JOSE CARBALLIDO

Jose Carballido was born in 1979 in the German city Mannheim but moved to La Coru'a when he he was only two years old. At an early age Jose studied music and got a grade in classical guitar. Then he went on with studying modern music, electric guitar, compositions and vocals. And Jose started to play in bands, from the symphonic rock band M'zar to the Piazzolla quartet and the baroque trio Algarab'a. And finally in the hardrock formation Aeternam.

This versatility can be traced on his dubbel CD Requiem, the theme is death and the resulting mental pain. There is an important role for a choir (soprano, contra-alt, tenor and bass), this turns out to be a captivating contrast with the progmetal-like guitar and rhythm-section. It is topped by powerful and expressive Spanish vocals, really an extra dimension.

In general the 15 tracks on this 2-CD sound fluent, propulsive and sumptuous, layered with blistering guitar work and varied keyboard play. The climates range from mellow with Grand piano to bombastic with church organ (like in the instrumental opener Obertura). A strong point is the colouring with swirling flute (in the vein of Solaris and Jethro Tull), along some pieces with classical ' and duo electric guitar, especially in the instrumental final composition Epilogo. Another strong point is the choice of the musicians, these are outstanding, I was blown away by the amazing interplay, especially between the fiery guitar and sparkling flute.

I impressed by this music, but you have to be up to harder-edged prog (like Ayreon and prog metal), loaded with sumptuous parts and expressive Spanish vocals.

My rating: 3,5 star.