Hirax

 Today in 2009 Hirax released the album El Rostro de la Muerte

Buena Park, California Thrash/Speed Metal/Crossover

Status:Active

Years active: 1981-1983 (as L.A. Kaos), 1983-1984 (as K.G.B.), 1984-1989, 2000-present

A long-lost (until recently) cult LA band, Hirax was one of the earlier Metal Blade signings in the mid-eighties. They specialized in frenzied speed/thrash metal, almost hardcore in style with the notable exception of Katon DePena's vocals, who steered well clear of the usual gruff thrash or barked hardcore styles, instead employing a mid-range clean, yet almost atonal sound, which was enough to give the band just a bit of originality. Two albums were released, along with assorted singles and live tracks, before disbanding in the late 80's. DePena later was in a band called Phantasm, featuring no less than original Metallica bassist Ron McGovney, though only a rough demo came of this. Sensing that the band's popularity has not waned over the years, DePena reformed the band in 200, at one point possibly featuring the other original members but later with an all-new lineup, and have recorded quite steadily ever since.

Black Devil Records

Katon W. De Pena - Vocals

Glenn Rogers - Guitar

Lance Harrison - Guitar

Steve Harrison - Bass

Jorge Iacobellis - Drums

1. Baptized by Fire (4:19)

2. Flesh and Blood (5:45)

3. Eradicate Mankind (3:39)

4. Chaos and Brutality (3:38)

5. El rostro de la muerte (The Face of Death) (6:24)

6. Blind Faith (2:51)

7. Horrified (2:52)

8. Battle of the North (1:34)

9. The Laws of Temptation (4:40)

10. Death Militia (1:52)

11. Broken Neck (2:01)

12. Violent Assault (3:31)

13. Cuando cae la oscuridad (When Darkness Falls) (1:54)

14. Satan's Fall (6:25)

Recorded by John Haddad at Trench Studio in Corona, CA

Mixed by Andy Haller at Android Audio

Mastered by Maor Appelbaum

"Chaos and Brutality" is a bonus track, originally released in Europe (Selfmadegod Records).

Released in Argentina by Hurling Metal Records with two bonus tracks. They are mistakenly listed, the order of the songs should be listed this way:

15. El Diablo Negro (04:13)

16. Bombs Of Death (01:49)

El Rostro de la Muerte is the fourth album by thrash metal band Hirax and the second after the reunion