The Mars Volta is an American rock group formed in 2001 by guitarist Omar A. Rodriguez-Lopez and vocalist Cedric Bixler Zavala. They incorporate various influences including post-hardcore, jazz fusion, psychedelia, funk and latin/salsa into their sound. They are characterized for their energetic and improvisational live shows, as well as their concept-based studio albums. The roots of The Mars Volta are found in the band At the Drive-In. - From Last.fm Artist Summary