Para los amantes y seguidores del thrash metal, HIRAX es un pilar para lo que fue la escena en Los Ángeles y en el Bay Area allá a inicios de los años 80's. Recorriendo el camino por esas épocas casi sin azfalto, junto a Slayer, Exodus, Metallica; por citar a algunas bandas que se fajaron junto a HIRAX un lugar en la historia. Esta vez tuvimos el agrado de entrevistar al fundador, líder indiscutible y voz de HIRAX, Katon W. De Pena. Que nos habla sobre la historia de la banda, el sentimiento de los fans, la visita a sudamérica y sobre Cliff Burton, amigo de Katon.
Espero que comprendan del por que la entrevista esta en inglés ya que no fue nuestro deseo alterar ninguna palabra o frase. Pero para no crear ningún malestar en nuestro público hispano, tenemos un traductor en esta pagina y esta a su mano izquierda para que no tengan ningún problema en disfrutar esta entrevista. Gracias por la comprensión hermanos headbangers.
(DPR) Is a pleasure to know that the band play in lima to share all their strength and sound of the old thrash metal. like Slayer, Exodus, Metallica and other bands of that time, tell us how people lived in those days of the birth of thrash
KATON: In the very beginning of thrash metal we were breaking new ground and going into uncharted territories. From Los Angeles, San Francisco to New York City… thrash metal was EXPLODING and was the most exciting metal music coming from the underground. We were some of the early pioneers at the birth of this new THRASH METAL movement in the early 1980s and are still going strong after all of these years. At this point and time we are experiencing a new rebirth of our music and have more legions of fans than ever before. We started out alongside Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Exodus, etc. so to still be releasing extreme THRASH METAL musica is an accomplishment itself.
(DPR) Unlike the hairy glam metal that disappeared in the late 80's, what was the reason for the thrash starts to fall in a hole in the 90's
KATON: I think that heavy metal music is always evolving and trends in music will always come and go. But over 25 years later…THRASH METAL music has risen to the top again. That proves that this music has withstood the test of time. LONG LIVE THRASH METAL!!!
(DPR) Tell us about the raging violence, a classic, somewhat reminiscent of bands that tour and played with you?
KATON: “Raging Violence” was the first album that HIRAX ever wrote and recorded back in 1985. It is a true testament to our early sound, roots and style… which to this day you can still hear primarily in our music. We have never forgotten where we come from and we will ALWAYS stay true to creating FAST, HEAVY, LOUD THRASH METAL MUSIC!! It is our motto and it is our religion.
(DPR) The following year released the album Hate, Fear And Power "is certain is that this record took pressure from the label and why pressured
KATON: After “Raging Violence” we were under contract to release another record. There was pressure from Metal Blade Records to get this new HIRAX music released as soon as possible. That is why “Hate, Fear and Power” (1986) is only 8 songs - 14 minutes 37 seconds long. The incredible thing about it is that now this record is considered a classic. And the title track is still one of the highlights of our live concerts.
(DPR) The following year the band is not continuous with Metal Blade and released the album Blasted In Bangkok independently. How did you feel this time working without so much pressure
KATON: We like to have freedom to do what want with our music and less pressure. One of the problems with going independently & doing it yourself is that you do not have as much money/finances to help record the music. I honestly like being able to create our music without any pressure and focus on making music for our fans and for ourselves because we always want to give our audience 100% true HIRAX music and to never let them down!! We will continue to do what we do and NEVER sell out or go commercial just to sell records.
(DPR) After a while you decide to go HIRAX What were your reasons for quitting at that time HIRAX
KATON: I took time off from HIRAX for about 13 years because I wasn’t happy with the music business…especially in the U.S.A. I was still very involved behind the scenes – helping to promote concerts, working with bands, working at record companies, etc. however when I met my girlfriend (who later on became my wife)… she had convinced me to resurrect HIRAX again. Over the years while on hiatus from HIRAX I had still had been receiving a lot of fan mail, interviews, etc. so there was still a lot of interest in HIRAX. People were always asking me … “When is HIRAX going to release music again?” So I started in 2000 with the release of “El Diablo Negro”. That was the explosion that breathed new life into the band again. We have moved forward and traveled and toured all over the world … and are still releasing new, ground breaking THRASH METAL albums/CDs/DVDs/vinyl/etc. and constant touring. I think for me, music is more than just a life style… it is in my blood. I am glad to be back doing what I love!!
