Band:	Orthodox
Album:	Gran Poder
Style:	Doom metal
Release date:	January 21, 2006
A review by:	Herzebeth

01. Geryon's Throne
02. Arrodillate Ante La Madera Y La Piedra
03. Oficio De Tinieblas
04. Black Sabbath [Black Sabbath cover] [bonus]
05. El Lamento Del Cabrón
06. Genocide [Venom cover] [bonus]

Well this was a disturbing album to say the least; I consider myself an open minded man, even more when it comes to music actually, but this album really damaged my nerves in a very masochistic way.

Orthodox plays Doom Metal in the vein of Wormphlegm or Tyranny; Gran Poder is their debut album and it's one hell of a start to say the least. As atmospheric as a Funeral Doom album can be, "Gran Poder" reaches the oddest and most outrageous vibes throughout four strenuous but explosive tracks. The mood comes in all kind of sadistic layers of ultra-slow execution and reminiscent (but random) vocalizations. This album might not come with the most complex structures and might not irradiate virtuous songwriting; but something's for sure, this album is one of the most clever examples of amazing atmospheres and chilling surroundings as the backgrounds and layers are incredibly well made and accomplished.

Musically this album is quite minimalist; the lengthy tracks develop slowly into a climax that doesn't even arrives sometimes; the first song, being the longest one, creates a varied mixture of chords, structures and ascending conditions that bursts few times with the use of intense drumming and some guitar solos; actually the whole album peaks only in the fourth track, Orthodox created an unconventional album where the openers are settlers and the finale is the actual outburst, similar to what Post-Rock bands do with their conceptual records.

This album is a really interesting one, and if you're into this type of Doom you can't miss it believe me. If you're curious about this release, try at least the first track, if you successfully pass this test you won't have a problem with the whole album. In the end, this experience will haunt your dreams for ages?

Best Tracks: "El Lamento Del Cabrón", "Geryon's Throne"