Checkmate To Destiny

(Cuervo Records – 2024)

The famous axiom “You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover” could be applied to the case of Jezabel’s latest album, a band that once again returns to the scene with their latest studio work appropriately titled “Inmortal”, which fits them like a glove. Belonging to the group of Argentine bands of the 90’s that from the underground made a name for themselves in the scene (Imperio, Helker, Lorihen, etc.), Jezabel took almost 10 years to release their first full-length, and through the years, their discographic editions were rather scarce, being in this case the fourth work of the band, released in 2024. The first studio work since 2009, year in which they released “Más Allá Del Tiempo”. For this reason, I believe that the title of this album has never been better, demonstrating that Jezabel lives, exists and resists. “Inmortal” proves that Jezebel can still show its claws, and has a lot to give.

By the cover of the album, one might think that Jezabel is a clone of bands of the Power Metal style or lineage in the Helloween/Rhapsody line, but, although one can notice clear influences in that line, what is clear is that Jezabel goes through something different, with roots planted more in the traditional melodic Heavy Metal, including in “Inmortal” 11 powerful metal anthems. It can be said that Jezabel defies labels because although it has characteristics that could be defined as Power Metal, with keyboards included, it has in Leandro Coronel, a powerful vocalization that goes against the direction of the genre, as well as powerful riffs, bases and guitar solos that go beyond any label, coupled with a firm foundation based on heavier foundations than power metal could say, giving Jezabel a personality, which is a point that should be emphasized.
“Hasta El Último Round”, the track that opens the album, could perhaps be the piece closest to the Power Metal genre, but even ‘Sin Cadenas’ leaves a feeling of being in front of harder riffs, as can be noticed in ‘Viajeros’, another good piece of the album. Already with “Legado”, Jezabel gets into more progressive and introspective terrains, as it happens with “Ángel Caído”. With “Jaque Al Destino” and “Lágrimas de Victoria”, they get closer to a Power/Heavy facet. There is also time for a ballad like “Postales De Vida”, a well done song. In “Un Cielo Espera” and “Lo Inevitable” we can find the most interesting of this work. Finally, “Más Allá De Los Sueños” is the last track of this album.

The final sound of this work seemed interesting to us, taking into account that according to what is reported in the internal envelope, the album was recorded in different recording studios, being mixed and mastered at Crazy Rabbit Estudio, by Ariel Ranieri, a connoisseur in the field. One thing we found interesting is that the keyboards never overtake the sound of the guitars, being more of an addition to the final sound than an end in itself, a sin for us that many bands tend to commit, sweetening (if we may use the term) the sound too much. Well, that doesn’t happen here. Thumbs up.
Regarding the lyrics, we have songs that touch on personal and even spiritual themes, all with a positive and constructive message that leads to interesting reflections. On the other hand, we found the graphic design of the CD to be excellent; from the cover to the inner envelope. It does not disappoint at all. Another positive point to highlight, especially for dinosaurs like us who like to admire the art of the albums released in physical format.
Clearly “Immortal” shows that Jezabel is in good health, releasing a good album that hopefully, will be a good starting point for the band to have a continuity in the scene.
Of course, to get in touch with the band, or to purchase this album, you can enter https://www.facebook.com/CuervoRecords or https://www.facebook.com/jezabel.arg.