Axatak
Band members
- Final line-up
- John McCulloch (vocals, guitar) (1983-88)
- Mark Trask (vocals, drums) (1986-88)
- Pete Denero (vocals, guitar) (1984-88)
- Andy Zouman (vocals, bass) (1983-88)
- Former members
- Don Hailes (drums) (1983-86)
- Yuri Linzew (guitar) (1983-84)
Formed
Melbourne, VIC, 1983
Band information
Formed in 1983 out of one of Melbourne's first Kiss tribute bands Kiss Klones, Axatak were a key part of Melbourne's early heavy metal scene. Bearing a heavy Kiss influence and striking leather-clad shock rock image that recalled the early Los Angeles glam metal scene, they managed to attain some mainstream attention.
In 1984 original guitarist Yuri Linzew, who would later join Bengal Tigers, was replaced with Pete Denero and the band released their debut album "Shock Rock" on Aussie Records. In 1985, Axatak released a self-titled EP, and gained themselves notable prime time television appearances including performances of "Shock Rock" on Hey Hey It's Saturday and "Rockin' Tonight" on Star Search.
In 1986 drummer Don Hailes was replaced with Mark Trask. Axatak eventually split up in 1988.
After Axatak split, bassist Andy Zouman formed a new band called China Blue, a short-lived project which became derailed as he became a reborn Christian. He produced a one hour video titled "The Mermaids, The Mysteries of Music (Satanism in Rock Music)" which features live footage of Axatak. Andy Zouman died of cancer in 1993.
In recent years, guitarist Pete Denero (now as Pete Stark) returned to Melbourne's live scene with a new hard rock outfit called Dark Stanley.
Discography
Albums:
| 1984 | Shock Rock | Aussie Records |
EPs:
| 1985 | Axatak | Crunch |
