Mathras: El Poder De La Mentira | The Power Of Heavy Metal
(Metal Sin Records – 2024)
There is nothing to do. No matter how many weird things are invented, when Metal sounds simple and uncomplicated, the result in general turns out to be much more accurate and effective, and that is the feeling that “El Poder De La Mentira”, the fourth studio album by the Argentinean band Mathras, leaves us with. But beware, its successes do not begin and end there, there is much more to discover.
To begin with, we are not discovering anything new if we say that Mathras is simple and direct Heavy Metal, with a lot of influence from Dio, Sabbath, Rainbow and all the Metal from the 70’s mainly. Therefore, there is nothing new under the sun and nothing too surprising. What makes this Mathras album stand out are the songs, one better than the other, with the right measure between hard riffs and melody, knowing how to build a work with a clear concept and idea. In short, we can say that Mathras did not accumulate loose songs in a kind of album made in a hurry. At least that is not the impression, since it is evident that behind “El Poder De La Mentira” there is blood traction and a lot of serious work. There is a kind of connection between song and song, with a simple, conventional structure that gives a sense to the whole album.
This formation of Mathras, always with Gustavo Ruben on guitars, Sergio Marti on drums and Fernando Barreiro on bass, adds the great Charly Coria on vocals, forming a combo that, possibly, has released the best material in the history of the band, or at least the most fair and accurate in a production that is really worth giving a chance.
Among the highlights of “El Poder De La Mentira” is the track that opens this album and gives it its title, as well as “Liberación”, both with video clips to promote this work. We really liked “Buenos Tiempos”, an excellent semi-tragic song built around an excellent chorus, possibly one of the best songs on the album, and “Almas En La Oscuridad” also has its own, and is not far behind. Also note “Lo Que El Tiempo Dejó”. There is time for an instrumental piece in “La Creación (MLR)” while “Bajo Las Cenizas De Un Imperio” closes the album. The rest of the album moves in the same line, without having perhaps a high point but no negative points either, quite the contrary.
A lot of hard-hitting riffs, a lot of guitar work and a firm, sustained base with a simple and direct sound is what Mathras shows us in this album. There are no magic formulas, nor any modern sounds. The climates achieved with each song seemed to us a great achievement of the production of this album, an album that by the way also has a great job in terms of the final sound, mixing and mastering, taking into account that we are talking about an independent production, with all that implies. It is remarkable that we can break down the sound of each instrument in its right measure, achieving an appropriate environment, musically speaking, for each song deployed. In addition to this, the sound of the keyboard (recorded by Gerardo Abbenante as a guest) gives that kind of necessary mattress to the final sound. We found the lyrics to be extremely inspired, with experiential, personal and social topics.
What can we say about the cover? Tremendous!!! I like it when bands appeal to people’s intelligence when they approach an album and the cover of “El Poder De La Mentira” is one of those that dazzle you for a long time, trying to discover the concept and the message. Of course all the graphic art on the inner envelope continues in the same vein with a single photograph of the band inserted. By the way, with the disc comes some very nice stickers and a mini-poster of the band, which is appreciated for its inclusion. Another great feature is the outer sleeve that accompanies the acrylic box, which has the same cover design, continuing the graphic concept already mentioned. It is to be applauded. It would deserve a vinyl edition, because up to now it is only available in compact disc, as far as physical format is concerned. For that you can contact the band at https://www.mathras.com.ar or on their official facebook, https://www.facebook.com/MathrasSitioOficial/.
