Federico Ágreda

This artist uses Zardonic as one of his stage names. You may be looking for the word Sardonic.'
This name uses Spanish naming customs: the first or paternal family name is Ágreda and the second or maternal family name is Álvarez.
Federico Ágreda (Zardonic)

Zardonic mask
Background information
Birth name Federico Augusto Ágreda Álvarez
Also known as Zardonic
Triangular Ascension
Klipp
Gorepriest
Born 22 October 1985
Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela
Genres Drum and Bass
Industrial
Dubstep
Electro
Metal
Occupation(s) DJ, Record Producer, Composer, Remixer
Instruments Synthesizer
Years active 2004–present
Labels E1 Music
OWSLA
Human Imprint
Freak Recordings
Website Zardonic.net

Federico Augusto Ágreda Álvarez, best known as Zardonic, is a Venezuelan keyboardist, DJ, composer, producer and remixer primarily known for his heavy electronic dance music, dubbed as Venezuela's top DJ act[1] and one of the Top 10 best DJ masks in the world,[2][3] with releases peaking at #1 in Beatport's Drum & Bass releases of the week and Amazon's Hard Rock & Metal Bestsellers.[4] He is also featured in the game Warlocks Vs Shadows, making him the first Latin American musician to be ever featured as a playable character in a video game.[5]

Since 2004, his tour history includes headlining events in 35 countries including his native Venezuela as well as Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, United States, Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Estonia, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and Japan.[6][7][8][9]

Some of his known tracks include "Bring Back The Glory", his remix of Semargl's "Credo Revolution" and his remix of The Unguided's "Phoenix Down".

Biography

Early career (2004–2005)

Federico's first tracks as Zardonic were composed in 2004 and 2005, respectively in the albums Subsonic Stigmata and Red Phasing, made available through VeNet Music Development, a netlabel which released most of his early works.[10] His remix of Impaled's track Gutless was also freely released this year on the band's website.[11]

First international events and worldwide releases (2006–2008)

In 2006 Zardonic's first tracks were released through Death Brigade Records in 12" vinyl format, becoming the first Venezuelan drum and bass producer to release a single in an international imprint.[12] Later this year, he also founded Zardonic Recordings, an independent drum and bass netlabel.[13] His remix of Avulsed's track Stabwound Orgasm was included on their compilation album entitled Reanimations[14] and a remix of Gorgoroth's track Procreating Satan was freely released through the band's website.[15]

In 2007 he was booked for his first international event in Mexico on the 19th of May.[16] Months later AK1200, pioneer of the American Drum & Bass scene, selected Zardonic's Moonlight Ceremony for his Weapons of Tomorrow mixed compilation CD.[17] Soon after, his tunes earned the support of international performers such as Dieselboy, Pendulum and John B.[18]

In 2008, his remix of The Berzerker's Caught In The Crossfire was featured on the Digipak edition of the band's album The Reawakening.[19] In December, he was featured in the Venezuela Electrónica Vol. 3 compilation, sponsored by Venezuelan wireless telecommunications company Digitel GSM and Motorola, by selling the new MOTOROKR EM30 mobile phone model together with a microSD card including all the tracks.[20]

Policia, Human Imprint, European Tour (2009–2011)

2009 marked the release of his track Policia, featuring James Messinian on vocals, through American label Cymbalism Recordings,[21] becoming his first worldwide dancefloor hit, played by globetrotters like Andy C and DJ Hype.[22] Soon after, Big Riddim Recordings released Zardonic's remix of AK1200's classic Junior's Tune,.[23] In a Dieselboy interview for Broken Beats on May 8, Zardonic was named as one of the five outstanding artists in Drum & Bass at the time.[24]

In 2010, Zardonic toured Europe compiling a total of 12 gigs in Spain, Austria, Romania and Bulgaria.[25] Shortly after, his studio mix Retaliation was released on drum and bass web site Dogsonacid.com paired with an in-depth interview.[26] The first Human Imprint release also happened this year, entitled South Of Human EP.[27] Later on, he headlined two Therapy Sessions events in Ecuador[28] and Argentina,[29] as well as more gigs in Colombia[30] and Venezuela.

In 2011, his track "Scream!" was picked as part of the Trackitdown.Net One For The Weekend – 15th July 2011–50 Of The Biggest Recommendations For Your Mix bundle, together with tracks from artists like Paul Oakenfold, Lazy Rich, Darth & Vader, Teebee, Scott Brown, and many more.[31] The social networking website VampireFreaks.com released a free compilation with a total of 36 rare tracks by various artists including KMFDM, Suicide Commando and Left Spine Down, as well as Zardonic's mix of the track "Ready Or Not" by the latter.[32]

Vulgar Display Of Bass, Revolution and stage show costume (2012)

In 2012, Zardonic announced the release of a Full Length collaboration album entitled Vulgar Display Of Bass on March 26 through Big Riddim Recordings, paired with a European tour for April and May. Highly acclaimed upon release, the album reached #1 on the Top Drum & Bass releases on leading online music store Beatport.[33] An official video for the opening track Revolution was produced and made public through video hosting network YouTube on April 10.[34] The video consisted of a collage of crowd-based footage showing their country flags, with a total of 46 countries participating.[35][36]