(DPR) When you walked away from HIRAX you joined with Gene Hoglan (ex-Dark Angel) and Ron McGovney (ex-Metallica) under the name of Phantasm Tell us about this band and because the band disbanded
KATON: Phantasm (1987) was a band that I started with McGovney and Hoglan. It was a technical, progressive thrash metal band. Raw and intense. We recorded a self titled demo which finally was release as a CD/12” vinyl titled: “Wreckage” (re-released) in 2000 including extra live concert audio tracks recorded when we were on tour with Nuclear Assault. This release is definitely worth searching for and should be a part of any true metalhead’s record collection. It is a piece of metal history.
(DPR) After these episodes, you did ... you continued in music?. Tell us what you did in that time away from the stage
KATON: I never really quit music. I just took time away from HIRAX to regroup. I learned a lot of things that I had no idea about when I was a young musician. I have no regrets, but I now know that when you have a band like HIRAX you have responsibilities…especially to your fans, without them you are nothing. I can honestly say… much like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Metallica…we have the best fans in the world!! They are loyal/supportive and they are die hard! I am honored.
(DPR)...but in the end the fans, the old army of Thrash Metal called "shouting" the return of the band ... How did you feel reading all those letters and mails from the fans?
KATON: It is the greatest feeling in the world! The fans are our extended family. We treat them with total respect. We know that we are lucky and every year our fans base continues to grow. More now than ever before the power of our music is spreading to new audiences and we are selling more and more CD/mp3s/DVDs. We owe it to the fans for waving the HIRAX flag. MUCHAS GRACIAS!
(DPR) Many people know you have a record label called Black Devil Records. Tell us how your company decide to move forward and how many bands have to catalog
KATON: First and foremost Black Devil Records is the home base for all HIRAX music / information. Everything that is posted on this website http://www.blackdevilrecords.com is official information. When we originally started the label we intended on working with and releasing other bands, but our main focus, for now is completely on HIRAX. The band keeps us very, very busy and we have no time for anything else. 7 days a week we work on the band. Booking tours, manufacturing merchandise and writing and recording music… video shoots, interviews, answer mail, rehearsing our music, etc.
(DPR) Of these bands, what's your advice to follow and that is what most attracts you to this band
KATON: my advice it to work HARD, stay focused and be dedicated to your band. With this kind of work ethic, you can succeed. Those are the words that I live by. I take my music very serious.
(DPR) The year 2000 began with "The Black Devil," this EP that was the starting point for the comeback of HIRAX to the scene. How felt the fan reception of HIRAX
KATON: “El Diablo Negro” EP is what started it all again for us. 3 songs with the stand out self titled track. The song fast became a HIRAX favorite. It helped relaunch us as one of the leading legendary thrash metal bands. It brought us a whole new audience. So much that we re recorded it later on in 2004 on our “The New Age of Terror” full length album CD/12” vinyl. With bigger production… “El Diablo Negro” is more powerful than ever!!
Seguir Leyendo...
(DPR) Katon, what is your opinion about the thrash metal at this time, there are new bands that are coming out and still keep intact the spirit thrasher
KATON: I think that it is great! Most of the newer thrash metal bands have opened for us / supported us on tour. I think what is most important… is that they continue to tour and release albums … because in the long run … that is really all that matters. To help keep thrash metal alive and to gain more and more recognition all over the world. Hopefully some of those bands will become legends in their own right one day. Only the future will tell.
(DPR) In 2000 the band returned to its original formation, but most leave the band and you just stay Why Hirax they left?
KATON: I have been the leader of HIRAX since the very beginning in the early 1980s. HIRAX is my life and I am dedicated to it. I started out with some of the original members in 2000 since then the line up has changed and evolved due to heavy touring commitments. A lot of the guys could not continue to move on or commit their complete time to HIRAX… so they had to leave.
(DPR) The band members began to rotate, in 2004 edited the album "New Age of Terror" with Dave Watson and Glenn Rogers (ex-Deliverance), bassist Angelo Espino, and drummer Jorge Iacobellis, but also follow the path of former members. I've read somewhere that this training was broken so they never return.
KATON: now in 2010 Glenn Rogers (lead guitars) and Jorge Iacobellis (drums) are still with me. The only changes have been the Harrison brothers (2006) Lance (lead guitars) and Steve (bass). They are ready and willing to tour and record new albums. I have always needed musicians who were able to deal with the incredibly hard schedule that we have year round. These guys have been road warriors – flying on planes, traveling in busses and vans all over the world. They are my brothers of metal! Every concert that we play together we prepare for war.
