Francis Lewis High School has a hidden gem, a Thrash-Groove metal band based in Queens, New York. The band’s aesthetic is similar to iconic 80s bands still popular today, taking inspiration from classics such as Metallica and Iron Maiden. They share the fast paced songs and usage of traditional metal elements such as speedy loud riffs and powerful choruses. The band’s name is Dracolich, composed of 3 members so far, Angel Cruz, the lead guitarist, Mateo Rafael Oldenburg, the rhythm guitarist, and John Pardini, the drummer.
“The three of us would play together the most out of everyone else,” Oldenburg explained, “and the Japanese teacher who happened to be the advisor of the club mentioned that, hey, yeah, you guys should become a band. And we were like, sure, let’s do it.”
This band was originally going to debut at the FLHS Talent Show, but the band finds themselves devoid of the opportunity to play live as the show was unexpectedly and unfortunately canceled, but the band finds themselves busy nonetheless.
“We just had our first live gig at the annual Francis Lewis Art show.” Oldenburg said. “Huge thanks to Mr. Mason for letting us set up in the courtyard and blow out everyone’s eardrums”
Pardini adds to his bandmate, “It really was a pleasure playing for everyone… It was super fun and It brought Franny’s hidden underground community of Metal heads together.”
Cruz, the final member of the trip, added his excitement for future shows.
“We hope that we could come back and play another show real soon.” Cruz said.
When they are jamming together, heavy metal music flows through the halls, its origin from the school’s music room, after all the day’s classes are over. The three musicians focus on playing their respective parts on time with each other.
“I think I speak for all of us when I say our music tastes and favorite bands go all over the place.” Cruz said, “But they’re all under the same name of heavy metal, so that’s why I think we got along so fast. I guess that’s how we actually coordinated to make music later on.”
The band members speak about how they first got affiliated with music, and how they got more attached over time.
“Personally, it would have to be my dad, ” Oldenburg said, “He was a vocalist and rhythm guitarist, which seems to be the path I’m taking in this band.”
Angel Cruz added on “I started with Latin Rock and all that good stuff. And of course, my dad influenced me and I got into thrash as well. Heavy metal, traditional metal, the British wave, you know, all of that.”
Pardini, the drummer, added his opinion of what influenced his passion for music.
“I saw my mom’s influence on me as well with goth styling and music,” Pardini said. “My dad played the drums and spent his younger years in metal bands as well, he’s the only reason we were able to get the band running so quickly. Pantera and Motorhead also massively impact my playing styles… You can’t beat fast and loud”
When asking the band how their songs were made between the three, they all pitched in by mentioning how they all contribute in various ways.
“We kind of do our own parts. If we’re talking specifically about melody and lyrics, I do most of the lyrics,” Cruz said. “I pretty much wrote most if not all the lyrics so far and I came up with a good amount of the riffs. Angel also comes in with some really good riff ideas too. Angel makes some really good improv solos too, that takes a lot of talent.”
The band members elaborated on their roles in the band and each of their specialties.
“Pardini does all the drum parts because we don’t know anything about drums,” Cruz said. “But usually he meets with Mateo to flesh it all out in the early stages, to make sure the lyrics fit and that you get the full effect of what Mateo had previously planned. We just kind of, you know, play around with it until it sounds right.”
When questioned about any previous members, Pardini was happy to oblige.
“We had a singer, Makaylah, she sang…she sang great, but she didn’t sing metal, so she kind of just left. She opened the art show with us though, and she killed it!” Cruz said
“We had a bass player for a bit, John Zuña, but he moved away so he had to leave us. We’re still looking for a bass player now actually…” Oldenburg adds on.
The band members continued to talk about songs they enjoy playing and still had in mind.
“That’s something we’ve been holding onto for a while,” Angel said. “It had different sets of lyrics, different structures, different names, but I think with some more tweaking, we could finally settle on something special.”
Cruz elaborated on some songs that the band has composed so far.
“I feel like Tempest Kiss is going to have a nice place in our hearts, like our first debut song. I don’t know, maybe in a few years it’ll be a classic,” Cruz said.
When questioned if the band was planning to go full time after high school, Angel comments; “I’m trying to survive in NYC, I don’t think so. Yeah, that’s fair. Well, I mean it’d be cool if we could.”
“It depends if like, this really sticks, I wouldn’t be opposed to it becoming something major down the line.” Oldenburg adds with a laugh.
Ultimately, the band is united by their love of music and long standing friendship with one another, aiming to create songs that the world could bang their heads to.
Oldenburg adds a final comment, stating; “You can find us around Franny, or on Instagram!” (@Dracolich_band_nyc) “This is Dracolich, and we hope to see you at our next show”
