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Medina Azahara - Medina Azahara [Aka: Paseando Por La Mezquita] CD (album) cover

MEDINA AZAHARA [AKA: PASEANDO POR LA MEZQUITA]

Medina Azahara

 

Symphonic Prog

3.73 | 51 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
4 stars This band comes from Andalucia, like their glorious predecessor Triana who came from Seville while Medina Azahara obviously has its roots in Córdoba.

The music proposed by Medina Azahara has a more rocking angle. It is even heavy during their debut album (Paseando Por La Mezquita or Hacia Ti).

The later is a real upbeat song and features some splendid (electric) guitar from Miguel Galán. Hacia Ti is a very melodic track and is extremely enjoyable. It is a highlight.

This album is actually very catchy, the Spanish language being a wonderful add-on to this heavy- symphonic music (a new genre maybe). A song as Si Supieras, even if it holds some basic lyrics, is a very emotional moment of this work: the song is again dominated by the great guitar work as well as moving vocals.

Busco is also worth the mention. It is the most Andalusian track so far; mainly thanks to the vocals which are somewhat flamenco oriented. But the lead singer Manuel Martinéz is not at all exaggerating this aspect. He is not as exuberant as Molina (from Ńu) or de la Rosa (Triana). He is more sober but as efficient as both of them.

I really like their guitar-oriented symphonic music. Still, the other band mates are not staying behind: the rhythmic section is particularly solid: this is particularly confirmed during Se during which the flamenco style also gets a chance to emerge. A fine song as well.

It is a pity that this band is not better known outside of Spain. They also have very little exposure on PA. But the same applies to Triana and another great band from that country: Ńu.

Medina Azahara really deserves your attention. Guitar lovers and progheads looking for something different: this album is highly recommended.

Four stars.

ZowieZiggy | 4/5 |

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