(DPR) El Rostro de la Muerte was the new disk with the soul completely HIRAX thrash metal post in each note in the album Do you personally how you feel about this album?
KATON: So far in our career, I feel that “El Rostro de la Muerte” is our best album yet. Keep in mind, I am very proud of all of the music that we have ever done, but this new CD/12” vinyl has a very special place in my heart. Me and the men of HIRAX worked very hard on this album. 14 tracks and over 50 minutes worth of music. Our longest, most complete release to date - WORLDWIDE! It is now finding it’s way into every country and in every corner of the planet. It is even available on iTunes.com. It is the first time that our albums has been distributed correctly. The rest of our catalogue/albums are now available so that our fans can find them everywhere.
(DPR) Why the name of the album in Spanish?
KATON: it is a dedication to our Spanish speaking fans EVERYWHERE! Since the early 80s the HIRAX maniacs have been VERY supportive. The title of the new CD in Spanish is a thank you to them!! The passion in the Spanish speaking territories for HIRAX music is the ultimate compliment to our band and we are honored. We are grateful for all the respect that they have shown us. “El Rostro de la Muerte” is dedicated to them our legions!
(DPR) Now in a few months HIRAX will soon be in Ecuador and Peru What do you expect from these shows and especially of Peru
KATON: If it is anything like our travels to Colombia, Chile, Argentina, … then we expect the BEST audiences in the world!! Every time that we have played in South America, the shows have been insanely wild and over the top! The slam pits, stage diving and crowds singing along to our music is what we live for! So I can tell you that HIRAX if very excited to be coming to Ecuador and Peru for the very first time – abril 2010. We will see all of the heavy metal maniacs soon! PREPARE for HIRAX! For more information on the concert dates please go to: http//www.hirax.org
(DPR) Is a pleasure to know that the band play in lima to share all their strength and sound of the old thrash metal. like Slayer, Exodus, Metallica and other bands of that time, tell us how people lived in those days of the birth of thrash
KATON: In the very beginning of thrash metal we were breaking new ground and going into uncharted territories. From Los Angeles, San Francisco to New York City… thrash metal was EXPLODING and was the most exciting metal music coming from the underground. We were some of the early pioneers at the birth of this new THRASH METAL movement in the early 1980s and are still going strong after all of these years. At this point and time we are experiencing a new rebirth of our music and have more legions of fans than ever before. We started out alongside Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Exodus, etc. so to still be releasing extreme THRASH METAL musica is an accomplishment itself.(DPR) Unlike the hairy glam metal that disappeared in the late 80's, what was the reason for the thrash starts to fall in a hole in the 90's
KATON: I think that heavy metal music is always evolving and trends in music will always come and go. But over 25 years later…THRASH METAL music has risen to the top again. That proves that this music has withstood the test of time. LONG LIVE THRASH METAL!!!
(DPR) Tell us about the raging violence, a classic, somewhat reminiscent of bands that tour and played with you?KATON: “Raging Violence” was the first album that HIRAX ever wrote and recorded back in 1985. It is a true testament to our early sound, roots and style… which to this day you can still hear primarily in our music. We have never forgotten where we come from and we will ALWAYS stay true to creating FAST, HEAVY, LOUD THRASH METAL MUSIC!! It is our motto and it is our religion.
(DPR) The following year released the album Hate, Fear And Power "is certain is that this record took pressure from the label and why pressured
KATON: After “Raging Violence” we were under contract to release another record. There was pressure from Metal Blade Records to get this new HIRAX music released as soon as possible. That is why “Hate, Fear and Power” (1986) is only 8 songs - 14 minutes 37 seconds long. The incredible thing about it is that now this record is considered a classic. And the title track is still one of the highlights of our live concerts.
(DPR) The following year the band is not continuous with Metal Blade and released the album Blasted In Bangkok independently. How did you feel this time working without so much pressureKATON: We like to have freedom to do what want with our music and less pressure. One of the problems with going independently & doing it yourself is that you do not have as much money/finances to help record the music. I honestly like being able to create our music without any pressure and focus on making music for our fans and for ourselves because we always want to give our audience 100% true HIRAX music and to never let them down!! We will continue to do what we do and NEVER sell out or go commercial just to sell records.
