Corazón Indomable: Prelude to Apocalipsis
The first
sounds coming from this album show beyond doubt that Tierra Santa reached
another level of heavy metal. By all means their previous four full-lengths
were absolutely well performed heavy stuff, but some similarities to Iron
Maiden gods were obvious if we talk especially about the song structures and
melody lines, what is more, Spaniards were described as the Spanish version of
the authors of “The Number of the Beast”. Yes, that’s true, but of course there
is no cheap imitation here, as the band became a gifted schoolboy and was
evolving step by step through the years to something unusual and here I have
the fifth effort with something extremely good. To put it briefly, forget about
Englishmen (ok, I got carried away he, he). The “Indomable” album has its own
identity. The identity that led them create a masterwork called “Apocalipsis”
in future…
To start
the review I’d like to pay attention on front cover. It isn’t the best picture
(I think, it’s too childish), but this is general ‘problem’ of this band.
Fortunately the standards of sound production didn’t change. That’s good
because it kills! Once again well known duo (Juanan and Javi San Martin) from
the previous albums is present here – realization is just superb, crystal clear
and spatial, however I do not find any signs of sterility. Everything is
audible, but is this album worth the trouble? The beginning of the first track
“Alas de fuego” cuts up their last performance “Sangre de reyes” beyond the
shadow of a doubt. Although it is maintained in mid-tempo, I consider this a
really opening killer, especially when after one minute Spaniards show the
change of rhythm supported by excellent melodic lines and vocals. This patent
will be widely used on the next “Apocalipsis” monument as well. Of course not
only this thing is a moving force here, but also great chorus with superb
melodies and powerful riffs. And these vocals of Angel… I mentioned just above
about some Iron Maiden musical similarities, but vocals are… original, and yes,
that’s correct word here. He has nothing to do with Dickinson or any other
heavy metal singer. It is like another element, a real vis medicatrix naturae. On
the one hand it is incredibly strong and expressive, on the other hand: warm,
sensitive and maternal. There is no weak point, and the next track is an
irrefutable evidence, it has similar opening: once again the Spaniards show the
metal fury, this time the drum cannonade enter the stage with fast tempo, it is
not very complex stuff yet Tierra Santa strikes with killing, vivid, heavy
riffs and easily flow into paralyzing chorus which is here a real decoration:
the Spaniards have unique ability and talent to create original melodic lines
and this track is a corroboration of my words. So, “Indomable” is one of the
best songs not only on this album, but also in the whole career of Tierra
Santa. The middle of this killer is filled by excellent hard galloping riffs
and solo lead after first chorus. Very interesting is also presence of additional
verse with changed melodic lines. To put it briefly – this is absolutely
classic in Tierra Santa repertoire.
After two
fine heavy metal shots, there is a time to take some rest. The third offering
isn’t a ballad, simply it is played in slow and mid pace. I think “Quién llora hoy por ti” is a disappointment. Why? Maybe I can hear some
similar tunes to Axel Rudi Pell (overall atmosphere of the song, guitar leads)?
The song is rather long, yet musicians show once again memorable chorus and
very interesting guitar work which ends the track. Six minutes pass, so it is
time for “Hamlet”, alive and kicking. Here I’d like to mention very original
(again!) melodic lines in chorus and second part of song which ends suddenly
after almost four minutes. It’s good, because the next pearl enters the kingdom
of heavy metal. It is entitled “El canto de las sirenas”. This is simply
beautiful thing, after sensitive and quite calm introduction, there is a stanza
without hard guitars, and with the words “… Sus ojos…”, conversion into another
level of metal melody is done once again… For sure this monolith is a proper song
to put on “Apocalipsis” track-list. I am delighted!
The next on
the list is “Coro de guerreros” (it divides the album into two parts) which is
in fact a short introduction for number seven: “Las Walkirias”- the next
classic with excellent riffs (hails to both guitarists Angel and Arturo!) and I
have an impression of repeating myself… The same I can write about the next “El
corazón del guerrero”, in addition, this is the best offering on “Indomable”.
Without doubt, heavy metal attained perfection in this track. The second part seems
to be a genius, the next “Azote de dios” maybe isn’t as good as two previous
songs, but I can indicate here long solo lead lasting from 1:42 to 3:20.
During
listening to these nine songs, I can arrive at one conclusion. I probably deal
with (almost) perfect heavy metal, but unfortunately one song “Las puertas del
infierno” (“Gates of Hell” in English) remains on the end. And I can’t
understand it, simply it doesn’t fit here due to some strange happy (!!!), joyful
and merry tunes. Look at the title! Even Angel vocals are changed a bit, many
keyboards effectively softens the sound. It seems to be added at the last
moment and surely the final effect and overall impression of “Indomable” is unfortunately
weakened. Of course there is one valuable advice, I can push the stop after
“Azote de dios”, but the review refers to the whole. This last song is some
kind of divination I guess, because their album “Mejor morir en pie” is based someway
on the “Las puertas del infierno” song. And this means that “Mejor…” is very
weak metal offering as compared to the rest of Tierra Santa albums.
Finally I
would like to write some words of summing up: personally I regard “Indomable”
as an introduction to forthcoming mighty “Apocalipsis” album, where the formula
for tremendous success is simple: skilled and talented musicians with
absolutely brilliant vocals (Spanish!), riffs, drums and metal spirit. Each
component is inseparable and the Spaniards mixed everything in perfect way. Although
music isn’t too complicated, it effectively conquers my metal heart. I wrote
about the flaw (last track), it reduces the final mark a bit, but I very often
return to this album. The album is almost ‘indomable’, but the best is yet to
come. I’m ready, “Apocalipsis” is coming…
95/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(previously written for Encyclopaedia Metallum, on July, 2012, now modified a bit)
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