Hirax

About

Formed in 1984, Hirax is an American thrash metal band from Cypress, California, led by vocalist Katon W. De Pena, the band's only remaining original member. Throughout their career, the band has performed alongside notable thrash metal peers including Metallica, Exodus, and Slayer in the Los Angeles and San Francisco music scenes. As an early example of thrash metal, speed metal, and crossover thrash, Hirax has drawn inspiration from diverse musical influences that extend beyond their primary genre. De Pena has cited blues vocalist Sam Cooke as a significant influence, referring to him as the greatest vocalist he has ever heard, demonstrating the band's appreciation for cross-genre artistry.