Origin: Spain
Formed: 2009
Genre: Folk / Death Metal
Status: Active
Label: Helheim Records
Themes: Life, Mythology, Fantasy, Alcohol, Paganism
Drakum is one of Catalonia’s most energetic and irreverent folk/death metal bands, active since 2009 and known for their blend of melodic death metal riffing, folk instrumentation, and a playful, alcohol‑soaked sense of humor. Emerging from Sant Fost de Campsentelles and Barcelona, they quickly became a staple of the Iberian folk‑metal circuit thanks to their lively stage presence, catchy songwriting, and a thematic palette that ranges from mythology and fantasy to drinking hymns and trollish chaos.
Their first demo, Around the Oak (2011), introduced the core elements of their sound: dual guitars, violin and erhu melodies, harsh vocals, and a festive yet aggressive approach. The single version released in 2014 helped solidify the track as one of their early anthems.
The band’s breakthrough came with Torches Will Rise Again (2014), a full‑length that established Drakum as a serious force in the European folk‑metal underground. The album balanced melodic death metal heaviness with folk instrumentation and storytelling rooted in fantasy and pagan imagery. It remains one of their most celebrated works.
The Trollmin EP (2015) leaned further into the band’s humorous and troll‑themed side, while later singles such as Urashima (2019), Drunken Heroes (2020), and Trollnado (2023) showcased their ability to mix catchy folk hooks with modern metal production. Their second full‑length, Zombie Dragons from Outer Space (2020), embraced a more theatrical and tongue‑in‑cheek sci‑fi/fantasy concept, expanding their stylistic range while keeping their trademark energy intact.
Recent singles like Rock the Oak (2023) and Jennifer Anistroll (2024) show the band continuing to evolve while maintaining their playful identity. Their music remains a fusion of melodic death metal, folk instrumentation, and a celebratory spirit that has made them a favorite at festivals and live events.
Drakum’s lineup has seen changes over the years, but the core trio of Marc MartĂnez, Cristian Villanueva, and Javier Rubio has remained constant since the beginning, shaping the band’s sound and identity. Their live lineup includes additional musicians who help bring the full folk‑metal experience to the stage.
Marc MartĂnez – Guitars, Choir Vocals (2009–present)
(ex‑Degollador, ex‑FreedomiA)
Cristian Villanueva – Guitars, Choir Vocals (2009–present)
(ex‑Pollazo en la Nuca)
Javier Rubio – Violin, Erhu, Choir Vocals (2009–present)
(Northland, ex‑Trobar de Morte live)
Jose Luis Parreño – Bass, Choir Vocals (2012–2016, 2017–present)
Xavi Puiggalà – Drums (2012–present)
(Hwæder, ex‑Icestorm)
Marc Storm – Vocals (2019–present)
(Icestorm)
Live member
Búfal – Rhythm Guitars (2015–present)
(Eczema, ReDimoni, Pánico al Miedo live, ex‑Asgard, ex‑Ktulu, etc.)
Isra Ximënes – Bagpipes, Whistle (2009–2010; Drink Hunters)
Alicia EscartĂn – Bass (2009–2011)
Conrad Soler – Drums (2009–2012; ex‑IAYF)
Javi Crosas – Vocals, Mouth Harp (2009–2017; Sickoticks, Degollador, ex‑Morbid Flesh)
Paula Mykhaylychenko – Keyboards (2010–2012)
Jan Marsal – Bass (2011–2012)
Albert Orozco – Keyboards (2012–2015, 2016; ex‑From the Depth live)
Üri Bokskog – Tin Whistle, Low Whistle, Galician Pipe (2014–2017; Trobar de Morte)
Umbra Hatzler – Vocals (2017–2019; Astray Valley, ex‑Frozen Shield)
Around the Oak – Demo (2011)
Around the Oak – Single (2014)
Torches Will Rise Again – Full‑length (2014)
Trollmin – EP (2015)
Urashima – Single (2019)
Drunken Heroes – Single (2020)
Zombie Dragons from Outer Space – Full‑length (2020)
Urashima, Tales from the Heart – Single (2022)
Urashima (Sobraflow Remix) – Collaboration (2022)
Trollnado – Single (2023)
Rock the Oak – Single (2023)
Jennifer Anistroll – Single (2024)