Angelus Apatrida were born out of the merging of two local Albacete bands in 2000. After a few squabbles about what musical direction to follow, by 2002 the band decided to go full throttle down the thrash metal avenue, changed its sound and image, and established its definitive lineup of Guillermo Izquierdo (guitar, vocals), David G. Álvarez (guitar), José J. Izquierdo (bass), and Víctor Valera (drums). After two independently released albums that, paired with their scorching live act, started to make waves in the metal circuit, Angelus Apatrida's big break came in 2009, when they landed a contract with prominent metal label Century Media Records, and released the critically acclaimed Clockwork. This Daniel Cardoso-produced album earned the band several end-of-year accolades, and prompted fans and the specialized press to regard them as the next big thing in European thrash metal. Hectic touring in festivals across Europe followed, including supporting gigs for the likes of Slayer and Megadeth. Clockwork's successor, The Call, appeared in 2012. ~ Mariano Prunes