Anthaños: Nuevo Amanecer | The Old Argentine Legacy
(2024 – Metal Command Records)
Heavy Metal in Argentina has managed to make its way based on a style that is unique in the world, with its own originality and idiosyncrasies that are distinctly national and inland. It could practically be said that it is a separate genre within the Metal scene, as it is difficult to find a similar phenomenon in the rest of the world.
Anthaños follows this path, debating between a traditional Heavy Metal base, hard riffs, a lot of crushing, and the necessary dose of Thrash Metal, with a clear influence from Argentine folklore in its most protest-oriented, socially resistant, and nationalistic aspects. In that sense, it is no surprise that musically Anthaños is influenced by bands such as Almafuerte above all, and why not, there is something of Hermética in some of their bases and also Nepal, to name a few.
This new work, which is already their third album, continues along the lines described above, and so it is not surprising that “Nuevo Amanecer” does not propose anything new, experimental, or anything of that sort. Anthaños leans toward the harder side of Metal, emphasizing lyrics with a clear social message and a national character, although there are also expressions that touch on personal issues.
Musically, we encounter a solid, concrete wall that admits no cracks. Thus, “Nuevo Amanecer,” which gives the album its title, kicks off with a powerful riff that draws us into Anthaños’s sound, as described above, but beware, not everything sounds the same or similar. “Forjando Resistencia” (Forging Resistance) has an interesting intro with a Heavy Thrash base that brings Anthaños closer to their fastest and heaviest side, and is also one of the best tracks on the album.
Anthaños’ versatility is much more evident in a more traditional Heavy Metal track such as “Tiempo Al Tiempo,” although “Último Viaje” should not be overlooked, with its mid-tempo, heavy riffs, and orchestral guitar strums that accompany another of the highlights of this album.
“Forma De Ser” gives meaning to the pleasure of traveling along Argentina’s beloved roads and, in a “Motorhead-esque” way, captures that feeling that comes from traveling long distances on the roads that cross the country. And to accompany the national sentiment, there had to be a song that clearly blends with and is based on Argentine folklore, in that not-so-strange mixture that involves giving a metallic meaning to a song that undoubtedly has its influence in classical Argentine music. That’s what “Ser Argentino” is all about, a declaration of principles.
Finally, “Juramento,” a mid-tempo instrumental with excellent guitar arrangements, puts the finishing touch on a good album that promises Anthaños another achievement in their already extensive career on the Argentine underground scene.
It’s true, they may not be the revolution of Metal, but those who like that particular mixture of traditional Heavy Metal with Argentine music and feeling (like us) will surely feel represented, in a new demonstration that, as you will notice when you listen to this material, has its virtues and certain elements that allow us to conclude that Anthaños is on the right track, never repeating itself and showing signs of personality, beyond the obvious influences.
Of course, “Nuevo Amanecer” is an independent production, released through the local label Metal Command, which, as always, supports underground Argentine bands. We have no information about the recording, mixing, or mastering, but even so, we can conclude that despite being a work that lacks significant support, the sound achieved is worthwhile, aiming mainly to sound even, with a classic base (guitar, bass, and drums) added to a thick voice without much melody. Simple and direct.
Regarding the artwork, we have a physical edition of the classics from the old days, with a cover that contains a painting that awakens feelings common to most Argentineans (the detail of the helicopter circling the National Congress says it all). Inside the inner sleeve, we can find a photograph of the band plus the lyrics of each song, in a modest but complete edition.
Anthaños released a video clip of the song “Nuevo Amanecer,” which gives the album its title, in support of the album’s release. Of course, you can find it below to discover what Anthaños is all about. Oh, we almost forgot, so here are the coordinates to find these metal warriors on social media and learn everything there is to know about the band….
https://www.facebook.com/AnthanosOficialMetal
https://www.instagram.com/anthanosmetalargento666
