Hirax

Hirax is a thrash metal band from Los Angeles, formed in 1984 and active since then. The group is led by vocalist Katon W. De Pena and is associated with thrash metal, speed metal, crossover, and crossover thrash.

Early years and first releases

The band starts out in the California thrash scene, playing in Los Angeles and San Francisco alongside bands such as Metallica, Exodus, and Slayer. After recording demos, Hirax signs to Metal Blade and releases its first full-length album, Raging Violence, in 1985. At this point the line-up includes Katon W. De Pena on vocals, Scott Owen on guitar, Gary Monardo on bass, and John Tabares on drums.

Line-up changes and 1980s recordings

John Tabares leaves in 1986 and Erick Brecht joins on drums. The band then releases Hate, Fear And Power, an album issued under label pressure and notable for its short running time of 16 minutes across eight songs. Hirax then leaves the label and independently releases the demo Blasted In Bangkok in 1987.

Following tensions within the group, Katon W. De Pena leaves and forms Phantasm with Gene Hoglan and Ron McGovney. Phantasm records a six-track demo in 1988, later reissued in 2002 with demo and live material. After a short tour with Nuclear Assault, that project ends. In 1989, Hirax continues without Katon and recruits Paul Baloff on vocals, but the band soon breaks up.

Reformation and later albums

Katon remains active in the underground scene and works in record stores. A compilation demo with Spazz includes one of his older songs in 1997, and fan response contributes to Hirax reforming in 2000. The reunited band records the El Diablo Negro EP with Scott Owen, Gary Monardo, and John Tabares returning to the line-up.

The line-up changes again for Barrage of Noise in 2001, which features James Joseph Hubler, Justin Lent, and Nick Sellinger alongside Katon. In 2003, Katon assembles another new line-up and releases New Age of Terror in 2004 with guitarists Dave Watson and Glenn Rogers, bassist Angelo Espino, and drummer Jorge Iacobellis.

Style and membership

Hirax is described as a clear example of thrash, speed metal, and crossover. The group’s members include Katon W. De Pena, Gary Monardo, Scott Owen, Eric Brecht, Per Möller Jensen, and Glenn Rodgers.