LA DANZA DE LAS MIL TIERRAS

Needless to say that the line-up has again completely changed for this release. Unlike referenced here, this album was not released in 1985, but in ...1994. Our dear friend Molina reverts to a simple quartet. One might think that the music will be fully hard-rock oriented, but actualy it is not the case.

This album is actually the folkiest one of the band. It is quite amazing that they will opt for this style at this time of their career. Now, with so many personal changes (Ñu should be featured in the Guness Book of Records for this), Molina should have been, once in a while, at least influenced by some of his colleagues.

This feeling is to be noticed during "La Danza de las Mil Tierras" (totally folkish, this one), "Danzarina Privada", and the closing number "Vivir en Deshonra" (beautiful and sweet intro).

Of course, some songs will have a hard-rock beat like "Cruz de Hierro" or the heavy "Hechiceros" (strongly "Sabbath" oriented). The second part of the album will be more faithfull to their hard-rocking style. But the craziness of the early days are gone. Songs are more polished, formatted.

When you listen to "Perro Ladrador" the Tull filiation is there (thanks to the good flute playing of course). A bit too heavy because otherwise it might well be one of the best songs of the album. "Vampirio & Amante" has also a lot of similarities with Ian & Friends.

At times we'll get some great instrumental moments like in "Viejo Lobo de Mar". Somptuous guitar solo, great percussion work and good fluting again.

This album is not bad but it does not stand out. No poor tracks, but the whole sounds avearge.It will be well received in Spain (but Ñu is popular in their home country). A sober album. Three live tracks to close the album. But we are far from the mood of their live album : "No Hay Ningun Loco Completo".

Since I have been rather gentle with the band so far, I will rate this with two stars (five out of ten if it would b possible).