Formed in Costa Rica, Mandragora burst onto the Central American rock scene in 1995 with an independent record titled Mar de Sangre, featuring "Reina Nocturna" and "Traficantes." The group soon won a local contest and made their first album, called Aroma de Muerte. The album was officially released after a live performance on January 25, 1997. After participating in different festivals, playing along with Arsenal, hardcore metal A.N.I.M.A.L., and Mexican Coda, among other Latin rock bands, Mandragora returned in 2001 with Viscion. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide