ABOUT DRAKKAR Founded in Belgium in 1983, Drakkar emerged as one of the country's pioneering speed/heavy metal bands. Although formed in the early '80s, the band recorded its first demo in 1987 under the artistic direction of Rudy Lenners, former drummer of Scorpions. Their debut album, X-RATED, followed in 1988 after signing with New Musidisc in Paris. The record received strong critical acclaim and quickly established Drakkar on the European metal scene. The band went on to share the stage with legendary acts including Queensrÿche, Metallica, Overkill, and Slayer. In 1999, they returned with a five-track EP. Following a period of inactivity, Drakkar reunited in 2011 with a refreshed lineup. In 2012, X-RATED was remastered and reissued with two newly recorded bonus tracks produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), alongside a newly recorded version of "Alone" and its accompanying music video. Original vocalist Fab "Leni" Vanbellinghen rejoined the band in 2013. In 2014, Drakkar recorded Once Upon a Time in Hell, featuring Jonas Sanders (Pro-Pain) on drums. The album was followed by more than 80 performances across Europe, including shows with Tokyo Blade, Tyson Dog, Lizzy Borden, and Tygers of Pan Tang, as well as an appearance at Belgium's renowned Power, Prog & Metal Festival. The live album Once Upon a Time Hellive arrived in 2016. Shortly afterward, the band suffered the devastating loss of founding member Thierry Del Cane. Determined to honor his legacy, Drakkar chose to continue. A new chapter began with Adrien Delgambe joining on drums and Jesus taking over bass duties, leading to the creation of Diabolical Empathy. Extensive touring followed throughout Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, including notable performances supporting Tank and Raven. In August 2021, Drakkar performed at Belgium's prestigious Alcatraz Festival. Between 2022 and 2025, the band continued writing and releasing new material while refining its lineup. In early 2026, original vocalist Leni returned, founding bassist Guy Duvy rejoined the band, and Drakkar signed with Wormholedeath Records for the release of their latest album, Invasion. Now entering a new chapter, Drakkar combines more than four decades of heavy metal history with renewed energy, delivering classic speed/heavy metal with powerful riffs, memorable hooks, and an uncompromising live performance. |
