Impureza are a Franco-Spanish metal band formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz from Orléans. Their music blends a unique fusion of extreme metal and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco, which creates a Hispanic metal fusion. Impureza remains an innovative project in the international metal scene, paving the way for many artists across the globe. They will release their album Alcázares on July 11 via Season of Mist.

This bands’ lineup consists of Esteban Martín on vocals; Lionel Cano Muñoz on rhythm, lead, and Spanish guitars; Florian Saillard on fretless bass; and Guilhem Auge on drums.

With this being their third album, the leveling up here is top-notch metal. One minute, you hear the beautiful strumming of guitars, and the next the band blast off into death metal. “Verdiales” strums into the listener’s soul with elegance, then slices into the album with a machete.

“BAJO LAS TIZONAS DE TOLEDO”

(translated):

They call him the mercenary
They call him the champion
Victorious in every battle
With the fury of a matador 

The third track “Covadonga” comes forth with speed and superpowers. A favorite on this album, “Pestilencia” invites us into their acoustical intro, then crushes the soul. “Reconquistar Al-Ándalus” impacts your ears as well with the heaviness as it leaves you on the edge of your seat. “Murallas ” almost feels like it takes us to another time, years ago when the music was cultivated and brought to this earth. The beats, the harmonious rhythms, hold us near, preparing for mayhem.

“La Orden del Yelmo Negro” reaches into the dark depths, as melodic and brutal as can be.  The whole album is breathtakingly brutal with blends of unique sounds that will blow you away thanks to their musicianship and style. Impureza’s members are also influenced by many Spanish artists such as flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, as well as bands like Behemoth, Morbid Angel, Krisiun, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among others. Their compositions feature both clean and guttural vocals sung in the language of Cervantes, flamenco guitar, acoustic fretless bass, extreme metal, and orchestral arrangements that evoke the colors of Spain.

Photo credit: Mr Cana Photography