King Kraken are a 5 piece heavy rock band from South Wales, UK. Blending influences from all corners of the rock/metal spectrum King Kraken forge their own style bringing huge slabs of monster riffage and gravel etched vocals!
From it's inception in September 2018 King Kraken have been gigging constantly anywhere and everywhere. Highlights include coming 3rd in Hard Rock Hell: Highway To Hell 10, their track 'Freak' became the most played song on HRH Radio in 2019 and securing position 19 in HRH's Top 100 of 2019. They also stomped their way into the finals of Bloodstock Metal 2the Masses in Cardiff 2019, and in one one interview named 'the discovery of the competition'. In 2020 King Kraken played to a packed out Stage 2 at HRH: Metal 4 at Birmingham 02 Academy. Through many gigs, interviews and reviews they have been compared to the likes of Clutch, Blackstone Cherry and Mastadon.
King Kraken's work ethic allows for very little downtime. With constant writing, recording and gigging King Kraken are in it for the long haul.
The Kraken is hungry! And it's feeding time!
MARK DONOGHUE - VOCALS
Cutting his teeth on the local cover circuit since the 90’s Mark has developed his own gutteral, gravel etched style of vocals. Leaning towards the heavier end of the musical spectrum his influences include Black Label Society, Rob Zombie, Metallica and too many others to mention. As well as writing music for many years he also writes horror fiction which can sometimes lend a dark edge to the lyrics of King Kraken.
PETE ROSE - RHYTHM GUITAR
Pete has been on the South Wales music scene since late 1990's and has played in predominantly high octane original bands. Writing, recording and playing live has always been his main musical release. A drive for a band with focus, fiery hooks and excitement lead him to create ‘King Kraken’. With many different influences and genres we all enjoy, a new sound has evolved.
KARL MEYER - BASS GUITAR
For the last 10 years Karl has been playing in Swansea based successful covers bands such as This River, The Shuffle and Elphies Kingdom. Karl has been playing since 1992 and he is the riffmeister of the band. Mainly influenced by the heavier side of music such as Slayer and Sepultura Karl has been involved in 4 other albums over the years and is really enjoying the new sound King Kraken have developed.
ADAM HEALEY - LEAD GUITAR
With his feet firmly planted in the rock genre Adams many influences include classic rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Santana and Spooky Tooth up to more modern day artists such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Van Halen. He has enjoyed success with a number of bands notably Ataraxis Vibration and Pilgrim. Adams unique style perfectly compliments the heavy sound of King Kraken with warmth, texture and precision.
RICHARD MEARS - DRUMS
Playing drums from the tender age 14, Richard honed his skills on the local circuit with originals and cover bands. His influences range from Pantera and Slayer to Clutch and CCR. Richard eventually hit the international stage with original bands such as Iron Beard, Never Ending Suicide and The Boom Sons to now a permanent fixture as the drummer of King Kraken.
