ANGELUS APATRIDA – Aftermath

While Heavy Metal is more of an underground thing in the U.S., in Europe, it’s a whole different story. Spanish Thrash Metal band Angelus Apatrida are keeping the spirit of the genre alive and well in the veins of Metallica, Testament, Pantera, and Overkill. From their debut studio album, Evil Unleashed (2006) to their critically acclaimed album, Clockwork (2010), the band’s eighth studio album, Aftermath, showcases their growth and musicianship since formation.

Writing From New Experiences

“Every time we sit down and write new music, we try to do the best we can and to put all the new things and experiences we had over the last few years into the mix. The new songs are pure Angelus Apatrida. They’ve got every single essence of the band. There are many songs containing more personal feelings than on previous records. We’re going deep into our souls and feelings sometimes. Since we are living strange, difficult and dark times, we liked the concept of an aftermath. After everything that has happened since 2020 and is still happening in the world, in our society, and in our lives, a lot of strong feelings have come through in the music and lyrics,” lead vocalist and guitarist Guillermo Izquierdo said on the band’s website.

“Scavenger” kicks off the album in a balls-to-the-wall and take-no-prisoners fashion with a galloping bass line and heart pounding double kick drum work. Though they’re not the first band to do this, Angelus Apatrida blend screaming and melodic vocals into their songs, shown through tracks like “Cold,” “Rats,” and “Gernika.” Hatebreed vocalist Jamey Jasta lends his gritty snarls to “Snob,” a track that covers the nasty, political side of the world with a killer guitar riff and gang backing vocals. “To Whom It May Concern” covers depression and suicide. The song is one big musical journey that puts listeners in the shoes of someone that’s struggling mentally. It’s got a phenomenal bluesy guitar solo that’s one of the best solos on the album. Aftermath closes with “Vultures and Butterflies,” a dark and moody mid-tempo track that features a guest appearance from Queensrÿche vocalist Todd La Torre.

Final Assessment

The songs are driven by the rhythm section, rather than the riffs. The production is very raw and organic, giving the album an old-school vibe. Screaming vocals aren’t for everyone, but the playing is really solid. Overall, Aftermath is a fantastic album by Angelus Apatrida. For those that are just getting into the band now or have been following them since the beginning, Aftermath is worth checking out.

Album Tracklist

1. Scavenger
2. Cold
3. Snob (featuring Jamey Jasta)
4. Fire Eyes (featuring Pablo García)
5. Rats
6. To Whom it May Concern
7. Gernika
8. I Am Hatred
9. What Kills Us All (featuring Sho-Hai)
10. Vultures and Butterflies (featuring Todd La Torre)

Band Lineup

Guillermo Izquierdo – lead vocals and guitars
Davish G. Álvarez – guitars
José J. Izquierdo – bass guitar
Víctor Valera – drums