Xendra

Venezuelan heavy metal outfit Xendra first took shape under the earlier monikers “Iron Clad,” “Shadows in the Night,” and “Lemuria” before settling on its present, mystical designation. Guitarist Carlos Chacón and bassist Juan Carlo Zaccaro laid the foundation, after which drummer Alexis Chacón, guitarist Félix Deseda, and vocalist Suheidy Medina completed the lineup of what was then considered a Latin rock act. The group made its live debut in 1994. Shortly thereafter, ex-Karma guitarist Federico Cappocci came aboard for a brief stint. With Manuel Mejias installed as lead singer, the band committed its first EP to tape.