Mauricio Guerrero, a name that might not ring a bell for many, has been making waves in the music scene with his recent releases. The Peruvian stoner-doom band Illwind, featuring Guerrero on lead guitar, dropped their debut album 'The Unfolding at the End of Light' earlier this year, and it caught my attention with its unique blend of chill vibes and outstanding guitar solos. Fast forward a couple of months, and Guerrero is back with another debut album, 'Soledad & Orgullo' by Argul, a band he co-founded with Jose María Venturi. The question on my mind was simple: could this follow-up live up to the hype and deliver a solid stoner-doom experience?
A Musical Journey Through Time and Space
'Soledad & Orgullo' is a musical journey that draws from the best of both doom and stoner genres, with a healthy dose of early Black Sabbath influence. The album's cover art, with its sylvan visual aesthetics, sets the tone for a self-titled debut, but it's the music that truly captivates. The guitar lines are dark, slow, and bluesy, with a nod to Black Sabbath's 'Master of Reality'. The duo of Guerrero and Venturi knows how to craft irresistible riffs and drape them in morose guitar melodies, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
One of the standout tracks, 'Ritual', opens with an instantly striking descent that will resonate with fans of Pallbear. The shorter track, 'Hor Hodin', also shines with delectable Iommian shuffles. However, the album isn't without its flaws. 'Engendro' and the closer 'Animal Dog' are weaker tracks, with the latter dragging a bit. The album's runtime is also a bit of a concern, with the standard version clocking in at 31 minutes and the bonus track adding a whopping 15 minutes.
A Compelling Vocal Duo
Vocally, Argul stands out from the crowd. Guerrero and Venturi avoid the bombast and coarseness often favored in doom and stoner metal, instead opting for ethereal lilts and harmonies. Their approach is reminiscent of bands like Windhand and REZN, who create ghostly atmospheres through their singing. While the vocals might not be as memorable as some of their peers, they are enchanting in their own right, weaving a warm vocal blanket over the music.
A Solid Offering, But With Room for Improvement
'Soledad & Orgullo' is a consistently enjoyable album, but it's not without its issues. The songwriting is a bit hit-and-miss, with some tracks standing out while others drag. The album's runtime is also a bit of a concern, with the bonus track adding an extra 15 minutes. However, the overall sound is captivating, and the duo's talent is undeniable. Argul should be proud of this debut, and fans of doom and stoner metal should certainly give it a spin.
In my opinion, 'Soledad & Orgullo' is a solid offering from Mauricio Guerrero and Argul, but it's not without its flaws. The band has a captivating sound out of the gate, and the duo's talent is undeniable. While the songwriting could use some refinement, the album is a welcome addition to the stoner-doom scene, and I look forward to seeing what Argul does next.
