EP REVIEW: Asedio – La Interminable Lucha

Asedio play true Heavy Metal! I discovered them six years ago from buying a split tape with them and fellow Chileans Hemisferio (who also rule). The former recently unleashed a new EP via Entheos Records so I decided to check it out and write my thoughts!

Crisp guitars fire in with anthemic and melodic riffing as the rhythm sections build power and tension. Instantly catchy with prominent bass lines coming nicely through the potent guitars. The vocals are chilling with that mystique that South American bands seem to inherently possess. There is a mix of grandiosity, melancholy and fury that makes for a glorious and epic Heavy Metal sound. With the lead guitar, there is even more beautifully played melodics while the song structures keep moving along with a strong and gripping pace. The way those haunting vocals sweep across the straight rocking instruments is absolutely enchanting and nails that 80s style they are trying to convey. As does the raw but clear and powerful production. Touching on some power and speed elements, there is enough dynamics to keep things interesting while the drive is unwavering throughout. Whether we are talking about the crushing drumming, the versatile riffing, blistering solos or exciting bass lines; the instruments are always busy and yet in harmony with each other allowing the vocalist to tie them all together with a theatrical and spellbinding performance.

Packing so much punch with only six songs, this record is the whole package while leaving you wanting more. That’s the ideal outcome for an EP, while making sure it stands out on its own merits; which this certainly does. Bands like Acero Letal seem to be making more maniacs aware of the Chilean scene even amongst European audiences and I hope to see that continue because there is a huge amount of undiscovered gems that simply rule, Asedio being a perfect example. These songs show an impeccable amount of creativity in the songwriting and are executed in a truly sublime old school manner. The traditional Heavy Metal world is never buried in this part of the world and I am always pleased to hear another record of such strength when it comes my way. Every member of the band has a moment to go absolutely wild so we can really feel the full extent of their skills, which are undeniably impressive. That said, the songs are prioritised and nobody strays too long from the quest at hand which remains an ever-flowing rampage of metallic excellence.

Chile once again proves to be a hotbed for fantastic underground Heavy Metal. This EP gives us just under half an hour of magical and bewitching music that ensnares us with a sense of fantasy and wonder, conveyed by superb musicianship and a passionate execution from the whole band. Coupled with a well-tailored production and magnificent cover art, this really is the whole package. If obscure South American Heavy Metal excites you as much as it does me, check this ripper out!