Band:	Xibalba
Album:	Tierra Y Libertad
Style:	Death metal, Hardcore
Release date:	January 26, 2015
A review by:	X-Ray Rod

01. Enemigo
02. Guerrilla
03. Invierno
04. Pausa
05. En Paz Descanse
06. Tierra Y Libertad
07. Si Dios Quiere
08. El Vacio

This is deathcore made by a band who did not forget what death metal is.

Technically speaking this should be deathcore, right? Because that's what I'm hearing: A great mix of death metal and hardcore. If that doesn't work for you guys then screw it? I'm calling them old school deathcore. It's almost oxymoronic that Xibalba (USA) is using old school death metal to give a new twist to the deathcore formula. I dare you to listen to "Guerilla" and tell me that opening mammoth-size riff doesn't belong in Morbid Angel's Domination. On the other hand, the vocals, attitude and several builds up and breakdowns just scream hardcore fury.

I discovered these guys with their sophomore album, Hasta La Muerte. Everything that intrigued me from their previous album is presented here in the same tight package (including the fact that both albums have drop-dead gorgeous artworks). The riffs are crushing and groovy while the vocals are throaty and couldn't sound more pissed off. The rhythmic backbone of this album is also well executed as the drums sound like cannons firing when the bass drums are hit with such anger. The production grants a sound that recalls the death metal vibe from the '90s but it's further down-tuned which makes the band sound heavier than all our moms put together. This has probably to do with the fact that Xibalba (USA) has been taken care of by Southern Lord. Both Greg Anderson and Taylor Young, from Sunn O))) and Nails respectively, have provided guidance towards an aggressive and pummeling sound that is slightly droning at times.

This influence can be clearly noticed when Xibalba (USA) decides to slow things down a notch and use proper layering to get a slightly doomy result that is quite melodic at times. A similar story goes for "El Vacio", the closer of monolithic 12 minutes. At this point the band has developed a density that matches many sludge bands. A melancholic vibe can even be felt after all the catharsis that came from the previous tracks. I'm not gonna pretend that this album is all original. It's visceral and to the point. This is music for the caveman we all have inside... But it's the way the traditional sounds are used that makes the little differences, providing extra flavor to this relentless album.