For a free preview of Azlan Rising's new EP, listen here at YouTube Music: Azlan Rising 

Or, if you use Apple devices, our new EP is also on Apple Music. ‎

The founding, current, and only active members of Azlan Rising are brothers, Shawn LaRock and Eric LaRock. Prior to Azlan Rising, the LaRock brothers formed three other progressive metal bands in southern California: King's Knight, Azlan, and Mach X.  

Our musical influences include, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Testament, Cacophony (Speed Metal Symphony), Dream Theater, Gojira, Sevendust, Trivium, Light the Torch, Demon Hunter, Alter Bridge, Times of Grace, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman (especially Dragon's Kiss), Jeff Loomis, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony MacAlpine,  Vinnie Moore, Howard Hart (Shawn LaRock's private guitar teacher during the late 80s), Nevermore, Killswitch Engage, Ola Englund, Animals as Leaders, Currents, We Came As Romans (especially Darkbloom), August Burns Red, Bleed from Within, Ali Richardson, Matt Greiner, Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Mario Duplantier, and Rick Steed (Eric LaRock's private drumming teacher during the late 80s; the late and great Rick Steed studied under Vincent "Vinnie" Colaiuta). 

Some brief history: 

Members of King's Knight (1986-1987): Shawn LaRock (Guitars), Eric LaRock (Drums, Vocals), Bill Todd (Vocals). As King's Knight was our first musical project, there were no recordings.  

Members of Azlan (1987-1989): Shawn LaRock (Guitars, Vocals), Eric LaRock (Drums, Vocals), John Escalante (Vocals), Alan Bostwick (Bass guitar). There were recordings (some of which were released under Azlan Rising).

Members of Mach X (1989-1993): Shawn LaRock (Guitars), Eric LaRock (Drums, Vocals), Steve Martinez (Vocals), Sean Silas (who joined post-demo and played Guitars), Alan Bostwick (Bass Guitar). There were recordings (some of which were released under Azlan Rising because of a potential trademark issue). 

Members of Azlan Rising (2018-present): Shawn LaRock (Guitars, Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals), Eric LaRock (Drums, Lead Vocals). The LaRock brothers recorded, edited, and sound engineered their new EP, Marionette, on Reaper (an affordable, digital audio workspace) from approximately 2022 to 2026. Hence, our new EP is self-produced. Thank you, Reaper, for making this project an affordable reality! 

All releases are under the copyright of Shawn LaRock and Eric LaRock.

(Updated: August 2026)