Descarga norte

We have 5 different Spanish bands in this split; Rock D.A.M., B.O.2, U.T.M., Estigia and Caid Deceit. Each band has 2 songs in the split, and except for a few exceptions, the quality is generally very good.

Rock D.A.M performs classic speed metal. Starting the split with the frantic “Lucha desigual”, the sensation when you first listen to it can be compared to an explosion of c4 in your face; intense drumming, crunchy raw guitars sustained by a powerful thick bass sound, and an overdose of speed metal. And despite not having the best singer ever, he has the attitude and necessary qualities; high-pitched, raw, flat vocals full of aggressiveness that perfectly fit to the music. Moreover, the song is extremely catchy, so you will find yourself longing more and more. The other song, “Sodoma y gomorra”, although not flooding the listener with energy, still certainly delivers the goods and shows other facets (both good and bad) of the band; like the showier guitar solo, better bass lines or the too-repetitive-to-be-good chorus. With a line-up that performs at a very high level (especial mention for the drummer and the bass player, A+!), overall, Rock D.A.M.’s contribution is the second best in the split, and their material worth getting.

B.O.2, consistently following their debut demo, is without room for doubt the best band in Descarga Norte. With a very similar style to Rock D.A.M. (guitar tone, singing, riff style and productionwise), the power of B.O.2 relies in a better lead guitar work and more catchiness rather than the aggression of the previous band. With very simple riffs and up-tempo rhythm, “Condenados al olvido” has an excellent and catchy chorus, plenty of colourful leads and very good solos. The short “Antimilitar” won’t disappoint you either; with one of the catchiest choruses ever, and only 2 min. long, this song is the definition of succinct music; main riff, bridge, chorus, solo, repeat, goodbye. The listener is pleased and hooked forever, and the band is satisfied by the completion of their duty; everybody wins.

U.T.M. is the great letdown. Both “Déjame en paz” and “Vende tu alma al diablo” are rather bad songs, with some moments of “just ok”, and identical severe flaws; the main problem of this band is the highly punk-styled vocals that do not fit the music. In addition, the choruses really don’t work and some verses are forced – especially in “Vende tu alma al diablo”, the lowest minimum point in the split. Moreover, the choruses are repeated too many times and the music is too flat and dull, provoking several lionwise yawns of boredom. The straw that breaks the camel’s back is a bad production, with the vocals and drums too high, a nearly audible bass, fuzzy guitar sound and solos that are hidden in the mix – these problems are especially notable in “Vende tu alma al diablo”. Nothing to see here people, go on.

Next band, Estigia, is not brightest bulb in the chandelier, but at least it’s thrash. Their first track, “Noche fría”, is breakneck fast, raw and ugly thrash, like everybody likes it. With a more or less well balanced production (I think the vocals are a bit loud), the offering is nothing outstanding, just average 80s thrash; simple dull riffs to max speed, mid-ranged singer that once in a while delivers some pierced screams, and as a positive points, really active and skilful drumming, good bass playing and an excellent solo (the real highlight of this band). This formula, as it is, could lead to success in thrash metal, but in this case, the complete lack of catchiness of the riffs and the awful singer – I find his voice to be annoyingly flat and emotionless – prevent it from being something good. When all is said and done, is not thatbad – going after U.T.M. also helps getting a good impression -, but don’t expect something like Soldiers of Misfortune or By Inheritance. On the other hand, their second song “El suicida”, is… I was going to say good, but instead I’ll just say more interesting. The problem in this one is that the structure really doesn’t work; the first part is a mid-paced thrasher with a couple of good riffs in it (a very Show No Mercy-like riffing), but then, the second part speeds up to what it was supposed to be the climax of the song, but since both parts don’t really fit together, the mix of them results in a rather strange song. Moreover, the singer keeps performing his dull singing, preventing them to really create good music… it’s a pity, because that would have made the split get a score over 80%.

Caid Deceit’s music is the most classic approach to heavy metal. With the best and more melodic singer in the complete split, their offering is simple heavy metal with catchy choruses and melodies. Both “Babilonia la grande” and “Mercenario” use a simple formula consisting of up-tempo rhythm, simple riffs, standard drumming and letting the main roles for the lead guitars and singer. The band sounds really Spanish – this may sound like stating the obvious, but once you’ve heard enough 80s Spanish heavy metal, it makes sense – reminding especially of Barón Rojo – the great Spanish metal reference. The production is mostly well balanced, with a clearly audible and good sounding bass and guitars, although I think the drums sound a bit muffled.

The split is definitely worth getting, especially for B.O.2, Rock D.A.M. and Caid Deceit’s songs.