Originally released in 2021 by the band (digitally), Pirates Press just released Altar on vinyl. It’s the debut album by Flores y Fuego, a hardcore band from Mexico and it feels both fresh, yet familiar, with big riffs, tangible anger, and a cathartic call to come together. You know: classic hardcore. The sound is big and powerful, but the lyrics are chanted and paced in a way that I can make out the words (in Spanish).
As with most hardcore at this tempo, it’s not just the riffs that do the heavy lifting. The bass really sets the pace and the guitars are quite varied throughout. You’ll hear metal flourishes across the whole record to varied degree. “Circulo Vicioso” is more straight-up hardcore, whereas “Deceso” has nearly a minute build-up with hints of groove metal. “Muerde El Anzuelo” and “Por Una Cadena Más Larga” are other great examples of that balance. The latter song here closes out the record. It does incorporate metallic guitars, but it's layered within the bigger sound. It’s not a sudden change or glaring flair. Instead, it’s organic and natural.
The vocals are also key to how smooth this record is. I think in English I might be bored with the midtempo delivery, but the natural rhythms of Spanish really shine and, combined with those guitar flourishes I keep mentioning, the band incorporates just enough melody to keep everything moving while the predominant experience is more pummeling. I’m curious to see how this band develops. Right now, Altar is a great start.
