GAIA

I have always been drawn to Celtic rock music, particularly bands like Runrig, Oysterband, Pogues, Men they Couldn't Hang, and other groups that seemed to balance the traditional with modern arrangements. At times they even verged onto prog territory, but more as a reflection of influences rather than a true orientation. Although I cannot say I was wondering what a band would sound like if they combined those traits with more progressiveness and a serious metallic edge, I suspect that Mago de Oz provides the answer, and the result is far better than I could have anticipated.

With expressive vocals in Spanish, a full compliment of whistles and other appropriate instruments, and plenty of crashing rhythm guitars, "Gaia" contains a highly appealing blend of the muscle of prog metal and the folk song. Within we have truly beautiful ballads ( "La Rosa de los Vientos"), mysteriously gothic themes ("Obertura MDXX"), metal treatises ("La Conquista"), anthemic power ballads ("Si Te Vas"), stylish prog pop ("El Árbol de la Noche Triste"), and, most impressively, a couple of epics that combine all in one ("Gaia" and " La Venganza de Gaia").

The Celtic vibe is really never far away on Gaia, so I would not recommend this to anyone who has a problem with that style. But to all others this is a real winner. This "wizard of oz" has gifted us with a new genre that we were lacking, or did we really have it all along and just not know it?