As the Old School Metal tendencies of the late 90s and Grunge Rock/Alternative Rock prophesized, today all sonorities of the genres were brought back to use. It means that the past and the presents are living with each other (not in total harmony sometimes due some comments of musicians that should quiet down their tongues and just play). It’s a good thing, but harmony between all the tendencies is a requirement, because if one falls, everyone will. And some good names bring good music relaying on older genres, as the Spanish quintet THE WIZARDS, here with their fourth full-length, “The Exit Garden”. Mario Gutiérrez (sound engineering, mixing), Alberto Macías (mixing) and Víctor García (mastering) are the ones who sign the works in the studio. The band’s music requires something organic and old fashioned, what was given to them, but with a very good level of definition. It works and fits on their music, indeed.

Their musical way: it’s a form of mixing influences from 70s Hard Rock and traditional Heavy Metal with some traces from Psychedelic Rock. It’s not a sin to say that influences of BLACK SABBATH, LED ZEPPELIN, JUDAS PRIEST (on their 70’s ways), UFO, URIAH HEEP and others can be heard, but always under a personal way. It means that their songs are full of hooking melodies, sometimes using a more accessible appeal, on others sounding heavier and bitter (as on the riffs of “Oniros”), and sometimes into a deeper and melancholic way (as on their ballad “Dawn of Another Life”). It’s old fashioned, but personal and has energy to convince the listeners.

“The Exit Garden” (a fine and melodic intro based on Hammond organ precedes a frantic flow of Hard ‘n’ Heavy energy, with very good guitar riffs and solos), “Full Moon in Scorpio” (a ‘sabbathic’ driven energy is felt on the weight of bass guitar and drums, with good vocals on the chorus), “Holy Mountain Mind” (another ‘sabbathic’ set of influences can be felt), “Questions” (the beginning seems like a ballad, but soon the guitars start to spit fiery riffs and melodic solos), and “Dawn of Another Life” (an elegant and charming ballad, based on keyboards and vocals) are the right ones for a first experience on “The Exit Garden”. But a tip especially to Ian: you have such a very good voice, but there are moments when the tunes and the instrumental sheath aren’t 100% fitting. It’s a matter of more rehearsals (and not to quit sing9ing or to be fired, please!).

“The Exit Garden” is truly a fine release, and shows how THE WIZARDS can become great with the right chance.