Kraken (band)

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Kraken
Background information
OriginMedellín, Colombia
GenresHeavy metal, Hard rock
Years active1984–present
LabelsUniversal Music, Discos Fuentes, Atenea Producciones
MembersRoxana Restrepo
Andrés Leiva
Ricardo Wolff
Julian Puerto
Luis Ramírez
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).

History

Kraken was founded in Medellín, Colombia in 1983 by vocalist Elkin Ramírez, who led the band for over three decades until his death in 2017.[1]

On 18 December 2013, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary and filmed the show for a DVD that was released the following year.[2]

Ramírez died from brain cancer on 29 January 2017 in Medellín. He was 54 years old.[3]

Musical style

Original lead singer Elkin Ramírez was compared to Freddie Mercury[4] and Bruce Dickinson.[5] He was influenced by Led Zeppelin as well as classical music, which he taught himself upon the advice of his father.[6] Ramirez was commonly referred as "Elkin Kraken" amongst the fans.[7]

Guitarist Andrés Leiva contributed symphonic elements to the band, gained as a student of the classical guitarist Pedro de Alcántara.[8]

Band members

Current

  • Roxana Restrepo – lead vocals (2018–present)
  • Andrés Leiva – lead guitar (2004–present)
  • Ricardo Wolf – rhythm guitar (2009–present)
  • Luís A. Ramirez – bass (2004–present)
  • Julián Puerto - Drums (2009-present)
  • Rubén Gélvez - Keyboards (2005-present)

Former

  • Elkin Ramírez – lead vocals (1984–2017; died 2017)
  • Jorge Atehortúa – bass (1984–1996)
  • Gonzalo Vasquez – drums (1984–1991)
  • Hugo Restrepo – lead guitar (1983–1993)
  • Jaime Tobón – rhythm guitar (1984-1985)
  • Ricardo Posada – lead guitar (1985-1989)
  • Jaime Ochoa – keyboards (1990–1992)
  • Felipe Montoya – drums (1991–1996)
  • Federico López/Habichuela – lead guitar (1991–1994)
  • Henry Borrero – lead guitar (1993-1995)
  • Byron Sánchez – lead guitar (1995)
  • David Mejia – keyboards (1995-2004)
  • Santiago Restrepo – keyboards (1995)
  • Luis Guillermo Ramírez – bass (1996-2004)
  • Julián Ortiz – bass (1996)
  • Alejandro Gutierrez – drums (1996-2004)
  • Daniel Pacheco – drums (1996)
  • Juan Esteban Echeverri – lead guitar (1996-2005)
  • Milton Garcia – keyboards (1996)
  • Carlos Cortés – drums (2004-2009)
  • Luis Fernando Caballero – keyboards (?)

Discography

Studio albums

Live and compilation albums

Tributes

References

  1. Espectador, El. "ELESPECTADOR.COM". ELESPECTADOR.COM (in Spanish). Retrieved 25 June 2026.
  2. "Kraken 30 years anniversary concert – Orquideorama del Jardín Botánico in Medellín, Colombia, December 18 2013". Metal Traveller. 18 December 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  3. Cantor-Navas, Judy (29 January 2017). "Elkin Ramirez, Colombia's 'Rock Titan' and Leader of Kraken, Dies at 54". Billboard. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  4. "Murió Elkin Ramírez, vocalista de Kraken". elespectador.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  5. De Moller, Alex. ""El Titan" and Heavy Metal in Pablo Escobar's Medellín". vice.com. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  6. 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.
  7. Saa, Kwao. "Elkin Ramírez, Kraken Lead Singer And Colombian Rock Icon, Dies From Brain Tumor". inquisitr.com. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  8. "Pedro de Alcantara". Pedro de Alcantara. Retrieved 29 January 2017.