Dies Irae

The gloom of death metal was imported into Mexico by Dies Irae. Initially known as Evocation, the group went through a lengthy period as GOD (Glorification of the Dead) before adopting its current name in late 1993. Although it has gone through numerous personnel changes, Dies Irae remains committed to delivering a relentless, bone-crushing sound.

The seeds that resulted in Dies Irae were planted by brothers Dah and Luis Armel Martinez. Joined by bassist Nelson Martinez, vocalist Marco A. Gallardo, and guitarist Oscar Lopez, the brothers quickly found their niche in Mexico's metal scene. The group's potential, however, seemed to wane after the departure of Lopez and Nelson Martinez. Although Luis Rico was added, the group disbanded shortly after his arrival. After a half-year hiatus, the Martinez brothers began to stir. While Dah formed a new group, Desacrilate, Luis joined with Rico to form GOD (Glorification of the Dead). By 1993, the band featured J.M. Dahern and Eduardo Gomez. As they began to compose new material, the group elected to change its name to Dies Irae.

With Rico leaving shortly after releasing a demo, Ab Imo Pectare, in March 1996, Dies Irae went two months before finding substitutes in guitarist Eduardo Gomez and bassist Geraldo Aguilera. The group quickly became unhappy with Aguilera's bass playing and replaced him with Emmanuel Gomez.

Attracting the attention of Oz Productions with their second demo, The Last Breath, Dies Irae signed to record an album to be split with Buried Dreams. When the label heard what the bands had accomplished in the studio, they elected to release full-length albums by both. Dies Irae's debut album, Ethereal, followed in March 1996. Shortly before the group entered the studio, Gomez was replaced by bass and cello player Carlos Orozco.

Although they performed at a Hard Rock Live Metal Festival in Mexico that was recorded by Oz Productions, Dies Irae spent nearly two years working on a follow-up. During that time, Luis Armel Martinez was replaced by drummer Luis Antonio Martinez. Recording their second full-length album, Naïve, at the Fredman Studio in Goteburg, Sweden, in January 2001, Dies Irae received a Mexican music award for "Best CD Cover Art." ~ Craig Harris, Rovi