LA CIUDAD DE LOS ÁRBOLES

An interesting music with Spain lyrics and good musicianship. The use of violin enriches the music really well. The music is not typical progressive metal - it has some traditional elements as well. The album opens excellently with 'El Espíritu del Bosque (Intro)' - 1:46 that serves as overture of the album: setting the overall tone of the music they offer in the album. It flows excellently into second track 'La Ciudad de los Árboles' - 6:02. I like this track very well because it has excellent composition combining electric as well as acoustic instruments (violin) with traditional elements, performed in energetic fashion with excellent vocal work. The traditional elements are really good. I like the style and tempo changes that happen frequently during the track. The next track, as the title implies 'Mi Nombre es Rock & Roll - 6:03, is basically a straight rocker with good violin inserts that sometimes remind me to Kansas. The guitar solo is stunning. 'El Rincón de los Sentidos' - 4:38 involves violin since the beginning of the track and the violin serves as background during vocal at low register notes. My favorite track is 'La Canción de los Deseos' - 4:01 which basically a pop song backed nicely with violin and piano. I think the beauty of Mago de Oz music is their musicianship in blending modern instruments with the traditional elements using violin and piano as main instruments. The keyboard work is also nice.

It's a good album and it's different than what you usually hear. It's a new experience for me. Keep on proggin' ...!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW