strong entrance into the scene with a mix of chaotic punk energy and emotional intensity.
Punk thrives on unfiltered emotion, shouting out what’s real without holding back, and Maria Iskariot delivers exactly that. Their choice to sing in Dutch only deepens the impact. Even when you don’t understand the words, the emotional rawness translates universally. Their music captures the spirit of punk’s extremes: one moment they’re as explosive as Nirvana, and the next, as emotionally intricate as The Breeders. What stands out is their ability to navigate seamlessly between gritty darkness and charged energy, all wrapped in a raw garage punk aesthetic. This dynamic range is evident in their performances and recordings, making them a must-listen for punk enthusiasts.
Their breakthrough came in 2024 when they won Humo’s Rock Rally, one of Belgium’s most prestigious music competitions. This victory brought them national recognition and solidified their place in the punk scene. The band comprises Helena Cazaerck (vocals and guitar), Amanda “Zuka” Barbosa (bass), Sybe Versluys (drums), and Loeke Vanhoutteghem (guitar). Their debut EP EN/EN features songs that tackle themes of social critique, personal struggles, and generational conflicts.
Maria Iskariot’s recent single Dat Vind Ik Lekker perfectly captures their raw, Fun House era Stooges-inspired sound, blending explosive punk energy with deeply emotional, hate-fueled yet heartfelt vocals. With such a powerful mix of aggression and sincerity, they’re undoubtedly on track to make a significant mark on the punk scene. Their future shines as brightly as their dynamic, high-energy performances, and with each release, they are proving themselves as one of the most exciting and authentic bands to watch.
