Kraken (band)

Kraken
Background information
OriginMedellín, Colombia
GenresHeavy metal, Hard rock
Years active1984–present
LabelsUniversal Music, Discos Fuentes, Atenea Producciones
MembersRoxana Restrepo
Andrés Leiva
Luis Ramírez
Carlos Cortés
Rubén Gélvez
Past membersElkin Ramírez †
Hugo Restrepo
Jorge Atehortúa
Jaime Tobón
Gonzalo Vásquez
Gustavo "TavoDrums" Forero
Jorge "Pyngwi" Holguin
Carlos Reyes
WebsiteOfficial website

Kraken is a rock band founded in Medellín, Colombia, in 1983. The current lineup consists of Roxana Restrepo (vocals), Andrés Leiva (guitar), Ricardo Wolff (guitar), Julian Puerto (drums), Luis Alberto Ramírez (bass guitar), and Rubén Gelvez (electronic keyboards). The sound of the band is characterized by a mixture of hard rock and heavy metal.

The influence of the original lead singer Elkin Ramírez, was compared by some publications to that of Freddie Mercury or Bruce Dickinson.[1][2] Ramírez was also influenced by Led Zeppelin. Another influence of his was classical music, which he taught himself upon the advice of his father.[3] Ramirez was commonly referred as "Elkin Kraken" amongst the fans.[4]

Guitarist Andrés Leiva contributed his symphonic experience to the band, gained as a student of the classical guitarist Pedro de Alcántara.[5] Leiva has been a member of a variety of different musical projects.[citation needed] On 18 December 2013, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary and filmed the show for a DVD that was released the following year.[6]

Ramírez died from brain cancer on 29 January 2017 in Medellín. He was 54 years old.[7]

Discography

Studio albums

Live and compilation albums

Tributes

References

  1. ^ "Murió Elkin Ramírez, vocalista de Kraken". elespectador.com. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  2. ^ De Moller, Alex. ""El Titan" and Heavy Metal in Pablo Escobar's Medellín". vice.com. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  3. ^ Escudero, Julian. "Elkin Ramirez of the Kraken Band (Colombia) talking about his recovery process". metalymetal.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  4. ^ Saa, Kwao. "Elkin Ramírez, Kraken Lead Singer And Colombian Rock Icon, Dies From Brain Tumor". inquisitr.com. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  5. ^ "Pedro de Alcantara". Pedro de Alcantara. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Kraken 30 years anniversary concert – Orquideorama del Jardín Botánico in Medellín, Colombia, December 18 2013". Metal Traveller. 18 December 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  7. ^ Cantor-Navas, Judy (29 January 2017). "Elkin Ramirez, Colombia's 'Rock Titan' and Leader of Kraken, Dies at 54". Billboard. Retrieved 29 January 2017.