The Wizards are a Spanish band I’ve followed for a long time now, each release has its own qualities, statements and groove. The latest offering is no different, but they band expand their influences and deliver an augmented experience that isn’t out of character with former released material, but is a world apart from the bands previous approach.
‘Full Moon in Scorpio’ was a title of an earlier album, this is a track of the same name. The consistent Sabbath influence is present throughout, I love the organic sounds that come out, the bass driven guitar sound, the fullness of the arrangement. Couple this with strong but subtle vocals, the spirit of the 70’s is captured to good effect. Here you get bombastic sounds without the TV side show of trying to be retro, its pure energy. As such, ‘Oniros’ takes this a little further, similar to UK bands Trebuchet and The Lore of Gaubert.
‘Holy Mountain Mind’ has many doom breakdowns but also increases the pace, with a great gallop from the guitars, something I really love. In the PR material it sights a UFO influence, during this track I can really hear that. As we continue through the release, three words stand out, those being attention to detail. These Spaniards have really nailed their arrangements and the studio used has really captured the energy perceived I am sure when writing these songs. ‘Equinox of Fire’ really pick up the infectious foot tapping and head nodding. The song screams vintage analogue, the warmth coming from the recording is very rewarding.
‘Questions’ and ‘Crawling Knights’ provide some softer moments, they are as addictive as the heavier tunes on the release, these command a relaxing environment to become fully immersed, it’s not a live gig event anymore; although the latter picks up the Sabbath groove in the latter stages of the track. ‘Dawn of Another Life’ is tranquil song, immersive, soft and dreamy, certainly a relaxing end to the album that is devoid of bass and drums akin to a couple of metal masters in Sabbath and Priest.
The Wizards have a another strong album, personally I haven’t found this as explosive as the previous effort ‘Rise of the Serpent’, but to be fair, this is a different reptile, there is deeper emotion coming from a long break in recordings and live events through the obvious pandemic period. Collectively, this is such a high quality release, full of passion and warmth. It’s a very clear and relevant listen as we move into warmer climates in this hemisphere, it warms your soul.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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