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)
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)
by Gregk. October 23, 2006
The Mars Volta is an eargasm addiction, give me my daily fix of vitamins T-M-V now!
Everything else just sounds so...boring
Everything else just sounds so...boring
by jboi May 3, 2007
Prog-like band which fuses prog, blues, a bit of jazz, and of course, internal headphone gravy. Some despise them. Some bow to them. All and all, a great band regardless.
by Rie November 11, 2003
A band that originated in Texas from post-punk At the Drive In, (also a great band), and decided to reform to develop numerous concept albums. The first, being De-Loused in the Comatorium (the story of a past band member Julio Venegas who commited suicide), is a masterpiece, blending Latin roots (some members are hispanic), trademark post-punk rock riffs, jazzy interludes, progressive and experimental synthesization and much more to create a deep, emotion-filled record. Their recent release, Frances the Mute, is just as legendary, yet focuses more on the song length and digital paraphernalia rather than conventional song-structure. And for the Mars Volta, this is definetely a good thing.
The Mars Volta are indeed a special group of musicians. Their cd booklets are strewn with philosophical and aesthetically stimulating images and words, fueling their contemplative sound. They cross many boundaries and break the barrier between conformity and musical subconsciousness. They are madly orginal and insanely creative.
by stray March 6, 2005
Prog band from Texas. Mixes alot of Salsa, and Jazz with there straight foward prog-rock. Amazing lyrics, will blow your mind. Your ears will orgasm to Omars wicked guitar while you listen to Cedrics voice.
"Frances the Mute is one bad ass song." (Notice I said song, not album
"Frances the Mute is one bad ass album"
"De-Loused is better than Frances the Mute album."
"Frances the Mute is one bad ass album"
"De-Loused is better than Frances the Mute album."
by calvinownsj00 May 26, 2005
The best and most original band in the world. This band does not fall under any category of music. They are their own stuff. The music they make is so fucking crazy it makes you want to jiz your pants. After the break up of the band At the Drive-in, mars volta was born. And what a wonderful thing that was.
by Justin Merk January 20, 2004
the name "mars volta" in every language mean by far the most amazing band ever. so amazing they are their own genre. even more amazing that no other band ever could fit in the mars volta genre.
by Xephon April 14, 2004