Reino Ermitaño – Reino Ermitaño

Reino Ermitaño – Reino Ermitaño

Necio Records – 2019 (August)

Doom, Stoner, Prog, Folk

Rating: ****

Reino Ermitaño are the undisputed Champions of South American Doom Metal; a band of legendary status in their native Peru and, after a series of well-received albums, well-known across Europe.  Their first self-titled album has now finally been pressed to vinyl, courtesy of Necio Records out of Lima. Considering this was first issued in 2003 it has lost none of the pure energy, the magic or the craftsmanship during that time. This is a brilliant blend of Doom with progressive flashes and stunningly beautiful glades of pastoral acoustic and traditional Peruvian Folk woven into tapestries of sound and emotion. Saint Vitus spring to mind immediately but Reino Ermitaño's sound has a richer, more lush feel; layered textures of equal Doom and Delight. "El Ensoñador" kicks in with pure retro aggression, giving way to Latin rhythms and choruses until the piercing solo of Henry Guevara jolts you back to Doomsville. "Espacio Interior" borrows the sorrowful refrain of Sabbath's "She's Gone" and overlays sweet, soaring guitar licks of melancholy. "La Danza de las Brujas" evokes Andean spirits and campfire gauchos whilst the dropkick riffs of "Melquiades" suddenly propel you back to hard reality! Not one second of this album is wasted - there are twists and turns, nuances and hidden portals a-plenty. An absolute Gem and a superb example of how to explore a genre and redefine it.

(Written by Reek of STOOM)

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