Shakra

Shakra came together in Switzerland during 1997 as a determined melodic hard rock and heavy metal outfit. By the close of the decade the group had already weathered several personnel shifts, one of which involved replacing the singer just as wider notice began to build, yet the band pressed onward across more than twenty years. Their self-titled debut arrived in 1998, followed the next year by Moving Force; both records proved sturdy enough to secure opening slots alongside Great White and Uriah Heep. Momentum increased with the 2001 release Power Ride, which gained traction across Western Europe, only for vocalist Pete Wiedmer to step away because of health concerns.

Mark Fox took over the microphone, and Shakra issued Rising in 2003. The album charted in Germany and Switzerland, prompting extensive touring. After numerous concerts and shared bills with Hammerfall and Stratovarius, the band delivered Infected in 2007 and the hard-hitting Everest in 2009. Everest proved to be Fox’s final recording with the group; John Prakesh replaced him soon afterward. Prakesh made his first studio appearance on Back on Track in 2011 and remained through Powerplay in 2013 before departing the following year.

Fox returned to front the band for its tenth album, High Noon, released in 2010, then continued on Snakes & Ladders in 2017 and Mad World in 2020. Across these and many other well-received efforts, Shakra maintained a sound built on blazing riffs, fist-pumping melodies, crisp production, and an unmistakable sense of attitude.