Kraken

Kraken is a rock band founded in Medellín, Colombia, in 1983. The current lineup consists of Andrés Leiva (guitar), Ricardo Wolff (guitar), Julian Puerto (drums), Luis Alberto Ramírez (bass guitar), and Rubén Gelvez (electronic keyboards). The sound of the band is characterized by a mixture of hard rock and heavy metal. The influence of the original lead singer Elkin Ramírez, was compared by some publications to that of Freddy Mercury or Bruce Dickinson. One of the bands that influenced Ramírez' musical taste was Led Zeppelin. Another well-known influence of his was classical music, which he self-taught upon the advice of his father. Ramirez was commonly referred as "Elkin Kraken" amongst the fans.Guitarist Andrés Leiva contributed his symphonic experience to the band, gained as a student of the classical guitarist Pedro de Alcántara. Leiva has been a member of a variety of different musical projects. On December 18, 2013, the band celebrated its 30th anniversary and filmed the show for an upcoming DVD.Ramírez died from brain cancer on 29 January 2017 in Medellín. He was 54 years old.