Hirax

thumb|Hirax in 2008 Hirax (often stylized as HIRAX) is an American thrash metal band from Cypress, California. Starting in 1984 under the leadership of vocalist Katon W. De Pena (the band's only original member left in the current line-up), the band played in Los Angeles and San Francisco with several of their thrash metal peers such as Metallica, Exodus, and Slayer. The band was an early example of thrash metal, speed metal and crossover thrash, yet inspired by cross-genre influences including blues vocalist Sam Cooke. Quotes about Hirax Hirax became a fixture in the Los Angeles metal community before they achieved broader recognition, beginning with 1985’s aptly named ‘Raging Violence,’ released by Metal Blade, of course. The band was led by vocalist Katon W. de Pena, whose idiosyncratic vocal style alternated between vicious snarling and semi-operatic screams, thus mirroring his bandmates’ bi-polar blend of blazing thrash and classic metal. External links Category:American bands Category:Heavy metal bands Category:Thrash metal