Easy Rider is a Power Metal band from Spain that was formed back in 1988 by guitarist-Javier Villanueva, guitarist-Daniel Castellanos, & drummer-Antonio M. Chaves. Easy Rider's sound draws comparison to bands like Iron Maiden, Kamelot, and Gamma Ray. Not long after the band's conception, bassist-José A. Villanueva was contacted and soon added to the band's line-up. During their first year, the band brought on two different lead vocalist including Antonio Caballero and Gabriel Boente. However, it wasn't long before Antonio and Gabriel both went their separate ways leaving a void in the group's lead vocalist position. Then in 1992 Easy Rider members contacted vocalist-Javier Villanueva who promptly joined the band and held his position behind the mic from 1992 to 1996. During this time, Easy Rider created a few demos and went on tour playing concerts all around Spain helping them to garner a stronger fan base within the Metal community. However, after a four year run, the the growing discontent of the band's sound within the founding members, led them to begin looking for a new lead vocalist who could help give their creativity free reign. In 1996 Javier Villanueva left the band and vocalist-Eugenio Garañeda was added as the groups new frontman. With singer-Eugenio Garañeda now on board, the band entered the studio to begin work on their first full-length album. In 1997 Easy Rider released their debut album titled 'Perfecta Creación' on the Soho Music label. Their debut features 3-tracks sung in English, 5-tracks sung in their native language-Spanish, and 1 instrumental track. The album was well received by fans and helped to launch the group forward as a band.
In 1998 Easy Rider members darkened the doors of the studio to record their follow-up album titled 'Lord Of The Storm' which was released that same year. This sophomore release finds the band coming into their own with top notch vocals by Garañeda accompanied by some killer Power Metal arrangements. With this second offering, the band wanted to expand their audience internationally by featuring all tracks in English. These changes to their sound garnered the band the “Best new band” award by the Spanish music magazine-'Heavy Rock' in its annual 'Rockferendum'.
In 2000 the band showed no signs of hanging up their guitars when they entered Kirios Recording Studio in Madrid, Spain to begin work on their 3rd full-length album.
In 1998 Easy Rider members darkened the doors of the studio to record their follow-up album titled 'Lord Of The Storm' which was released that same year. This sophomore release finds the band coming into their own with top notch vocals by Garañeda accompanied by some killer Power Metal arrangements. With this second offering, the band wanted to expand their audience internationally by featuring all tracks in English. These changes to their sound garnered the band the “Best new band” award by the Spanish music magazine-'Heavy Rock' in its annual 'Rockferendum'.
In 2000 the band showed no signs of hanging up their guitars when they entered Kirios Recording Studio in Madrid, Spain to begin work on their 3rd full-length album.
Some of the band's influences include bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, King Diamond, Gamma Ray, Dream Theater, Conception, Sanvoisen Annihilator, Pantera, Alter Bridge, and Monster Magnet just to mention a few.
In 2000 Easy Rider released their third full-length studio album titled 'Evilution' on Locomotive Music. With a high-end Power Metal sound, the album quickly captured the attention of the Metal realm throughout Europe and Spain helping to expand the band's fan base. 'Evilution' is a well produced concept album which takes the listener on a journey through biblical eschatology found in the book of Revelation. With this release, we find the band at the top of their game with a sound that's nothing short of contagious having high-end vocals, electrifying guitars, crushing bass lines, and relentless drums. The line-up for 'Evilution' is conprised of vocalist-Eugenio Garañeda, lead guitarist-Javier Villanueva, rhythm guitarist-Daniel Castellanos, bassist-José A. Villanueva, and drummer-Antonio M. Chaves.
Lead vocalist-Eugenio Garañeda delivers the Metal goods with a vocal style that is second to none. Garañeda stays in full-Metal character throughout this project delivering soaring vocals not unlike that of Rob Rock while drawing comparison to vocalists like Bruce Dickinson(Iron Maiden), Roy Khan(Kamelot), and even Kai Hansen(Gamma Ray).
The guitar section is managed by lead guitarist-Javier Villanueva & rhythm guitarist-Daniel Castellanos who both play a huge part in helping to make this release successful. The guitar work is nothing short of electrifying unleashing power and heavy riffage. Guitar enthusiasts are in for a treat here because both Javier and Castellanos never let up from beginning to end delivering a wide range of fretboard diversity.
