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HIRAX INTERVIEW with vocalist Katon De Pena
By Bob Nalbandian

SHOCKWAVES: Tell us about the reformation of HIRAX and the new members of the band...
KATON DE PENA: HIRAX reformed in 2000...we had been receiving a lot of mail from all over the world so we knew that people were still very Interested in the band. Our fan base is very loyal, we have die-hard fans, and we are honored that so many people care about us. We have been working hard to make HARD AND HEAVY MUSIC... REAL AND TRUE METAL!! HIRAX today is a band of veteran musicians. The band features Glenn Rogers - lead guitars, Angelo Espino - bass, David Watson - lead guitars, and Jorge Iacobellis - drums. The band's reputation means a lot to me, so no matter what...I keep the flame burning and continue on! There's been some line up changes only because some people can't handle the touring lifestyle...but I love it!

SW: Prior to reforming HIRAX, you formed the band Phantasm in the late '80s...
KD: I started Phantasm back in 1987 with original Metallica bassist Ron McGovney and Gene Hoglan, former drummer of Dark Angel, Death, Testament, and currently - Strapping Young Lad. We had known each other and had been very good friends over the years. Our bands had played together so it only seemed natural to join forces and make more METAL! There is an actual CD/12" clear vinyl out today, "Wreckage" on Deep Six/Black Devil Records which features the only recordings ever released by this deadly band. Very much old school, speed and thrash metal!

SW: You recently toured Europe and played a couple outdoor festivals in Germany, and you plan to return this there this summer. How was that experience? And tell us about the upcoming festivals...
KD: Europe was a mind-blowing experience! A lot of my friends from other bands had told me how great touring Europe was...and I didn't believe it until I went there. The music scene throughout Europe is incredible - the people truly live their lives through heavy metal! It's their religion! The festivals were incredible, we played the 'Bang Your Head' festival in Germany 2003 with Twisted Sister, UDO, Thin Lizzy, Overkill, Angel Witch, DIO, Dokken, Sodom, and others...f**kin unbelievable! All of the bands were really cool. Even the headliners like Twisted Sister were really great guys and were very nice to us. Over 40,000 people in attendance. A heavy metal sea of denim and leather! The festival that is planned for June 2004 with Judas Priest will be in Sweden. Along with Priest, other bands on the bill include UFO, Heart, Slade, Exodus, April Wine, Entombed, Children of Bodom, and many other great bands. We are looking forward to that...as well as returning to Germany in July 2004 to headline the 'Headbangers Open Air' and 'MetalBash Open Air' festivals.

Click Here For HIRAX Interview Page 2