Metralla Y Los Mercenarios is a salsa ensemble led by the Puerto Rican pianist, arranger, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Hector Davila, who performs under the artistic name Chegui Metralla. Based in Newark, New Jersey, Davila has spent decades working within the New York and New Jersey salsa and Latin jazz scenes, where he has backed up several prominent artists in the genre.
In addition to leading his own orchestra, Davila has contributed as a songwriter to other projects, including composing for the album 'Golpe Duro' by percussionist Little Johnny Rivero. His arrangements blend classic salsa structures with contemporary elements, utilizing his ability to play multiple instruments, including piano and brass.
In 2026, the group released the single 'Cero Paquetes'. On this recording, Chegui Metralla performed the vocals, piano tracking, a trumpet solo, clave, and guiro, while also arranging the track. The release features instrumental support from bassist John Benitez and timbalero Nelson Diaz.
