Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Spanish Rock and Metal has struggled to break through to worldwide domination the way other European acts have but with Pheonix the band Xtasy are going to seriously challenge that perception.
After peaking your interest with their debut I can assure you that this album is going to make waves. It covers so many bases that there is something for everyone.
The recording bursts to life with “Too Late” and this will have Symphonic metal fans frothing at the mouth. The band have brought in two new members in Davoid Zarzosa on bass and the pummeling Javi Herrero on Drums and this has created a stunning backbone for this album. It is evident from the off that these are very accomplished musicians and they create an incredible canvas for the rest of the band to play out on.
Next up is “Can’t Get Enough” and you will be saying that about Pheonix. this track is full throttle, upbeat and ferocious. It does not let up and it really raises Slivia’s vocals to new heights.
We get a much heavier feel to “If I Fall” and with Jorge Olliqui and Carles Salse on guitar we get that Judas Priest twin axe attack. This is a fabulous track, power, precision and sheer metal with a little hint of pop but when those solos come in gimme a hell yeah.
From Judas Priest to Queensryche in one fell swoop. “Good Enough” is stunning and it is hard to believe there is no De Garmo on here. That pop vibe is hiding but clear enough to make you wonder how they manage to meld these two genres so well.
The keys are front and centre on “We Live and Die for Rock’n’Roll” and again we have a powerful, anthemic number that pumps the blood faster around your body and kicks that brain full of endorphins.
The queensryche/ Speed metal vibe is trying to burst your ear drums again on “No One Like You”. This is just magnificent metal done so well and it continues right into “Time We Won’t Forget”. The sound is huge and I need to tip my hat to Erik Martensson of Eclipse fame for the production value, it is simply stunning.
The speed/ Symphonic playbook is open once more and brutally used on “Carry On”. I challenge anyone to sit still through this number and extra points if you can refrain from air guitar/ drums or throwing the horns. This is the reason I got into music…sheer adrenaline.
The piano brings us into “Save Me” followed by those amazing guitars and vocals. A song full of longing and tremendous moments, this is metal perfection.
To finish we have ” One Heart, One Fire” and just listen to the clarity in Silvia’s voice, the crisp drums and man those guitars are on fire. Every track on Pheonix is a minimum eight out of ten but as a whole this album is completely off the scale.
Pheonix is outstanding and this is the album to break new ground and territory. I have no doubt they will become a main stay in Europe but even that is too small a catchment area for the depth of talent inside this band. Remember the name, buy the album and scream from the rooftops as Xtasy are the real deal.
Preorder the album Phoenix:
Art of Melody shop: https://www.burningmindsgroup.com/shop/174
Xtasy shop: https://www.xtasyband.com/category/all-products
XTASY ARE:
Silvia Idoate – Vocals
Jorge Olloqui – Guitars
Carles Salse – Guitars
David Zarzosa – Bass
Javi Herrero – Drums
XTASY ON THE WEB:
