Eslabon Armado is an American regional Mexican music group formed in 2017 in Patterson, California. The ensemble performs a blend of Regional Mexican styles—including urban sierreño, sad sierreño, and corridos tumbados—and has achieved notable commercial success on U.S. Latin music charts.
History
The band was founded by brothers Pedro Tovar (lead vocals) and Brian Tovar (bass), together with their friend Gabriel Hidalgo. Their musical upbringing was influenced by their father’s interest in sierreña music from northern Mexico. While attending Patterson High School, the trio began recording and sharing performances on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, which attracted label attention.
In 2019 they signed with DEL Records and released the debut EP Navegando y Flotando. Their first singles—“Con Tus Besos” and “La Trokita”—entered Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart in 2020. The same year saw the release of their debut full‑length album Tu Veneno Mortal, which reached No. 9 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart. Subsequent albums (Vibras de Noche and Corta Venas) all topped the Regional Mexican Albums chart, with the first two receiving platinum certification in the United States.
Member changes occurred throughout their career: Jesse Vargas (backing vocals, acoustic guitar) departed in 2020 to form his own group; Gabriel Hidalgo left in 2021 and was replaced by Ulises González (acoustic guitar). In 2022 Damián Pacheco joined as a twelve‑string guitarist. As of the most recent information, the constant members are the Tovar brothers.
Musical Style and Name
Eslabon Armado’s sound fuses traditional sierreño instrumentation—primarily acoustic guitars—with contemporary urban influences. The group’s name translates roughly as “a united chain,” reflecting their emphasis on collaborative cohesion.
Commercial Impact and Recognition
- First regional Mexican act to enter the Billboard Hot 100 with “Ella Baila Sola” (featuring Peso Pluma).
- Multiple entries on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and Regional Mexican Albums charts.
- Awards include two Billboard Music Awards, two Billboard Latin Music Awards, and two Latin American Music Awards.
Discography (selected)
- Tu Veneno Mortal (2020) – debut studio album; peaked at #9 on Top Latin Albums.
- Vibras de Noche (2020) – reached #1 on Regional Mexican Albums.
- Corta Venas (2020) – also topped the Regional Mexican Albums chart.
- Tu Veneno Mortal, Vol. 2 (2021).
Label and Online Presence
The group is signed to Armado Records and maintains an official website at https://eslabonarmadooficial.com. Their social media presence includes YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok channels where they share music videos, live performances, and tour information.
Current Status
Eslabon Armado continues to record and tour internationally, contributing to the rising popularity of regional Mexican genres within mainstream U.S. and Latin American markets.