(DPR) After a while you decide to go HIRAX What were your reasons for quitting at that time HIRAX
KATON: I took time off from HIRAX for about 13 years because I wasn’t happy with the music business…especially in the U.S.A. I was still very involved behind the scenes – helping to promote concerts, working with bands, working at record companies, etc. however when I met my girlfriend (who later on became my wife)… she had convinced me to resurrect HIRAX again. Over the years while on hiatus from HIRAX I had still had been receiving a lot of fan mail, interviews, etc. so there was still a lot of interest in HIRAX. People were always asking me … “When is HIRAX going to release music again?” So I started in 2000 with the release of “El Diablo Negro”. That was the explosion that breathed new life into the band again. We have moved forward and traveled and toured all over the world … and are still releasing new, ground breaking THRASH METAL albums/CDs/DVDs/vinyl/etc. and constant touring. I think for me, music is more than just a life style… it is in my blood. I am glad to be back doing what I love!!
(DPR) When you walked away from HIRAX you joined with Gene Hoglan (ex-Dark Angel) and Ron McGovney (ex-Metallica) under the name of Phantasm Tell us about this band and because the band disbandedKATON: Phantasm (1987) was a band that I started with McGovney and Hoglan. It was a technical, progressive thrash metal band. Raw and intense. We recorded a self titled demo which finally was release as a CD/12” vinyl titled: “Wreckage” (re-released) in 2000 including extra live concert audio tracks recorded when we were on tour with Nuclear Assault. This release is definitely worth searching for and should be a part of any true metalhead’s record collection. It is a piece of metal history.
(DPR) After these episodes, you did ... you continued in music?. Tell us what you did in that time away from the stage
KATON: I never really quit music. I just took time away from HIRAX to regroup. I learned a lot of things that I had no idea about when I was a young musician. I have no regrets, but I now know that when you have a band like HIRAX you have responsibilities…especially to your fans, without them you are nothing. I can honestly say… much like Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Metallica…we have the best fans in the world!! They are loyal/supportive and they are die hard! I am honored.(DPR)...but in the end the fans, the old army of Thrash Metal called "shouting" the return of the band ... How did you feel reading all those letters and mails from the fans?
KATON: It is the greatest feeling in the world! The fans are our extended family. We treat them with total respect. We know that we are lucky and every year our fans base continues to grow. More now than ever before the power of our music is spreading to new audiences and we are selling more and more CD/mp3s/DVDs. We owe it to the fans for waving the HIRAX flag. MUCHAS GRACIAS!
(DPR) Many people know you have a record label called Black Devil Records. Tell us how your company decide to move forward and how many bands have to catalog
KATON: First and foremost Black Devil Records is the home base for all HIRAX music / information. Everything that is posted on this website http://www.blackdevilrecords.com is official information. When we originally started the label we intended on working with and releasing other bands, but our main focus, for now is completely on HIRAX. The band keeps us very, very busy and we have no time for anything else. 7 days a week we work on the band. Booking tours, manufacturing merchandise and writing and recording music… video shoots, interviews, answer mail, rehearsing our music, etc.(DPR) Of these bands, what's your advice to follow and that is what most attracts you to this band
KATON: my advice it to work HARD, stay focused and be dedicated to your band. With this kind of work ethic, you can succeed. Those are the words that I live by. I take my music very serious.
(DPR) The year 2000 began with "The Black Devil," this EP that was the starting point for the comeback of HIRAX to the scene. How felt the fan reception of HIRAX
KATON: “El Diablo Negro” EP is what started it all again for us. 3 songs with the stand out self titled track. The song fast became a HIRAX favorite. It helped relaunch us as one of the leading legendary thrash metal bands. It brought us a whole new audience. So much that we re recorded it later on in 2004 on our “The New Age of Terror” full length album CD/12” vinyl. With bigger production… “El Diablo Negro” is more powerful than ever!!
Seguir Leyendo...
(DPR) Katon, what is your opinion about the thrash metal at this time, there are new bands that are coming out and still keep intact the spirit thrasher
KATON: I think that it is great! Most of the newer thrash metal bands have opened for us / supported us on tour. I think what is most important… is that they continue to tour and release albums … because in the long run … that is really all that matters. To help keep thrash metal alive and to gain more and more recognition all over the world. Hopefully some of those bands will become legends in their own right one day. Only the future will tell.
(DPR) In 2000 the band returned to its original formation, but most leave the band and you just stay Why Hirax they left?KATON: I have been the leader of HIRAX since the very beginning in the early 1980s. HIRAX is my life and I am dedicated to it. I started out with some of the original members in 2000 since then the line up has changed and evolved due to heavy touring commitments. A lot of the guys could not continue to move on or commit their complete time to HIRAX… so they had to leave.
