Ataque Metal: Redefining the Cobras Taxonomy
There are many cobras in the metal world. This one
comes from the land of Colombia and was born eleven years ago… But, right now I
can hear the yells of discontent coming from the biologists and taxonomy
lovers: hey, man, wait a minute, this serpent lives in Colombia, in Bogota???
Are you fucking crazy??? It’s widely known that cobras don’t live in South
America. So, my brothers in science, you are wrong, and the redefining your
knowledge base is essential. Well, I’m going to help you now, I think this
species is a cousin of African cobra called Hemachatus haemachatus. In other
words, I deal with another kind of spitting cobra. The serpent’s name comes
from spitting neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom from even two metres into the eyes
of the enemy. This Colombian kind is even worse, because it attacks auditory
meatus too.
So, let’s leave the science and start to write
something about content of “Grito en el abismo” poison. The attack starts off
with the first seconds of an opening title song. Some motor engine sounds and
three Colombians unleash the lethal venom. “Cobra” is absolutely mind ripping
track and some kind of definition of the things to come. In two short accurate words:
fast thrash. But first, I’m going to write about production: yes, it has a
modern touch but I can’t find here any signs of sterility, everything is
audible (especially bass lines) and kicking ass. Musically Cobra doesn’t bring
any new invention, but in this case, it is not an obstacle, and what is more,
it is a some kind of an advantage. Why? Because they know the excellent
patterns and norms. What are they? I can hear well known old dinosaurs like
Razor and Judas Priest (“Painkiller” era) if I talk about relentless fury and
speed; the next one: Iron Maiden (the way of creating melodic lines, e.g. look
at the opening of “Guerrero Speed”). And the spirit of middle era of Running
Wild that entwines song structures. But, do not get me wrong, I show some
famous names, but it doesn’t mean cheap imitation. The Colombian Cobra has its
own metal touch which is easily perceptible.
Well, writing this review I can’t forget about
vocalist. For sure Adrian is completely different from the famous singers.
Simply because he uses another way of singing which reminds me even of blackish
screams. But Adrian added many thrashing anger to the vocal lines and it
perfectly fits to the entirety. Some words earlier I wrote fast thrash, but
there is one track “Exceso de alcohol” maintained in mid-paced tempo, but it
sounds like a ballad in this fast collection. And I have to say that choosing
the best killer on the album is rather hard and challenging task. Maybe due to
the entirety is served in very good way of thrashing music? For sure one song
called “Ataque metal” (by the way, what a great title!) is the most memorable
during first listen due to very interesting opening: fine semi-solo lead
lasting about thirty seconds, then the Cobra machine shows its speed, rhythm
section beating down and powerful marching riffs. The track is quite turbulent,
this speed doesn’t mean stagnation, everything is bathed in really good melodic
layers of music. The opening motive is repeated before the main solo (but
played much faster) and on the end with fearful screams of Adrian “ataque
metal” what makes this song an absolutely thrashing killer.
What is interesting, I can’t find here any weak song
or let’s say filler. Even if they do not bring complicated tunes, all is
precise and exact. From really great openings of the tracks (e.g. “Night
Hunter”, “Inmortal”, aforementioned “Ataque metal” and “Guerrero Speed”),
through aggressive and venomous guitar riffs with vivid yet high-powered rhythm
section. Pretty memorable and well combined solo leads and air tearing poisonous
Adrian’s Spanish (yes!!!) vokills strengthen the overall impression. Very good
impression I must say. The only thing I bethink myself is the last title track
“Grito en el abismo” and its closing fragment which is nothing more than ninety
seconds acoustic passage played by Mario. However I don’t treat it as a mistake
or something like this, but it seems to be a needless softening of the album.
Before the summing all the things up, there is a need
to write about two matters. The first one is front cover. Simply it could be
much better, this armed woman in the foreground doesn’t fit to the concept
(band’s name, the album title), moreover the guys from the band are placed in
the rear… No, I want to see, well, maybe cobra attacking its victim? It won’t
be strange, guys! Another thing is that my cd version is released by American
Line with two bonus tracks (“Night Hunter”, “Juego mortal”) coming from their
only demo. The quality isn’t good here but it shows great work of producer of
the album. Fortunately these tracks can be found again on the debut.
Beyond doubt “Grito en el abismo” is a really strong
debut release in the floodage of many new albums. I guess the key to the
success is their metal feel to write pretty catchy and memorable songs. And
what is more, this is not a retro record, it is a way different from all these
thrashing blackers or raw sounding pseudobands ‘reminding’ me of old days of
metal. The album is coherent, all the elements (music, production, lyrics, even
pictures from the booklet, you know, leathers and spikes rules!) create one
inseparable unit. I don’t care if somebody could say about it as another
variation of the things recorded many times before. So what the fuck? I can
feel the passion, I can feel pure metal avalanche. Simply I’m a victim of this
Colombian cobra. And I like it.
90/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(previously written for Encyclopaedia Metallum, on March, 2013, now modified a bit)
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