DETRÁS DEL UMBRAL

I feel like i've come full circle with this band after beginning with their second album "Metanoia" and following that up with their next two in chronological order. So here I am at the start of their careers with this 1999 debut. Like "Metanoia" we have the female vocalist and also lots of keyboards, but the compositions aren't nearly as good as they are on "Metanoia" in my opinion. So while there's lots to like here I would rank their next three above this one.

"El Despertar" has a dark atmosphere that invades the scene just before a minute. Some loud synths too. A good start. That dark mood continues on "Condenados" although it does kick in after a minute and vocals follow. "Mas Alca Del Lemite" has a good heavy beat with synths playing over top. Organ replaces the synths then guitar comes to the fore followed by synths again. A good instrumental track. "Tiempo Sin Razon" has these spacey synths to open followed by keys then vocals. "Utopia" opens with the sound of rain then tasteful guitar and atmosphere rolls in. I like this one. "La Espiral" features lots of keyboards and drums.

"Signos An El Cielo" is led by the guitar and background synths before a minute.It settles 3 1/2 minutes in and vocals come in a minute later.The guitar soars 7 1/2 minutes in followed by synths then organ as they trade off. "Sueno Infinito" opens with rain and thunder as gentle guitar takes over.Vocals and piano before a minute. "Detras Del Umbral" opens with swirling synths before drums and a full sound kick in. Synths pulse before 1 1/2 minutes then the vocals arrive. Organ before 4 1/2 minutes when the vocals stop.They're back after 8 minutes. "La Procesion Interior" builds with lots of synths helping out. "Eterno Y Fugaz" opens with organ as the drums join in along with a full sound. A calm before 1 1/2 minutes with reserved vocals.Vocals stop and the tempo picks up after 6 minutes to the end. "La Batalla" is a pretty good instrumental. "El Ultimio Ritual" is slower paced with vocals. Background synths after a minute when the vocals stop then it kicks in. Atmosphere and church bells end it.

Most rate their first three albums fairly evenly so i'd definitely check this out if you like female vocals and keyboard driven Symphonic Prog.