(DPR) The band members began to rotate, in 2004 edited the album "New Age of Terror" with Dave Watson and Glenn Rogers (ex-Deliverance), bassist Angelo Espino, and drummer Jorge Iacobellis, but also follow the path of former members. I've read somewhere that this training was broken so they never return.
KATON: now in 2010 Glenn Rogers (lead guitars) and Jorge Iacobellis (drums) are still with me. The only changes have been the Harrison brothers (2006) Lance (lead guitars) and Steve (bass). They are ready and willing to tour and record new albums. I have always needed musicians who were able to deal with the incredibly hard schedule that we have year round. These guys have been road warriors – flying on planes, traveling in busses and vans all over the world. They are my brothers of metal! Every concert that we play together we prepare for war.
(DPR) El Rostro de la Muerte was the new disk with the soul completely HIRAX thrash metal post in each note in the album Do you personally how you feel about this album?KATON: So far in our career, I feel that “El Rostro de la Muerte” is our best album yet. Keep in mind, I am very proud of all of the music that we have ever done, but this new CD/12” vinyl has a very special place in my heart. Me and the men of HIRAX worked very hard on this album. 14 tracks and over 50 minutes worth of music. Our longest, most complete release to date - WORLDWIDE! It is now finding it’s way into every country and in every corner of the planet. It is even available on iTunes.com. It is the first time that our albums has been distributed correctly. The rest of our catalogue/albums are now available so that our fans can find them everywhere.
(DPR) Why the name of the album in Spanish?
KATON: it is a dedication to our Spanish speaking fans EVERYWHERE! Since the early 80s the HIRAX maniacs have been VERY supportive. The title of the new CD in Spanish is a thank you to them!! The passion in the Spanish speaking territories for HIRAX music is the ultimate compliment to our band and we are honored. We are grateful for all the respect that they have shown us. “El Rostro de la Muerte” is dedicated to them our legions!(DPR) Now in a few months HIRAX will soon be in Ecuador and Peru What do you expect from these shows and especially of Peru
KATON: If it is anything like our travels to Colombia, Chile, Argentina, … then we expect the BEST audiences in the world!! Every time that we have played in South America, the shows have been insanely wild and over the top! The slam pits, stage diving and crowds singing along to our music is what we live for! So I can tell you that HIRAX if very excited to be coming to Ecuador and Peru for the very first time – abril 2010. We will see all of the heavy metal maniacs soon! PREPARE for HIRAX! For more information on the concert dates please go to: http//www.hirax.org 
(DPR) Before leaving I wanted to ask you this, a few days ago I watched the documentary "Get Thrashed" in which you speak with great sadness about the death of Cliff Burton Tell us something about the person of Cliff Burton?, You were a good friend him and as you will know Cliff is greatly missed by us all.KATON: in the early days, when HIRAX and Metallica first started out, I met Cliff Burton a few times. He was always a very gracious man. He was very cool and down to earth. He never let his fame change the kind of person that he was. That is what I always liked about him. Not only is he an originator and a great talent… but a really great human being. I know that I don’t just speak for myself when I say this… but he is still missed to this day! All of the words that I said about him in the documentary “Get Thrashed” were from the bottom of my heart. LONG LIVE CLIFF BURTON!!
(DPR) Well, Katon this contact started since last year and finally make good interview and soon you'll be in Lima with HIRAX to demonstrate that this made the real thrash metal. Invite people from Lima to HIRAX concert and a special greeting to doblepedalrock
KATON: thank you for the great interview! Hola a doblepedalrock and ALL of the THRASH METAL FANS in Lima and all of Peru – I welcome you to the HIRAX concert on Domingo, 11 de abril @ voce. This will be an historic event!! We are going to be playing select songs from each of the HIRAX albums. This will be a night you won’t want to miss! I can promise you that your necks will be sore after this epic event. VIVE PERU!! VIVE HIRAX!!
For more information/tour dates/photos/concert dates/free mp3s/etc.
Riobamba, Ecuador Miercoles, Abril 7, 2010
Quito, Ecuador Jueves, Abril 8, 2010
Arequipa, Perú Sábado, Abril 10, 2010
Lima, Perú Domingo, Abril 11, 2010
(DPR) thanks so very much appreciate for you time Katon
KATON: MUCHISSIMO GRACIAS A USTEDES! I look forward to seeing you soon at the HIRAX concert.Thank you for your support! Katon W. De Pena - HIRAX
Manuel Castillo Lozano
doblepedalrock@hotmail.com
http://www.doblepedalrock.com/
Traducción:
Carlos Cavero
Lima-Perú
2010.
Carlos Cavero
Lima-Perú
2010.
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