Varkan

Hailing from the Arizona desert, Varkan combines elements of NWOBHM, thrash, and extreme metal to create hard-hitting, melodic, and technical power metal. The Phoenix power-thrashers deliver theatrical, high-energy performances that hearken back to the glory days of heavy metal.

Varkan was formed in 2014 by lead singer/guitarist Alec Damiano and drummer Michael Rodriguez. The band released the demo “Back to the Butcher” in 2015. The following year, guitarist Dominic Scarano and bassist Salvador Barragan joined the fold, and the “Filthy Human Race” demo was released.

In 2019, the band independently released their debut album, Varkan. The self-titled effort, mastered by Fredrik Nordstrom, garnered the band an international audience, including a direct distribution deal in Japan. The year ended with the band opening for Grammy nominees and thrash legends Death Angel, where Varkan’s “Butcher” mascot was introduced in a live setting.

The band competed in the Phoenix edition of the 2020 Wacken Metal Battle and won first place. With live shows brought to a halt that summer, the band hit the studio and recorded two new tracks, “Butcher” and “Fire & Blood”.

Varkan signed to Metal Assault Records in 2021. The band is in the process of writing their sophomore album and seeks to set the metal world on fire with their catchy, but nonetheless heavy, fist-pumping tunes.