III: I Am Legion
Six years. Six long years have passed
since releasing the second album of Asedio, the album that completely
wrecked my senses. Its destructiveness and mental addiction forced me
to worship this cult of rebellion. It was back then and you know
what? Nothing has been changed so far and nothing is going to be
changed. „El orígen de
todos los males”, as a natural follower of crushing debut „Somos
nada”, is still one of the best recordings spat into the
underground this century. Yep, nothing has changed if quality of
music is concerned, however there are things that should be mentioned
right now. The band now is four piece as Andrés
took the vocal duties, they went through some line-up changes,
cut their hair and altered a bit own logo. Of course all these
elements don't mean the band followed the way of Paulina Rubio.
Fortunately, Asedio is still on the proper trail. I mean, their
smeltery is active and delivers metal goods incessantly...
… however the front-cover made me a
bit wonder as it reminded Golden Dragon of Unity that appeared in
Mulan part 2, but I don't think the whole concept of the album has
been based on Chinese history in a something way. As for production
side, they threw dirty underground brand aside and offered more clean
and orderly tunes. And for sure bass lines are the winner in this
sauce with the best example in the title song. Musically the opener
haven't got such a clout as compared to „Batalla contra la
esperanza” or „Morbosidad del alma”. Moreover, this beginning
with a bit faster „Pensamientos asesinos” disappointed me after
first meetings. In addition, an instrumental acoustic piece that
divided the sequence stiltedly didn't convince me at all. And yes,
that's true the band doesn't offer complex ideas and completely
broken rhythms, but I needed many, many careful listens to get the
point of the third. Precisely, with an uncountable amount of hours I
can write righteously (damn, as always!) „Mi nombre es legión”
did not beat their previous works. After two splendid albums my
expectations were extremely high...
All
right then, let's start once again... I wrote about general
impressions concerning two first tracks. „Árido
infierno” starts in a slow way being some kind of answer rather to
melodic death metal than thrash itself. Undoubtedly, there are catchy
riffs, tempo changes, brand-new guitar lead and Spanish only roars.
What's interesting, the song ends with an „infierno” word, just
like in „Morbosidad del alma”. The next one shows different
opening tunes, initially it's played more mechanical way, but it is
clear evidence Asedio tries to find something new. I could compare
this situation to Sepultura's „Arise” where Brazilians proposed
new sounds in comparision to „Beneath the Remains”. The Asedio
way is a bit shy, yet it is a good prognostic for the future.
Admittedly the start wasn't a piece of cake and giving myself a short
summation, I have been convinced by these two songs eventually.
Simply I had to give them a chance. You know, something like
'patience is a virtue'.
And
finally the third one in the family is the reason to write: all
kidding aside! „Sangre inocente” is not only the best one here,
but one of the best songs I have heard during this century. Fantastic
portion of riffs in pure thrashing madness style with a stamp of
sorrowful melodies take my heart without any mercy. There's a time
for memorable slow down, there's a time for killing guitar lead in
definitely Asedio style. But the best is yet to come: this mentioned
leads turn into sounds in the vein of British masters like Paradise
Lost (especially some similarities to „True Belief”) and finest
moments from Bolt Thrower's „The IVth Crusade”. All mixed in
perfect way made this track a real highlight. I just love such kind
of mournful, melancholic yet catchy tunes. Genius!
That's
not the end of new stuff or surprises. For example „Contra la
muerte de la luz” with its beginning fitting to Running Wild's
„Death or Glory” album – phenomenal thing! In a flash it stuck
to mind bringing another pirate memories. For sure very interesting
melody parts in the middle with dominant bass are worthy of note. As
for structures and riffs „Anarquía”
with rousing leads, re-recorded „Días
de furia” (it sounds absolutely better) and „La horas violentas”
which falls like a wall after aforementioned „Los crímenes
del amor” keep the old Asedio genetics. And if we are one foot in
biomolecular dimension, the closing title song has got some
modifications in Asedio DNA strand. The four Mexicans obtained
entirely new musical sample. Of course, it's still hot metal, yet
served in a very intriguing manner.
I
found verdict earlier, but it doesn't mean Asedio recorded a weak
album. For sure it's not equal and its weaker mark results from
differences in song qualities. There is an excellent leader, there
are great songs and just good as well. The band explores unknown
areas, doesn't avoid experiments, and what's more, all their efforts
work in a good way at least. It is good evidence that balancing on
the edge of melodic death metal and thrash, gives an opportunity to
create fantastic tracks. I didn't expect „El orígen
de todos los males” replica and I didn't get such a record
fortunately. The newest one is a bit different but this fits to the
whole musical Asedio message. I can feel the music flows smoothly,
without any obstacles or barriers, I enjoy the record from start to
finish, giving it pretty high mark in the end. Six years have passed,
it seems they're just good friends with passion, vigour and
ingenuity. Good metal is still detectable. Ah, and one more thing,
there's no „Victimas de la prohibición”
and „Vastagos del miedo” case as all tracks are finished.
Finally.
90/100
-Tlacaxipehualiztli
(written in December, 2018)