The artist also revealed a new set of pictures wearing a mask based on the Zardonic logo, as a part of his stage show to be seen on Dimmu Borgir's concert in Caracas as the opening act for the band.[37][38] Four of his new tracks were included again on Dieselboy's new mixtape for the year entitled Wake The Dead[39] and a new collaboration track with UK dubstep duo Bare Noize was included on a compilation album to be released in March 13 by OWSLA, a label helmed by the 3-time grammy winner Skrillex.[40]

Later in the year, Zardonic celebrated his Latin American Tour 2012 with 26 stops in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Brasil, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico,[41] as well as headlining the Halloween Revolution event held in Tokyo, Japan.[42]

Far Beyond Bass – The Vulgar Remixes (2013)

A remix album to the original Vulgar Display Of Bass was released in June 17, including a total of 12 reworks by Eye-D, Counterstrike, ANiMAL-MUSiC, Raptus, Neonlight, Black Sun Empire, State Of Mind, Angel, Gancher & Ruin, C-Netik & Fragz, Hectic Mau, Delta 9, Fiend and Hecq.[43][44] New shows were celebrated in Belgium, Austria, Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador;[45] followed by the announcement of the Europa Beyond Bass Tour 2013 with 18 stops in Portugal, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Italy and Russia.[46]

10th Anniversary, For Justice (2014)

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, an exclusive mix was released via YourEDM.com paired with an in-depth interview.[47]

In March 25 his electro remix of the Main Theme of the XBOX / PS4 game Strike Suit Zero, featuring Japanese Pop Star KOKIA, was released as part of a compilation of remixes of tracks from the game as originally produced by award-winning sound designer and composer Paul Ruskay.[48]

In May 13, Zardonic is endorsed by Image-Line and joins the FL Studio power user family.[49]

Later on, an exclusive record deal was signed with eOne Music for the new single "For Justice", released in December.[50] The single was reviewed as "a single that not only blends the best of both worlds, but does it in a highly polished and flawlessly produced way" by Intravenous Magazine[51] and "a track that deserves the repeat button for a never-ending roller coaster night ride" by 24OurMusic.[52] "For Justice" premiered on National U.S. radio on Amber Lynn's Talk Show Rock N Sexxxy Uncensored during a feature show together with Ron Jeremy.[53]

Bring It On, Europe Tour, Warlocks vs Shadows and Antihero (2015)

The Bring It On single is chosen as the main track in World Series Of Fighting on NBC Sports Network and is later released by eOne Music.[54]

Between April and July, Zardonic tours Europe with 20 stops in Portugal, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland and Romania.[55] As a result of a collaboration with polish company One More Level, Zardonic appears as a playable character in the Warlocks vs Shadows game for which he created his own sound effects and contributed with the tracks Kickass and Sideshow Symphony, taken from the album Vulgar Display Of Bass.[56]

The new album Antihero is released on E1 Music on September 18th, 2015, totaling a compilation of 26 tracks including 11 original mixes, 6 instrumental mixes and 9 remixes spanning all styles and different EDM genres.[57] Antihero peaked at #4 in Tower Records Japan Hard & Heavy chart and #5 in the Western chart.[58]

Origins and evolution of the Zardonic mask

According to many interviews, the mask is based off the Zardonic logo which is based off Agreda's face. Several times, he has declared the mask began as a marketing strategy and later became "something different" or "something else", referring to the personal impact the mask has had in his life. In another interview, he stated the mask became "an extremely powerful channel to spread any kind of message", and that it was created in Yaritagua, Venezuela.[59][60][61][62]

Discography (incomplete)

