How to Hire The MARS VOLTA For Your Event!
BOOKING FEE (booking price, booking cost).
Members:
Omar Rodríguez-López, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, Eva Gardner, Marcel Rodríguez-López, Leo Genovese, Linda-Philomène Tsoungui
Based in: the U.S.
Hire: The Mars Volta
The Mars Volta is an American progressive rock band formed in 2001 by guitarist Omar Rodríguez-López and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala after the breakup of their previous band, At the Drive-In. Known for their intense, experimental sound and concept-driven albums, The Mars Volta gained widespread acclaim for pushing the boundaries of rock music.
Formation and Early Years (2001–2002)
After At the Drive-In disbanded in 2001, Rodríguez-López and Bixler-Zavala wanted to explore new musical directions. The Mars Volta’s sound was a blend of progressive rock, jazz fusion, psychedelic rock, and Latin rhythms, setting them apart from the post-hardcore roots of their previous band.
Their first release, the Tremulant EP in 2002, introduced their signature style—long, complex song structures, cryptic lyrics, and influences ranging from progressive rock giants like King Crimson to jazz and Latin music.
De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003)
The Mars Volta’s debut album, De-Loused in the Comatorium, was released in 2003 and produced by Rick Rubin. A concept album, it told the semi-autobiographical story of the character “Cerpin Taxt,” who attempts suicide and travels through a dreamlike coma world. The album was well-received and showcased the band’s highly intricate and energetic sound.
Despite some lineup changes, De-Loused in the Comatorium became a critical and commercial success, cementing the band’s reputation as one of the most innovative acts of the 2000s. Notable singles include “Inertiatic ESP” and “Televators.”
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Frances the Mute (2005)
The band’s second album, Frances the Mute, was even more ambitious. It was inspired by a diary found by the late Jeremy Ward, a band member and friend. The album focused on themes of identity, loss, and family. With its extended compositions and a 32-minute closing track, “Cassandra Gemini,” the album pushed the boundaries of commercial rock music. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, signaling their growing popularity despite its experimental nature.
Further Exploration and Growth (2006–2010)
The Mars Volta continued to evolve with each release:
- Amputechture (2006) saw the band eschewing a central narrative while still maintaining complex structures and experimental instrumentation.
- The Bedlam in Goliath (2008) drew on themes of mysticism and the supernatural. It was partly inspired by a Ouija board experience that Rodríguez-López and Bixler-Zavala had, resulting in a darker, heavier sound. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts.
- Octahedron (2009) marked a departure from the frenetic energy of their previous albums, offering a more melodic and accessible sound. The album was described as their “acoustic” record, although it still contained the complexity for which they were known.
Hiatus and Breakup (2012–2013)
In 2012, after the release of their sixth album, Noctourniquet, Rodríguez-López announced that The Mars Volta was on hiatus. Noctourniquet represented a shift towards more electronic sounds and further diversification of their musical style.
In January 2013, Bixler-Zavala announced his departure from the band, effectively signaling the breakup of The Mars Volta. This came after increasing tensions between the band members, particularly regarding the direction of the group.
Return and Reformation (2022)
In 2022, after nearly a decade of inactivity, The Mars Volta announced their return with new music and tours. Their self-titled album The Mars Volta was released in September 2022. The album signaled a notable departure from their earlier complex and experimental sound, moving toward a more concise and melodic approach, reflecting the band’s evolution and willingness to explore new territory.
Legacy and Influence
The Mars Volta has had a profound impact on modern progressive rock, influencing a wide range of genres including post-hardcore, progressive metal, and experimental rock. Their live performances were particularly notable for their improvisational nature, and they became renowned for their intense and often unpredictable shows.
Their blend of musical styles, willingness to experiment, and ambitious storytelling have made them one of the most influential bands of the 2000s, revered both for their technical prowess and their boundary-pushing approach to rock music.
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