Two individuals,
Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, from El Paso, Texas. The band originally formed after their Post-
Hardcore band, At The Drive-In, went on an "indefinite hiatus".
Their
music is often classified as progressive
rock, with heavy punk, jazz and Latin influences. They are known for their wild, energetic, and highly improvised live shows, cryptic lyrics, and use of ambient
music to help establish mood.
The Mars Volta is not the entire band. It is only
Cedric & Omar. Omar writes, arranges, records and produces all of their
music. Cedric writes all of the lyrics. The
music is then performed by what Cedric & Omar call "The Mars Volta Group". This includes
Isaiah Ikey Owens on Keyboards, Deantoni Parks on Drums, Juan Alderete de la Peña on Bass, Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez on Percussion & Synthesizers, Adrian Terrazas-Gonzales on Flute, Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet and additional wind & percussion instruments (2004 in studio, 2005 in show - Current) Pablo Hinojos-Gonzalez on Guitar & Sound Manipulation.
The Mars Volta have released the following CDs:
Studio Albums:
- De-Loused In The Comatorium (2003)
- Frances The Mute (2005)
- Amputechture (2006)
EPs:
- Tremulant EP (2002)
Live:
- Live (2003)
- Scabdates (2005)
Compilations:
- A Missing Chromosome (2005) (Distributed Only To Radio Stations)