Ursus Colombia

"Metal has become globalized, that is just the way it is. You will find bands all over the world opting to sing in their native languages as an alternative to the dominant English language. If you prefer metal sung in English, then I shall let you go on your way and refrain from calling you a culture-language imperialist (notice how I managed to do that anyway). However, if you are fine with metal being sung in other languages than English, then, please continue to read this review. Ursus' second album "Fuerza Metal" is completely sung in Spanish - well, it is yelled in Spanish, really, as the vocals are more along the lines of hardcore punk and crossover metal yelling. The music itself, however, is pure, unadulterated authentic speed metal which, being totally retro, goes all the way back to the very roots of thrash and speed metal. Thus you can expect fast and furious, simple but often melodic guitar riffs and straight ahead uptempo drumming, while there are a couple of mid-paced sections as well. True to the speed metal ethos, there are several elements from traditional metal, just sped considerably up. Especially the guitar solos have a nice traditional heavy metal nature, and the is a lot of rock 'n' roll spirit in general to the music on "Fuerza Metal". The production is quite raw and unpolished - but it is is not unbearable, and it adds a certain underground metal authenticity which suits the retro speed metal quite well. If you like old school speed metal, then you certainly should check out this underground release by Colombian thrashers Ursus. (review originally posted at metalmusicarchives.com)"