as Zardonic

as Sol Nocturno

as Triangular Ascension

as Blackholepit

as Intimus Universum

as Gorepriest

See also

References

  1. ↑ "QUEHAY2NIGHT.COM CARACAS". Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  2. ↑ "TOP DJ: le 10 migliori maschere al mondo". Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  3. ↑ "TOP 13 COOLEST DJ MASKS". Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  4. ↑ "Power Users List – Zardonic (Federico Agreda)". Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "Zardonic Makes Video Game Debut". Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  6. ↑ "Zardonic comienza gira latinoamericana". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  7. ↑ "Cresta Metálica Producciones – Zardonic de Latinoamérica a Japón !! !". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  8. ↑ "Zardonic anuncia tour por Europa en marzo". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  9. ↑ "Hellhound Music Zardonic tours Europe, releases new EP and gives away 3 tracks". Retrieved 29 October 2013.
  10. ↑ "Gore Priest Discography". Dargothar.com. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  11. ↑ "Gutless a la DJ Zardonic". Impaled on MySpace. Retrieved 10 March 2011.
  12. ↑ "Subsonik Sound Recordings". Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  13. ↑ "Zardonic Releases Rare Grooves 3". Knowledge Magazine. February 15, 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  14. ↑ "Avulsed – Reanimations (CD) at Discogs". Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  15. ↑ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET – GORGOROTH Begin Recording Vocals For New Album". Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  16. ↑ "Zardonic (Venezuela) 19 May 2007". Drumandbass.com.mx. May 23, 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  17. ↑ "AK1200 – Weapons Of Tomorrow (CD) at Discogs". Discogs. October 23, 2007. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  18. ↑ "ORDER IN KAOS DIGITAL". Order In Kaos. November 29, 2010. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  19. ↑ "Berzerker, The – The Reawakening (CD, Album) at Discogs". Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  20. ↑ "Venezuela Electrónica Vol. 3". Diverso Magazine. December 3, 2008. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  21. ↑ "DJ Zardonic edita el sencillo Policia". Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  22. ↑ "Melting Pot Records – Artista – Musikaze.com". Melting Pot Records. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  23. ↑ "Juniors Tune (Remixes) at Juno Records". Juno.co.uk. November 9, 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  24. ↑ "Interview with The Upbeats and Dieselboy". Broken Beats. August 5, 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  25. ↑ "Raid Over Europa Tour". Dropdread. February 22, 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  26. ↑ "DOGS ON ACID AND ZARDONIC PRESENT RETALIATION". Dogs On Acid. May 24, 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  27. ↑ "South Of Human EP at Juno Records". Juno.co.uk. August 16, 2010. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  28. ↑ "THERAPY SESSIONS ECUADOR: THE DARK SIDE OF DRUM & BASS". Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  29. ↑ "18 de Diciembre – THERAPY SESSIONS ARGENTINA". Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  30. ↑ "ZARDONIC(RAVE)/CHITE(ROCK) @ UNIAPEL". Retrieved 27 February 2011.
  31. ↑ "One For The Weekend – 15th July 2011–50 Of The Biggest Recommendations For Your Mix". Retrieved 17 July 2011.
  32. ↑ "VampireFreaks.com – Download Cry For Death Volume One (Industrial / Electro Edition)". Retrieved 20 August 2011.
  33. ↑ "Zardonic Releases "Revolution" Official Video"". Retrieved 13 April 2012.
  34. ↑ "Revolution (OFFICIAL VIDEO) by Zardonic, Counterstrike, Gein & Robyn Chaos". Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  35. ↑ "UNETE A LA REVOLUTION!". Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  36. ↑ "JOIN THE REVOLUTION". Retrieved 10 April 2012.
  37. ↑ "Conciertos Metal – Zardonic (One Man Project) designedo para aperturar el concierto de Dimmu Borgir en Venezuela". Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  38. ↑ "Conciertos Metal – Entrevista Exclusiva a Federico Agreda". Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  39. ↑ "rockthedub: Dieselboy – Wake The Dead". Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  40. ↑ "OWSLA Presents – Free Treats Vol. 2". Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  41. ↑ "Zardonic comienza gira latinoamericana". Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  42. ↑ "Halloween Revolution Japan". Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  43. ↑ "Zardonic "Far Beyond Bass – The Vulgar Remixes" album review". Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  44. ↑ "Zardonic: 'Far Beyond Bass – The Vulgar Remixes' – CD Review". Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  45. ↑ "La Prensa Grafica – Detras de la mascara de Zardonic". Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  46. ↑ "Prensa de Hoy. Venezuela. Video". Retrieved 7 October 2013.
  47. ↑ "Your EDM Interview: Zardonic Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary With 99 Minute Mix". Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  48. ↑ "ZARDONIC GOES ELECTRO FOR XBOX and PS4". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  49. ↑ "Power Users List – Zardonic (Federico Agreda)". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  50. ↑ "ENTERTAINMENT ONE SIGNS ZARDONIC". Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  51. ↑ "Review: Zardonic - "For Justice"". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  52. ↑ "Zardonic's Latest Track Fights For Justice". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  53. ↑ "LA Talk Radio Amber Lynn Rock N Sexxxy Uncensored". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  54. ↑ "Venezuelan Electronic Metal Mastermind ZARDONIC Challenges NBC’s MMA World Series of Fighting To "Bring It On"". Retrieved 28 Jul 2015.
  55. ↑ "Zardonic 2015 Europe Tour Dates". Retrieved 28 Jul 2015.
  56. ↑ "Heavy electronic dance music DJ Zardonic to become a new hero in Warlocks vs. Shadows". Retrieved 28 Jul 2015.
  57. ↑ "Your EDM Interview: Zardonic Reveals New Album + Single". Retrieved 17 Aug 2015.
  58. ↑ "Zardonic Joins Dream Theater, Megadeth, Conquer Divide, and Fleshgod Apocalypse on Tower Records Japan Top 5 Hard & Heavy Chart". Retrieved 15 Mar 2016.
  59. ↑ "INTERVIEW: ZARDONIC". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  60. ↑ "Interview with Venezuelan musician / DJ / Producer Zardonic". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  61. ↑ "Your EDM Interview: Zardonic". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.
  62. ↑ "Exclusive Interview with Zardonic – 24OurMusic". Retrieved 3 Jun 2015.

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