Stravaganzza

Stravaganzza

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2004
Headquarters	Madrid , Spain
Products	Music albums, EPs

Stravaganzza is a metal ensemble originating from Madrid, Spain, established in 2004. Their discography includes four studio albums and one EP, characterized by a fusion of gothic, death, doom, and black metal styles, enriched with symphonic and progressive/power metal influences.

History

The origins of Stravaganzza date back to 1993 with the formation of Krysálida by guitarist Pepe Herrero and vocalist Leo Jiménez, later joined by drummer Patricio Babasasa. Krysálida incorporated orchestral elements such as violin and keyboards, crafting a sophisticated sound that was innovative for its era but resulted in modest commercial achievement and eventual disbandment.

After Krysálida's dissolution, Leo created Azabel alongside Patricio Babasasa and bassist Edu Fernández, shifting towards a harsher death metal approach. It was during this phase that the concept of covering Mecano's "Hijo de la luna" was conceived—an idea Stravaganzza would bring to fruition ten years later. Azabel ended when Leo became part of the well-known heavy metal group Saratoga, where he gained prominence over an eight-year tenure. Concurrently, Pepe Herrero launched Eklectika in 2000, composing material that would later be featured on Stravaganzza's inaugural album.

By late 2002, Alejandro Briceño (drums), Edu Fernández, Pepe Herrero, and Leo Jiménez formed a band initially called Dyosh, with guitarist Paco Cinta joining them. They started performing Eklectika compositions but soon aspired to establish a more serious project aimed at enriching the national metal scene. Following the exit of Briceño and Cinta, Dani Pérez—then drummer for Saratoga—joined, solidifying Stravaganzza's official lineup.

Their first album, Primer Acto (2004), released through Avispa, received widespread critical praise and earned them the "revelation band of the year" accolade. To authentically reproduce the album’s orchestral arrangements live, keyboardist Fernando Martín and violinist Roberto Jabonero were added; Jabonero was subsequently succeeded by Rodrigo Calderón. Their live debut occurred at Viña Rock 2004, garnering enthusiastic audience response.

In 2005, Stravaganzza unveiled their sophomore album, Sentimientos, produced by the late Big Simon. This more refined release explored distinct emotional themes per track and broadened their international exposure, including an invitation to Berlin's Popkomm festival. That same year they returned to Viña Rock festival, presenting their highly praised rendition of "Hijo de la luna" along with their first music video for "Miedo."

The 2006 EP Hijo del miedo, again produced by Big Simon, featured their successful cover of "Hijo de la luna", which topped the Afive sales chart. Nevertheless, lineup shifts followed as Edu Fernández and Dani Pérez left due to conflicts with their label. Quickly responding to this change, Leo Jiménez and Pepe Herrero brought in Patricio Babasasa (bass) and Carlos Expósito (drums), reinvigorating the group with musicians aligned with Stravaganzza’s artistic direction.

Current members

• Leo Jiménez - lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2003-2010, 2017–present)
• Pepe Herrero - lead guitar, keyboards (2003-2010, 2017–present)
• Carlos Expósito - drums (2006-2010, 2017–present)
• Patricio Babasasa - bass (2006-2010, 2017–present)

Former members

• Dani Pérez – drums (2003–2006)
• Edu Fernández – bass guitar (2003–2006)

Touring members

• Fernando Martín – keyboards (2004–2010)
• Roberto Jabonero – violin (2004)
• Rodrigo Calderón – violin (2005–2010)
• Aroa Martín – backing vocals (2007–2010)
• Andrés "Andy" Cobos – drums (2009)

Timeline

Discography

• Primer Acto (2004)
• Segundo Acto: Sentimientos (2005)
• Hijo del Miedo (EP) (2006)
• Tercer Acto: Réquiem (2007)
• Raices (2010)

External links

• Official website