Most of the bands lyrics for 'Evilution' were taken directly from
the book of Revelation as seen in some of the following excerpts:
the book of Revelation as seen in some of the following excerpts:
"Blessed"
Blessed is the one who reads
The words of this prophecy
And blessed are those who hear
It and take to heart what is written in it
Because the time is near
"Babylon the Great"
Go pour of the seven bowls
Of God´s wrath on the earth
Sores broke out on the people who had the mark
Blood like that of a dead man
Every living thing in the sea died
"Evilution"
I have the key to the abyss
I hold the great chain
Seize the dragon
That ancient serpent
Bind him for a thousand years
Devil - Satan
Throw him - Lock him
"Signs"
Great and wondrous signs appeared in heaven
A woman clothed with the sun
An enormous red dragon
Who leads the whole world astray
His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky
"Blazing Fire Victory"
I saw heaven standing open
And there before me was a white horse
I saw justice
He judges and makes war
Whose rider is called "faithful and true"
He has a name written on him
That no-one but himself knows
Praise our God
All you his servants
You who fear him
Both small and great!
Blessed is the one who reads
The words of this prophecy
And blessed are those who hear
It and take to heart what is written in it
Because the time is near
"Babylon the Great"
Go pour of the seven bowls
Of God´s wrath on the earth
Sores broke out on the people who had the mark
Blood like that of a dead man
Every living thing in the sea died
"Evilution"
I have the key to the abyss
I hold the great chain
Seize the dragon
That ancient serpent
Bind him for a thousand years
Devil - Satan
Throw him - Lock him
"Signs"
Great and wondrous signs appeared in heaven
A woman clothed with the sun
An enormous red dragon
Who leads the whole world astray
His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky
"Blazing Fire Victory"
I saw heaven standing open
And there before me was a white horse
I saw justice
He judges and makes war
Whose rider is called "faithful and true"
He has a name written on him
That no-one but himself knows
Praise our God
All you his servants
You who fear him
Both small and great!
Shortly after the release of their 'Evilution' project, Easy Rider set out on an intense tour to promote their new album. However, in 2001 the band's frontman-Eugenio Garañeda and drummer-Antonio M. Chaves up and left the band resulting in the group having to cancel their "Evilution Tour". With a couple of vacant positionsl, the band quickly got to work to fill the void. In February of 2001 percussionist-Rafa Díaz(BARÓN ROJO) joined the band to fill the drummer position. Meanwhile the search for a new frontman was on way and in October of 2001, after a long selection period, Ron Finn(SUSPIRIA) was brought aboard to fill the lead vocalist position. Once again with a complete line-up, the band stepped into the studio to begin recording a new album. In 2002 Easy Rider released their fourth full-length studio album titled 'Regeneration' on Locomotive Records. The album was well received in the Metal realm by fans abroad and local.
Just one year later, the band surprised fans with the release of a new project. In 2003 Easy Rider announced the release of their 5th full-length studio album simply titled 'Animal' on Locomotive Records.
Just one year later, the band surprised fans with the release of a new project. In 2003 Easy Rider announced the release of their 5th full-length studio album simply titled 'Animal' on Locomotive Records.
It should be noted that 'Evilution' is the band's strongest project lyrically and the most consistent from track to track with solid faith based lyrics. However, some of their other albums have a few songs that have good lyrics as well.
Easy Rider is for fans of Power Metal bands like Iron Maiden, Kamelot, and Gamma Ray. If you are looking to add some quality Metal to your collection then look no further than Spain's very own - Easy Rider. Help support Metal music by picking up your copy of 'Evilution' today!
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Eugenio Garañeda - Lead Vocals
Javier Villanueva - Lead Guitars
Daniel Castellanos - Rhythm Guitars
José A. Villanueva - Bass
Antonio M. Chaves - Drums
Eugenio Garañeda - Lead Vocals
Javier Villanueva - Lead Guitars
Daniel Castellanos - Rhythm Guitars
José A. Villanueva - Bass
Antonio M. Chaves - Drums