Power metal threesome M-16 became a project by three Dominican musicians from different bands in 1994. Guitarist Omar Rodríguez, bassist/singer Daniel Estrella, and drummer Cristian Peña moved to New York in 1996. After signing up to Manhattan's Mother West Records, the Latin hardcore group recorded their first seven-track EP, released as M-16. Ex-Lockdown drummer Ray Reed took Peña's place before issuing their first full-length record, titled Canciones Escritas en el Exilio. ~ Drago Bonacich, All Music Guide