HIRAX's KATON W. DE PENA Talks To METAL WANI (Audio)

Metal Wani editor in chief Owais "Vitek" Nabi and writer Rohan Thomas recently conducted an interview with HIRAX singer Katon W. De Pena. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below.

HIRAX released its new album, "Immortal Legacy", on March 4 (February 24 in Europe) via SPV/Steamhammer. It was made available as a CD, gatefold colored LP and a digital download.

"On our new album we more than ever felt an artistic obligation to our fans to give them a really big-sounding record," says Katon W. De Pena.

"Our philosophy has always been to remember where we come from and stay true to our roots.

"Our fans know that we will never let them down and that they have helped to raise us up to a level with bands such as SLAYER, SODOM, KREATOR, EXODUS, OVERKILL, TESTAMENT, ANNIHILATOR and many others.

"This record proves that we are at the top of our game musically."

According to Katon W. De Pena, the reason "Immortal Legacy" sounds so powerful is the fact that the members of HIRAX's current lineup agree 100 percent on the group's stylistic direction.

"Lance [Harrison, guitar] is a riff-writing master and a major force to reckon with," says Katon. "Nicknamed the Shred Baron for obvious reasons. He believes in heavy metal 100 percent." His younger brother Steve (bass) is an important part of the HIRAX sound. "Nobody plays bass like him," says Katon. "There is a unique sound and bond between Steve and his brother. As a bass player, he is a true musician."

Last but not least, there's Jorge Iacobellis (drums and percussions),who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Iacobellis is a seasoned veteran who plays with lots of heart and soul. Katon says: "The best way I can describe his drumming style is loud and powerful."

The most unusual song on "Immortal Legacy" is "The World Will Burn" which has to be heard to be believed, according to Katon. His favorite track on the record changes daily, "but if I had to decide today, it would be 'Black Smoke', along with the title track, 'Immortal Legacy'. Once you hear them, you will never forget them."

"Immortal Legacy" was produced by Bill Metoyer (SLAYER, ARMORED SAINT, W.A.S.P., SACRED REICH) who previously worked with HIRAX in the early 1980s on their first two albums. Metoyer is a master of his craft and HIRAX feel honored and lucky to have him working with them. For Katon, Bill is a "musical wizard and his work on our new album is genius."

The cover of "Immortal Legacy" was created by legendary artist Philip Lawvere (KREATOR, CELTIC FROST),marking his first oil painting in 25 years since coming out of retirement. He is the artist behind such classic album covers as KREATOR's "Pleasure To Kill" and CELTIC FROST's "Emperor's Return". Lawvere had done stunning illustrations for numerous albums and is best known for a slew of thrash metal offerings released on Noise Records. The HIRAX frontman comments: "We couldn't be happier to have Philip Lawvere illustrating the cover of our new album. After getting Bill Metoyer to produce it, this is truly the icing on the thrash metal cake!"

With guest guitar players Jim Durkin (DARK ANGEL),Juan Garcia (AGENT STEEL, EVILDEAD) and Rocky George (SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, FISHBONE) on the album, Katon is excited about a real metal monster that his band has produced.

"This is our most epic-sounding record to date, sonically powerful and over the top," he says. "14 new raging thrash metal songs that will make you bang your head!!!"

He adds: "This is probably our most diverse album ever. I think there is something for every heavy metal fan on this record! Obviously I'm very proud of it."

CD Version:

01. Black Smoke (4:35)
02. Hellion Rising (4:05)
03. Victims Of The Dead (3:07)
04. Thunder Roar, The Conquest, La Boca De La Bestia - The Mouth Of The Beast (4:54)
05. Earthshaker (0:44)
06. Tied To The Gallows Pole (4:05)
07. Deceiver (3:42)
08. Immortal Legacy (4:40)
09. S.O.W. (intro) (0:57)
10. Violence Of Action (3:36)
11. Atlantis (Journey To Atlantis) (1:30)
12. The World Will Burn (2:07)

Online Version:

01. Black Smoke (4:35)
02. Hellion Rising (4:05)
03. Victims Of The Dead (3:07)
04. Thunder Roar, The Conquest, La Boca De La Bestia - The Mouth Of The Beast (4:54)
05. Earthshaker (0:44)
06. Tied To The Gallows Pole (4:05)
07. Deceiver (3:42)
08. Immortal Legacy (4:40)
09. S.O.W. (intro) (0:57)
10. Violence Of Action (3:36)
11. Atlantis (Journey To Atlantis) (1:30)
12. The World Will Burn (2:07)

Bonus track:

13. Mephistopheles (5:16)

LP Version:

Side 1

01. Black Smoke (4:35)
02. Hellion Rising (4:05)
03. Victims Of The Dead (3:07)
04. Thunder Roar, The Conquest, La Boca De La Bestia - The Mouth Of The Beast (4:54)
05. Earthshaker (0:44)
06. Tied To The Gallows Pole (4:05)

Side 2

07. Deceiver (3:42)
08. Immortal Legacy (4:40)
09. S.O.W. (intro) (0:57)
10. Violence Of Action (3:36)
11. Atlantis (Journey To Atlantis) (1:30)
12. The World Will Burn (2:07)

Bonus track:

13. Mass Hysteria (3:45)

HIRAX is:

Katon W. DePena - Vocals
Lance Harrison - Guitar
Steve Harrison - Bass
Jorge Iacobellis - Drums