The Mars Volta are an American progressive rock band formed in El Paso, Texas in 2001 by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and Cedric Bixler-Zavala after At the Drive-In dissolved — suite-like compositions, Latin rhythms, and surreal lyrics. De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003) is the universal starting point. Browse The Mars Volta vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Mars Volta formed in El Paso, Texas in 2001, founded by guitarist and primary composer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and vocalist Cedric Bixler-Zavala after the dissolution of their influential post-hardcore band At the Drive-In. The duo has anchored the band through numerous collaborators. Following a hiatus in the 2010s, the band reunited and resumed recording and touring.
The Mars Volta play progressive rock that incorporates post-hardcore intensity, Latin and salsa rhythms, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and electronics. Their music is known for elaborate, suite-like compositions, abstract and surreal concepts and lyrics, and Bixler-Zavala's high, expressive vocals. They are widely cited as a leading force in 2000s progressive and experimental rock.
The band's catalog, including De-Loused in the Comatorium and Frances the Mute, has appeared in reissues and colored-vinyl variants, and a comprehensive vinyl box set has gathered their work. Original pressings are collected by progressive-rock fans.
Listeners new to The Mars Volta almost always start with De-Loused in the Comatorium (2003). For related listening, see and.
