La Secta AllStar (or simply La Secta) is one of the most successful and important rock en Español bands from Puerto Rico. The band members are Mark Kilpatrick (bass guitar), Gustavo Laureano (singer), John Lengel (drums), and Mikey Genao (guitar) and Carlos Figueroa
Mark Kilpatrick and Gustavo Laureano met in Orlando, Florida where they studied sound engineering. After graduating they moved to Miami Beach and started working. They also began rehearsing in a local warehouse along with drummer John Lengel and guitarist Carlos Figueroa. They soon began writing and composing their songs and started playing at local clubs in Miami and Puerto Rico. It is during this time that artists like Ricky Martin and Ednita Nazario discovered them. In 1995, Martin recorded the song “Bombón de Azúcar” and in 1996, Nazario recorded “Ultima Vez”, also written by Laureano.
Their debut album, Aniquila, was released in 1997 producing four Top 40 hit singles: “Se Acabó”, “Recompensa”, “Nunca Jamás” and “Bombón de Azúcar”. After this and the success of this first album, the band released the follow-up titled La Secta Allstar in April 2001. In 2004, the band released a fourth album titled Túnel. The album won a Premio Lo Nuestro award in the category of Best Rock Album. Shortly after guitarist Carlos Figueroa left the band, and Mikey Genao replaced him. The band then released their fifth album, Consejo, with Universal Latino. Consejo is the most successful album from La Secta. The album was certified Gold and Platinum under the RIAA in only two months after its release. The mega hit La Locura Automática, reached #1 in more than 13 countries (5 months #1 in Colombia). |
