Genre: Progressive Death Metal
Country: Spain
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Year: 2020
Whoever knows the name of Martin Mendez probably knows it from opeth as he is the popular band’s guitarist. White Stones that could have been the name of a rock alternative band as well is his project an idea that was born in Barcelona Catalonia after Οpeth’s “Sorceress” tour. Mendez started composing songs and asked for some of his friend help in order to record them. This why Joao Sassetti -on guitars- and Jordi Fare -on drums- helped him to finish his songs. As the result satisfied him he tried to self-released it in a limited 200 copies DIY vinyl, but their manager in Opeth managed to sign them to nuclear blast. The album entitled “Kuarahy” translated to sun in a dialect in a tribe of Indians which Mendez has roots is a very good album. If you want to find a connection to death metal origin of Mendez influences you will hear only one name morbid angel. But the songs aren’t so brutal or old-school. Actually the guitar sound isn’t as thick as the characteristic Death Metal’s wall of sound, but even though the guitars lack of distortion as the rhythm section is louder there’s still enough tense and power in the songs. The use of a fender Stratocaster makes the sound more organic while there’s also a morbid aura and that combination makes the whole thing a bit strange. Strange but satisfying for the one that likes less complicated structures yet likes his death metal modern but not to overproduced. Opeth fans will find a link to the bands past but I can’t predict how many death metal fans can share Mendez’ vision…