Impureza first lit the torch for flamenco death metal more than a decade ago. But the band’s new album finds these conquistadors charging to the front line of extreme metal armed with crushing riffs, brutal growls, fiery acoustic flourishes and daring classical orchestra.
“These guys clearly know how to build upon each other’s strengths, and it has resulted in some spectacular music moments”, writes Kevy Metal, who named Alcázares their album of the week
Alcázares comes out tomorrow, Friday, July 11, but you can hear all 11 boundary-pushing tracks today by listening to the full album stream below.
Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/impurezaalcazares
Conceptually rooted in the Spanish Reconquista, Alcázares unfolds as a fantastical and historic epic. The album channels the collapse of Islamic Iberia and the merciless rise of Christian dominion. Impureza fuse brutal death metal with flamenco guitar, orchestral arrangements and Spanish growls into a sonic Alcázar, where the sacred and savage co-exist.
Lead single “Pestilencia” zooms in on the Black Death’s march across Hispania. Riffing tremolos and hammer-blown blast beats lock horns with bulería-tinged acoustic guitar that flare upon castle stone. Amidst desert heat, “La Orden del Yelmo Negro” ignites in a blaze of riffs, flamenco flourishes and drum fill fury. Opener “Verdiales” pays a fleet-fingered tribute to the folk traditions of Málaga. Then with the draw of their axe blades, “Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo” sparks a blistering retelling of the legendary Spanish hero El Cid.
Recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic and mastered by Jacob Hansen, Alcázares is elevated by guest contributions from Xavier Hamon (percussion) and Louis Viallet (orchestration).
With Alcázares, Impureza have carved their boldest statement to date: an ode to a violent past, where the sword and cross meet in a storm of steel and ash.
IMPUREZA is a Hispanic metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music is distinguished by a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, creating an atypical style known as Hispanic Metal. IMPUREZA remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, making it a pioneer of the genre.
The entire concept of the band revolves around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain. The very essence of their music lies in the duality between two seemingly opposed musical genres, which, through clever composition, give birth to a new and avant-garde style. Their fiery music is literally the union of traditional Hispanic folklore and extreme metal. These metal warriors brandish their Iberian sounds as weapons with pride. This ingenious alliance is matched only by the singular and unprecedented creative originality of its founder Lionel Cano Muñoz and his compañero Esteban Martín, both of Spanish nationality. IMPUREZA’s conquistadors draw inspiration from their strong identity, which defines the band's very essence. IMPUREZA's members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others.
Let the conquistadors of IMPUREZA lead you into their realm and immerse you in Spanish culture with a groundbreaking musical concept — the one and only fierce guardians of Hispanic Metal!
SOMOS IMPUREZA!
Line-up:
Esteban Martín – All Vocals
Lionel Cano Muñoz – Rhythm, Lead & Spanish Guitars
Florian Saillard – Fretless Bass
Guilhem Auge – Drums
Follow Impureza:
Website: http://www.impureza.eu/
Bandcamp: https://impureza.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Impurezaconquista
Instagram: https://instagram.com/impurezaofficial
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/ImpurezaBand
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLkOMYXI-_teRnaDCs1ho8A
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/artist/1195314
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YA9Uqs38ZD6Lg2q66PVw9
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/impureza/422671948