All Members of Venezuelan Metal Band Van Der Dijs Die in Devastating Earthquakes

The entire lineup of the Venezuelan metal band Van Der Dijs perished in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 23, 2026. The band members, Manuel Van Der Dijs (vocalist), Gabriel Gomez (guitarist), Xander Hernandez (bassist), and Abraham Poko (drummer), were found dead under the rubble of a building in Tanaguarena, La Guaira state, where they had been rehearsing. Rescue teams recovered their bodies in the region hardest hit by the consecutive 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes.

Van Der Dijs was a young, rising metal band formed in 2024, blending nu-metal, rap-rock, and alternative elements. Their sound drew inspiration from popular 1990s and early 2000s nu-metal bands like Limp Bizkit and Rage Against the Machine. The band had recently gained significant attention in Venezuela’s music scene, notably after performing at a new bands festival in 2025. Just five days before the disaster, they played to a full house and appeared poised for success, with thousands of views on their YouTube videos and a growing Instagram following.

The Venezuelan rock community mourned the loss, with veteran band Desorden Público among those expressing sorrow over the tragedy. The deaths of Van Der Dijs members mark a significant blow to the country’s metal and rock scene, which had been energized by their emerging presence.