From Bandcamp, “Aztlán” tells different stories from Mexican history, as you will see in the lyrics and track listing. This theme plays a role in both the lyrics and the music – it’s when they’re put together that the album truly becomes something special. Musically, there are many complex elements and a lot of styles are incorporated, and this represents how many influences make up who we are.” The album has nine songs.

“Tonantzin” is first. Traditional folk elements open the song, like recorder, strings and tom drums. It is quite emotional, and the flow of the music sounds calm, almost like soft water ripples. “Fuego” means fire, and it’s the first song with vocals. Talk about a change of pace, this song borders on the Symphonic Metal genre, with a grandiose sound. The clean vocalist has a great voice, and the harsh vocalist brings anger with him. “Tlaloc” has a nice combination of clean and harsh vocals. The hasty pace makes the song sound like someone is behind you, quickening your sense of fear.

“Luces Y Sombras” has some bombast in the sound, grand elements that have a tight connection to the music. The bass work here is excellent, and this is an instrument that is too often an afterthought by bands. “Malintzin” has another strong combination of clean vocals with somber sounds, and harsh vocals with the anger of a passing thunderstorm. The Symphonic elements are very well done also. “Mictlán” is the official video release for the album, and they picked a good one. The hateful tones come through in the beginning, but the clean vocals are very melodic. The lead guitar parts are great as well.

“Xóchitl” is a short and sweet song with clean guitars and an obvious flair for the band’s heritage. “La Cigarra” closes the album. It has many traditional elements and is a positive sounding song to close the tale. Overall, this was a good album. The band’s musicianship probably stood out most, as well as their storytelling. Even though the album was in their native tongue, you could hear the nuances of the music…the swells, the retreats, and the crescendos as the story moved along. The clean vocalist was probably the best part of the band for me, because she sings with a fire and passion.