The 'worst' part regarding this review was to write the track listing and band members' names/instruments correctly and accurately. Phew...non-English languages can be a real pain in the ass at times. However, with a rather good album like Mejor Morir En Pie things can be rather simplified, deriving/leading from/to music itself. It's good to see Tierra Santa back (or still) in action, since their contribution to Southern Europe Metal music is more valuable than - so far - recognized.
The Spanish answer to Iron Maiden are no longer trying to 'implement'/adopt the musical creations of the British legends. Even if 1997's Medieval album did suffer from poor production, it was clear enough that the Spanish warriors had the will to walk on the Maiden path of glory; not imitating the specific Heavy/Epic Metal style, no way. As the follow-up Legendario (1999) and Tierras De Leyenda albums exposed, the Maiden-isque influence was finely 'monitored' to the Spanish likes, plus the native language usage could easily take your mind off any bad thinking about some 'copy-paste' moves. In addition, Sangre De Reyes (2002) and onwards featured a transition to more 'melodic' passageways, now trying to evolve to the general Euro Power Metal typhoon. Thanks (again) Spain, the band's nationality preserved (and still preserves) Tierra Santa's personal (in general) style.
Since I did not have the chance to hear to the band's previous effort - Apocalipsis (2004) - it seems rather justified to refer to Mejor Morir En Pie via a more 'mind field' path. Hence, the production of the album is crystal clear, providing the appropriate background for the band's music to be unfolded. The tunes themselves, rather 'slow down' now in tempos, are - in contrast - more powerful. Not referring to 100% 'heaviness', there's enough nerve in most of the track listing, e.g. Un Grito En El Aire and La Impureza De La Amistad, while in specific tunes there's a good reference to the likes of Rainbow (Si Tu Alma Has De Vender) or Riot (La Tentacion - omit the keyboards!). The reference to Iron Maiden is again visible but not - in any way - irritating.
Angel sings 100% melodic and clear. The guitar duo is 'bonded' to the bone while the leads are immense. The same 'bond' thingie goes for the rhythm section, too. The keyboards support is fitting like a glove; it's noteworthy how Tierra Santa succeeds in preventing their songs from sounding like 'happy' Metal clones. The Spanish language is one thing...Wrong. The way Angel sings in Spanish is one thing. The 'honest' songwriting is another. It's obvious and accepted.
If your ass does not blister in the sound of non-English singing Metal albums, then try Tierra Santa. In the (general) heavy/Power Metal area, they deserve to be treated well. Not to forget: Himno A La Alegria will remind/confirm the 'link' between classic music, Rainbow and Metal covers.