GRANDIOSA MUERTE is a one man band from Costa Rica. The man behind the project is Max Gutierrez, also a member of ADVENT OF BEDLAM and DUSK. With him being an accomplished musician and producer, it is not a surprise that GRANDIOSA MUERTE evokes many of his musical influences, past and present, but also his own vision of life, death and everything else that “Egregor”, his debut album, encompasses. “Egregor”‘s character is set immediately after the first seconds of ‘Mercurio’, the album opener, bursts into play. The combination of fast and low segments, the variation between open, palm muted and tremolo riffs set a constant for the rest of the album. The base here is Death Metal, but the overall atmosphere is off (in a good way) like there is an overwhelming evil presence lurking. Dare I say that this collection of songs bears a striking similarity to the feeling that PORTAL used to have in their early material but adding GRANDIOSA MUERTE’s twist and some Black / Death Metal (or what some people out there know as War Metal). These 8 songs go from slow and pounding to fast and hard, but never reaching full on blast beat speeds. Add some significant keyboard moments and you’ve got a winner. Production wise, this is dense. A wall of distortion guitar tone combined with a huge bottom end from the bass guitar and big and thunderous drums. And despite the gigantic sound, the mix is solid and clear, with every instrument well placed in the spectrum. I think the mastering is really well done. It’s been long since the “Compression Wars” began and frankly, I am sick of it already. Having the music come through with its intended purpose and dynamics is something I am really thankful for in this case. The vocals (deep, long growls) are a little pushed to the back, which actually helps the overall occult atmosphere. The album does have that cavernous sound that has become a trademark for certain bands, but GRANDIOSA MUERTE manages to come up with something different compared to all those clones out there. Overall, a great work from Max, who also manages to come up with new music that does not copy any of his bands. Hard hitting, sepulchral and reverberant Death Metal that stands out from the rest. Totally recommended. Check and support the band at www.facebook.com/grandiosamuerte and get this album from their label www.facebook.com/bitumeprods