MUNDOS BIZARROS

3.5 stars. FLOR DE LOTO are from Peru and have released three studio albums so far.This is their latest from 2009. I gave their debut a spin before I gave this album one last listen for the review and thoroughly enjoyed it (the debut). Problem was by the time I was half way through "Mundos Bizarros" I was wishing it was over. It's because they use the same style on all three of their albums I suppose. Mostly instrumental and flute led with some guitar outburts and heaviness.

"Intro" is just that,a short mellow opener. "La Fortaleza" kicks in right away and hard with flute over the top. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes with acoustic guitar before kicking back in. "Volver A Nacer" is an uptempo rocker and vocals arrive a minute in. A calm with flute 3 minutes in and it sounds great. It picks back up before 4 minutes and ripping guitar follows. "Shamballa" is bass, drums, strummed guitar and flute. Electric guitar comes in and solos over top. A change before 3 minutes then the electric guitar returns after 4 1/2 minutes. "Amnesia" is mellow with vocals and we get some female vocals helping out.The electric guitar before 3 1/2 minutes is a nice touch.

"Danza Celta (Parte II)" is an uptempo rocker with guitar and flute taking turns leading.The tempo picks up after 2 minutes. "Habitante De Un Mundo Imagiario" is mostly flute with heaviness.The guitar lights it up after 3 minutes. "Nubes Obscuras" is laid back but it does pick up some 2 minutes in and vocals follow. "Atlantis" is uptempo with flute over the top.Guitar before 3 1/2 minutes.

"Noche Azul" is a pastoral track. "La Puerta Dorada" is good with the flute and a beat leading the way. Guitar 1 1/2 minutes in then the flute starts to lead again.Guitar ends it. "Mundos Bizarros" is a vocal track and the highlight for me is the guitar before 3 minutes.

It's cool to see the leader of the band wearing an IRON MAIDEN t-shirt in the liner notes picture. If you want to check these guys out pick any one of their three albums because they are all good. Conversly i'm quite pleased to keep only their debut in my rotation.