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 ondas ps a qui pasando a saludar y aver que onda con el predemo de pentagram si lo ban a sacar para saber donde comprarlo bueno ps me largo que estes bien
Hey, thanks for the add. Not trying to sound like some cranky old man, but, I missed the old days of metal. It had a real true feeling to it. Something organic and genuine. Soul. 99% of metal these days really lack what the bands of the past had...and it wasn't the production either. It was a real feeling. Anyways, thanks for the add.
sincerely,
W. Dave Pollard, artist @ ghostcat studio and former singer of Louisville,KY's (usa) underground oddball band EVERGREEN
que onda tito ay te va una foto que creo que te ase falta en el space y que onda cuando te tomaste la foto con steve harris a dever estado de poca madre ese dia pero bueno ay te dejo la foto
que onda ERNESTO? Ya nunca contestaste, que onda? Veo que ahi me tienes en tu "top friends" pero nunca escribes Esta chido el video de HARDWARE que subiste al YOU TUBE tIENES VIDEOS grabados en vivo de HARDWARE. espero y contestes esta vez
Que ondon DRAKSEN!!!!!! Jejeje como andamos aca pasando a saludar y a invitar a los proximos shows que tenemos!!! Estaria de lujo vernos en algun Rock!!! Te dejo los correos a donde pueden comunicarse con nosotros las bandas de todo Mexico para que role la informacion va??!!
Bandas de DF y Edo de Mex: CORREO: chilangorock@hotmail.com, MESSENGER: kybalioncenter@hotmail.com, o a los telefonos 42018353, 5518168040
La bandas de HIDALGO pueden comunicarse CORREO Y MESSENGER a: tocapachuka@hotmail.com
Las bandas de MORELOS, QUERETARO, GDL y otros estados de la Republica CORREO Y MESSENGER: chilangorock_provincia@hotmail.com Shidin y estamos en contacto vaaaaaa!!
Recuerda que Chilangorock Producciones es la mejor produccion de eventos independientes de la Ciudad de Mexico!! Tienes una banda?? Ponte en contacto con nosotros!!
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
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