Following two demos, a split and their wicked recent MLP, Chilean heavy metallers Asedio return with their debut full-length album! Out via FHM Records on 20th February (with vinyl a bit later, to be released at Keep It True Festival on 24th April).
Melodic guitars and thundering bass lines waste no time in launching a lively array of heavy metal magic into the stratosphere. The pummelling drums and wicked riffing adds to the onslaught of instrumental battery as powerful vocals soar atop the mix with a commanding presence. The complete mix is tight, refined and powerful with a modern presentation of a classic heavy metal sound. Chile has many phenomenal bands and ever since discovering Asedio from blind-buying a split cassette of them and their countrymen Hemisferio at the original Crypt of the Wizard in London, I had kept an eye out for more material. Last year we got the “La Interminable Lucha” EP and now only a year later, they are back with a full length debut. Clearly inspiration is flowing freely. Back to the review, the ripping guitar solos and intricate bass lines perfectly complement some excellent riffing and give us a memorable attack of highly skilled and tradition-fuelled metal mayhem. Blending this epic and triumphant assault with some melancholic moments; there is such a potent sense of passion and great delivery in the moods on this record. From its opening I am thoroughly impressed.
Those moments of crushing guitar riffs where the bass takes a lead role are sublime, stoking the fires of Iron Maiden’s masterful dynamics while the drumming battery and enchanting vocals give Asedio a sound totally their own. That mystique of the lyrics being in a language I do not speak leaves them functioning more as a fourth instrument, which boosts the obscure feelings of the record and allows me to simply enjoy how ferociously magnificent everything sounds on a musical level. There is a wildness and yet the playing is refined, it really feels like the band have found their footing and a lot of confidence that builds upon their past works. I’ve enjoyed them from the demo material and hearing that bloom into something so wonderful is a real pleasure. There are plenty of changes on this record to keep you gripped; from the pounding mid tempos to the speeding attacks. Nothing feels left out, with every musician getting to show their chops but ultimately keeping things moving so the power of the songs is never lost. These songs are so well paced that you will get immersed in the adventure easily.
Sometimes an album is so enjoyable on so many levels you do not want it to end. The beauty of this one being a shorter LP is that you can just listen to it again! In only 36 minutes we get a diverse array of superb ideas and each of the eight tracks is worth its place. Conveying heroic moods and sword-swinging conquests; Asedio take us on their boldest journey yet and do so marvellously. Harkening back to when rhythm sections felt like they were charging you down and solos soared like eagles alongside battle-cry vocals with their own personality; be part of the “Confrontación Heroíca” or prepare to face defeat by steel. Beating with a united sense of glory, the band take you to the peak of the mountain on this foe-slaying voyage that is exhilarating from start to end. Do not hesitate to experience this for yourself if you love classic heavy metal.
Another blasting bout of melodic and powerful heavy metal from Asedio. These Chilean headbangers sure know how to give the public what they want, a band whose impassioned and classic music is presented at its strongest yet on their debut long-player. Taking charge from Spanish-sung bands like Muro and Goliath and mixing it with that unmistakable South American fire, this is certain to appeal to underground metallers with a love for the obscure gems that still have an easy-on-the-ear sound and killer songs to boot. Another gem of underground metal might from a far off land that I am grateful to have discovered all those years ago and I am even more glad to hear the growth from these maniacs.
Rating: 8 out of 10.
