Décima Víctima

Décima Víctima
Décima Víctima
Background information
Origin	Madrid, Spain
Genres	Post-punk
Years active	1981-1984
Labels	Grabaciones Accidentales, DRO, Munster Records
Past members	Carlos Entrena; Lars Mertanen; Per Mertanen; José Brena
Website	www.decimavictima.com

Decima Victima (English: Tenth Victim) was a band formed by two Swedes and two Spaniards. During their short career between 1981 and 1984 they released two LPs, a maxisingle, two EPs and three singles.

History edit

Early years edit

In 1981, brothers Lars and Per Mertanen formed the instrumental duo Cláusula Tenebrosa. After a show they started talking about the possibility of rehearsing with Carlos Entrena, a friend at the time and ex-singer of the recently split Ejecutivos Agresivos.

In 1981, with some friends, they started the independent label Grabaciones Accidentales (GASA), so they could release their own records.

Quartet edit

In 1982, they decided to replace the drum machine by real drums and Jose Brena joined the band.

'Tan Lejos' was so well received by the radio that months later Décima Víctima won The Maqueta de Oro (Golden Demo), an award voted by the listeners of Radio 3 (Radio Nacional de España, Spain's National Public Broadcaster), as one of the favourite tracks of 1982.

The sound, in spite of being played with only three instruments and voice, was as enveloping live as it was on record, thanks to the Mertanen Brothers' personal way of playing and to having, most of the times, Paco Trinidad as their sound engineer.

Most of their live shows were in Madrid, but they also played in Barcelona, Vigo, Valencia, Puertollano and Molina de Aragón.

The End edit

The band ended mainly for work reasons beyond their control. There were no musical or personal differences. They always were, above all, very good friends.

Their last show was at Madrid's Rock-Ola on December 3, 1983.

In the winter of 1983 Décima Víctima recorded live, on a 4-track, a demo for their second Lp, 'Un Hombre Solo'. A few months later, already disbanded, they recorded it in the studio.

Discography edit

Studio albums

1982: Décima Víctima LP
1984: Un Hombre Solo LP

Maxis, EPs and singles

Compilation albums

1994: Resumen CD
2010: Décima Víctima Box Set which includes their two LPs, an LP with the singles and demos and a booklet with the group's history, rare photos and lyrics.

Band members edit

Carlos Entrena (Vocals)
Lars Mertanen (Guitar)
Per Mertanen (Bass)
José Brena (Drums)