MAGO DE OZ

A Costa Da Morte

Locomotive

8 / 10

Track listing:

For the full track listing, visit Amazon.com.

A valid argument can be made that lyrics sung in English may result in more of a global appeal for a heavy metal band. Then again, there is a certain dignity, not to mention different flavor, for acts that stick to their guns, sing in the native tongue, and play music the way it was heard in the head. Spain's MAGO DE OZ (English translation: Wizard of Oz) is one of these bands. No matter how difficult it may be for the non-Spanish speaking fan to immediately embrace the music from a lyrical standpoint, there is no doubt that English lyrics would not only tarnish the act's reputation, but also cause the music to lose some of its charm. Besides, MAGO DE OZ have been in business since 1989 and surely have no plans to change any time soon. Oh, and by the way, the new album, "A Costa Da Morte", is a two-disc live album that would serve as an excellent starter release for the virgins.

For as much folk (or folk inspired) metal as we've been hearing about and listening to, it is a crime that MAGO DE OZ is not brought up in every conversation about the topic, as they've been doing it longer and, in many cases, better than most. The group takes melodic/power metal and balances it with some of the liveliest Celtic folk music you've every heard. Instruments like the flute and violin are not simply included for accent either; they are of paramount importance to the melodies. The use of harpsichord on songs like the moving "El Que Quiera Entender…" enriches the arrangements to a considerable degree. And the cover of KANSAS' "Dust in the Wind" (sung in Spanish and titled "Pensando En Ti") is more than just a peculiarity as well. Throughout the event MAGO DE OZ's rabid throng of supporters are heard singing along and reveling in the magic created by this talented act.

But back to the Spanish lyrics, just give "A Costa Da Morte" (or any MAGO DE OZ release for that matter) a chance and before you know it you'll be so swept up in the music's grandiosity that language becomes almost irrelevant. Let's face it, a great melody is a great melody and MAGO DE OZ knows a thing or two about writing a catchy tune. Hell, you might even learn some Spanish along the way.

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