DRAKSEN was one of Mexico's first thrash metal bands. Conceived in mid 1986 by Ernesto Catalan (Guitar/Vocals), Andres Rodriguez (Guitar) and Gregg Argenziano (Drums), the group officially forms in early 1987. Oscar del Rio (Bass) and Martin Lugo (Drums)join the band to complete the first original line up. Inspired by their vintage heavy metal roots (PRIEST, MAIDEN, RIOT), the Thrash Metal movement (METALLICA, SLAYER, EXODUS, KREATOR, RAZOR) and plenty of american and british hardcore (D.R.I., G.B.H., MINOR THREAT, RAMONES etc), DRAKSEN (back then called "drakkar") started writing original songs. In June 1988 the band releases their first demo, "Thrashcore". Despite having a poor sound and a dubious production, the demo was well received worldwide and laid the ground for the secong demo, "From Beyond", released in early 1990. Featuring a heavier production and a superior sound, "From Beyond" went on to become probably DRAKSEN's best known work to date. The band, along with friend/manager Juan Carlos Guerrero (later ,leader of industrial death metallers HARDWARE) sent the demo extensively worldwide, to fans, fanzines and magazines alike, as well as small independent record labels. By this time, the band dropped their earlier name, drakkar, in favor of the more original "draksen". Oscar and Andres are out of the band by the time "From Beyond" is released and Luiz Ahumada and Frank Uribe take their place. Soon after, Martin also leaves and his place is taken by ex-TWITCH drummer Mike Moon. This leaves Ernesto as the sole original member.
With this line up, DRAKSEN play all over Mexico with bands like RIPPING FLESH, NEXT, TRANSMETAL, TWITCH, MELISSA, DARKNESS, PUÑO DE HIERRO, MORTUARY and SACRED REICH. Also, the band receives favorable demos reviews in high-profile international magazines like Creem..s THRASH METAL and METAL MANIACS, marking a first for a Mexican band.
In 1992 the band release "From Beyond" through L.A.'s WILD RAGS metal label and is distributed worldwide.
By 1991 the band suffers its last line up change when Alejandro Isaac, Fabian Median and Ignacio "Tacho" Torres join the band. It is with this line up that DRAKSEN secure a record deal with a small local label, Mix Records, and release their self-titled debut album in 1993. Filled with brimming thrash numbers like "Thrashcore", "Bigger Than Life" and "Improved Hatred", the album becomes the band's best recorded output.
The band promotes the album, playing outside of Guadalajara with bands such as CENOTAPH, GARIGOLES, SIX BEER and HARDWARE. Despite the band's loyal following, Mix Records refuses to release the album on CD.
Despite this, DRAKSEN had a 3 album deal with the label and the band began writing crushing new material along with more melodic songs. Unfortuantely, none of these songs are recorded professionally and are only available on good sounding rehearsal tapes.
In 1994, after a concert opening for THE OBSSESSED and playing along with LA BASKA, the band amicably part ways.
Ernesto and Tacho go on to form STAMINA and Alejandro Isaac forms power metal greats FAHRENHEIT.
UPDATE MAY 2009:
Although DRAKSEN hasn't officially reformed, they are currently preparing the re-release of their sole album on CD for the 1st time ever, including tracks from all of their demos plus one or two new songs. Please check with us for further info!
Aunque DRAKSEN no se ha reformado, en el presente se encuentran preparando el re lanzamiento de su album debut, por 1ra. vez en CD, incluyendo rolas de todos los demos y uno o dos temas nuevos. Chequen este sitio para mas datos en el futuro cercano!
que onda un saludo tito oye una pregunta alomejor medio estupida el jobo panteras fue integrante de la primera fila de draksen que en ese tiempo era drakkar nada mas para quitar esa duda
espero que todo marche bien por alla karnales, pa kuando reeditan el material!!!!!!!!!! ya hace falta de un buen thrash al estilo Draksen, k anden bien y apoyo total a la verdadera escena Thrasher Mexicana
RAT SKATES talks METALLICA on A&E, The Biography Channel
RAT SKATES is one of the featured guests on THE METALLICA STORY, a special airing on THE BIOGRAPHY CHANNEL beginning WEDNESDAY JUNE 3rd at 10:00 pm EST. The special will air for one week on BIO, followed by dates on A&E TELEVISION, the parent network.
BORN IN THE BASEMENT is available on DVD at RATSKATES.COM and at RETAILERS WORLDWIDE through The MVD Entertainment Group, http://WWW.MVDB2B.COM.
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