The Elder

Being both a heavy metal fan and a flamenco fan, I couldn't wait to check out this album, which promised a mix between the two genres. Let me say that the album as a whole is quite original and innovating and that the concept is extremely interesting. Think flamenco meets hard rock (the actual metal is quite limited), with vocals that border on deathrash at times. Despite all the potential that this idea has, Flametal failed to deliver a true masterpiece. The talent is definitely here, but it is eclipsed by chaotic songwriting and horrible production.

The flamenco parts are quite interesting indeed, though its overall sound is far from optimal. The messy production ruins this album and makes one wonder if this isn't just a demo they started selling as a full-length. As opposed to the flamenco aspect, the metal parts are un-interesting as a whole and have a horrid, horrid guitar tone. The blend between the two styles doesn't seem to be well thought through, and the uninteresting semi-growling vocals don't really help their cause either.

How the band considered this thing 'finished' at the point they released it, is beyond me. All the potential they had is ruined by half-assed songwriting, crappy guitar tones, horrible production and unfit vocals. Props to them for coming up with this idea and executing it though, hence the high score. Oh and before I forget, the Sabbath worship track "Red Cobblestone" has no place whatsoever on this album. The mere fact of it being here is yet another indication that the band should have waited to release until they came up with something coherent.

To sum it all up, the concept is great and the band has talent, BUT the overall product is far from memorable and does not sound finished in the least. Recommended for people who are interested to hear these two completely different genres mixed together. Hopefully bands in the future will improve the formula and come up with something better. In the meanwhile, I'll just keep listening to flamenco and metal separately.