Velocidad 22: Culto Al Acero | Heavy Metal Up High
(2017/2025 – Pacheco Records)
They are undoubtedly one of the most intense bands and among those that have grown the most in recent years on the Argentine metal scene, despite their Heavy/Speed Metal style going against the grain and blending the most traditional elements of Argentine Heavy Metal with hints of the emerging Speed/Thrash Metal of the early ’80s. Velocidad 22’s sound may seem outdated when compared to current, modern sounds, but it still manages to strike a chord with metal lovers.
“Culto Al Acero” is already a Velocidad 22 classic. Originally released independently in 2017, it has been reissued in physical format by Pacheco Records—and, of course, this is a new opportunity to rediscover one of the band’s must-have albums. Here, Velocidad 22 continues its well-known style within the metal genre, offering a blend of the most intense, visceral heavy metal and the necessary doses of speed/thrash metal, all presented with a distinctly Argentine and national flair, featuring lyrics centered on metal and social/political themes—even though some continue to insist that Argentine metal is behind the times in terms of its discourse; or could it be that reality is always the same—or even worse? Velocidad 22 captures these vicissitudes well, and it’s impossible not to see yourself reflected in the daily life of any Argentine.
What’s interesting about “Culto Al Acero” lies in its production, which focuses on a sound reminiscent of the ’80s, and features songs that intrinsically lean in that direction—compositions that may sound somewhat rough around the edges but, at their core, showcase an interesting blend of versatility and finesse in composition, along with a variety of different rhythms, tempos, and distinctly metallic riffs that frame each track on this album.
To start with, “La Venganza De Los Huestes” marks the beginning of this journey called “Culto Al Acero.” With a V8-style speed and thrash metal in their blood, Velocidad 22 goes all out, with fast, solid rhythms and guitar solos that are truly impressive. And that’s one of Velocidad 22’s strengths: reminding us what true, combative heavy metal is made of. They drive this point home in the title track, which wouldn’t feel out of place either in the early days of metal or today.
“Ojos Del Mal” leans toward classic heavy metal—fast-paced and firing off riffs left and right—with double-neck guitar solos that truly send a chill down your spine, while “Metal Club” centers on a celebration of friendship and heavy metal, staying true to the most traditional roots of hard-hitting, classic heavy metal.
At times, I got the sense of a certain influence from those Barón Rojo-style intros and riffs in “Ciego En La Banda,” a track with a festive tone and a stylistic flair that takes us back to the early days of metal in terms of its rhythm and intensity, with a more rock-oriented style that takes Velocidad 22 slightly away from their well-known sound, and as if that weren’t enough, we come across “M.D.C.”—an acronym we suspect refers to the phrase “Maquinaria De Control” (Control Machinery), the central theme of the song’s lyrics—which bears certain echoes of punk rock, though always rooted in traditional Heavy Metal.
Living up to the band’s name, we have “La Humanidad Debe Ser Destruida,” with fast riffs and low, heavy rhythms that make it one of the most interesting tracks on the album; and within that framework comes “Telesitiados,” with a structure very much in the spirit of thrash but with an unrelenting heavy metal foundation at its core, accompanied by excellent guitar solos.
“Alas Metalizadas” is a true Heavy Metal battle anthem and is undoubtedly one of the album’s standout tracks. In all its metallic splendor, this is where Velocidad 22 showcases its best weapons, turning an ode to Metal into a surefire classic for the band.
And finally, “Inquisidores De Las Mentes” serves as the closing track of “Culto Al Acero,” a true display of speed and fury that blurs the lines between Velocidad 22’s thrash-inspired tendencies and their roots in traditional and classic Heavy Metal.
This new album by Velocidad 22 reaffirms their commitment to heavy metal, but with a refinement and versatility that bring it much closer to the classic sound of the ’80s. There’s a little bit of everything, and yet Velocidad 22 brings it all together into an album that bears their own distinct personality—while surpassing their previous releases. Here, we can discern the various influences shaping the band’s music, lending a touch of distinction to every track included.
We found that “’80s” vibe they gave to “Culto Al Acero” really interesting—it starts with the style, with those riffs, drives, and rhythms the band captured in each song, and is reinforced by the sound, which is so natural and, in a way, stylized in an old-school fashion, just like in the early heavy metal productions.
And in all of this, it’s important to note that the production of “Culto Al Acero” was entirely independent. Recorded and mixed at “La Pachera” Studios in 2017, the meticulous work on the sound of “Culto Al Acero” truly makes this album one to take seriously, especially for fans of true, fierce, and powerful Heavy Metal.
Compared to previous releases, it’s worth noting that this new edition retains the same cover art and a similar design, in addition to featuring the 10 original tracks—without the bonus track included on the 2018 version of the album. The inner sleeve includes the song lyrics and various photographs, adding value to the physical edition of the album.
“Culto Al Acero” spits out Heavy Metal at every turn, in every song, all with the tremendous personality of Velocidad 22 themselves, reminding us of the very essence of what Metal is made of—and that’s no small matter. That’s why we celebrate the fact that this album is being re-released in physical format. It’s a classic Velocidad 22 album that shouldn’t go unnoticed by anyone who loves Heavy Metal.
Here’s the official music video for “Alas Metalizadas,” one of the best tracks on the album and by Velocidad 22, as well as the band’s official social media accounts, so you can follow them and stay up to date on their tour dates and news…
https://www.facebook.com/PachecoRec
https://www.facebook.com/velocidad22
https://www.instagram.com/velocidad_22
