Artist: Xerion
Title: Cantares Das Loitas Esquecidas
Type: Album
Label: Schwarzdorn Productions

Having pushed out a silly amount of split EPs, including four in the year 2005, then in 2007 a full length album, a demo and two splits they seem to have quietened down on the release front since then. They put out one EP last year and now release their second full length – it’s a wonder where some bands get so many ideas for material! What I’m hearing of these Spaniards is nothing groundbreaking, but it’s not the work of a tired old band that’s run out of ideas before their career has taken off either. The album comes in with some hymnal chanting over a subtle backdrop of thunder and rain sounding truly like a lament to the fallen warriors, before ‘O Espertar Do Xerion’ works its way in slowly with a rather nice bass-driven melody that soon takes hold with the guitars and drums joining in and thrashing away furiously to a harsh battle swagger.

There are some decent tempo changes throughout with atmospheric swathes splitting up the fury, on ‘A Alquimica Dexeneracion Da Ialma’ which initially rides in with angry and relentless intent this slows down do a sluggish pace as the guitar drags and writhes languidly in the mix, the vocals sounding rather vile. ‘Onde A Victoria Agarda’ breaks in with a hell of a groove and has a rather serious tone to it. There’s a lovely soaring vocal line on this track that sounds rich and sonorous especially as it contrasts against the harsh rasps of the main vocals while the music hammers away with intent.

There’s something about ‘Nas Verdes Fragas De Amh-Ghad-Ari’ that reminds of Kampfar with its clattering assault although in places this turns out to be rather gentle and folky with some beguiling flute melodies. ‘Morte Na Lauga’ is one I do particularly like with its thick, richly textured bassline that plods along at a steady pace. On the whole I found this to have some appealing melodies and elements that make the album an enjoyable listening experience, although that said I don’t find it particularly memorable.

http://www.otronodexerion.com/