Chileans are noted for their passion as a people. When it comes to heavy metal, the word passion isn’t enough…it seems an ecstasy; a way of life- a calling if you will. This is something that is consistent with our world globally. Still, there is something about the folks from South America, isn’t there? They have an unbridled excitement, and Condenados embrace this by celebrating the early sounds and days when heavy metal was in its infancy highlighting their calling, their passion…their ecstasy. “El Camino de la Serpiente” is a work bristling with that excitement and passion. Having formed in 2005, the duo are certainly not newcomers yet this album is only their third full length release.
Squashy, droning synth sets up a macabre atmosphere on the brief opening instrumental “Alma Podrida” before the punishing, driving opening riffs of “El Diablo”. Plenty of hard rock groove with lashes of proto-metal, it has a cleaner Electric Wizard styled sound with touches of psychedelia blending in. Instantly the sound and mix is one of a raw, honest, garage band simplicity. While the aura of Black Sabbath is there for the old, the retro kick of newer bands like Kadavar is evident. The bands’ heritage weaves seamlessly through these tracks, the songs delivered in their native tongue adding a South American vibrancy.
When they choose to hit the accelerator, the results shine. The proto-metal worship of “Mi Maldición” sits alongside the more aggressive Motörhead stylings of “En el Templo”. Each track builds effortlessly into the next giving the album a fluidity that’s hard to not nod your head to. The standout cut for my mind is the title track with its’ cool, sleazy riff underpinned by thumping bass grooves. Fernando Vidal’s vocals have an Ozzy Osbourne quality in the wail giving it a soulful vibe. “Tierra de Cementerio” keeps the rev’s up – a fast paced rocker with a driving riff begging you to get the double denim out. All tracks are no nonsense coming in around the three to four minute mark with closing song “Lucifer” being the only one to stretch things out. Much darker as its title might suggest, it’s a nod to Pentagram until the closing refrain sounds like a Stooges riff fest.
Condenados have delivered with “El Camino de la Serpiente”. The third album in their discography, it finds them keeping the doom sound but stripping it bare and exploring the roots of heavy metal. There’s that word again…”passion.” This one has it in spades.
(7.5/10 Johnny Zed)
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