Aztlan decided to go with "more" for its third album. More folky. More black metal-ly. More mind-crushing riffage. All at the same damn time.

Aztlan Revolución (self-released)

While the "folk metal" concept may have started back in Europe a couple decades ago, Aztlan has taken the brush strokes of the concept and created its own masterful sound. No one has ever sounded like this. The closest I can think of is Sepultura on Roots, but the Brazilian elements were more window dressing (other than the rhythms, which were always something that set that band apart). Aztlan does more than add a few acoustic guitars. It incorporates a variety of metal concepts into Mexican folk song structures.

Also cool is the way that the acoustic elements are cranked up in the mix, so you can savor the delicate finger-picking dancing over grinding riffage. I'd say one of the most innovative things about Aztlan is the production work. There is a definite prog feel to both the folk and metal guitar work, and that lean is an unusual linkage that really does tie the whole sound together.

Breathtaking in every way. Aztlan is pushing the envelope in so many directions that I was once afraid it would not be able to keep its grasp on the beauty and intensity of what it is doing. This album proves there are no such issues. Blisteringly gorgeous and almost insanely adrenaline inducing, Aztlan is possibly the most vital force in metal today--as long as you recognize the breadth and depth of what is metal, of course. No one sounds anything like this. I can't wait to walk further down this path.

Jon Worley