MATALOBOS Phantasmagoria - Hexed Lands CD

The 2025 album Phantasmagoria: Hexed Lands by the Mexican band Matalobos, released through the prominent label Concreto Records, is a deeply atmospheric work that cements the group’s status as pioneers of Vernacular Death/Doom Metal. Hailing from León, Guanajuato, the band has spent over a decade refining a sound that blends the crushing weight of melodic doom with the rich, often macabre, folklore of Mexico. This full-length album serves as a conceptual journey through haunted landscapes and traditional legends, marked by a sophisticated production that integrates regional folk elements—including the unique and effective use of trombone—to create a distinct mestizo identity within the extreme metal genre. The record is composed of ten tracks that balance theatrical storytelling with visceral aggression, featuring a standout performance by vocalist Dante Méndez, who seamlessly transitions between guttural growls and mournful clean singing. The journey begins with the atmospheric Panoramica and moves through haunting compositions such as This Mortal Music, Below the Dam, and Where Witches Gather. A significant highlight of the album is the track Hasta el Viento Tiene Miedo, which directly references Mexican horror cinema, alongside narrative pieces like Carmen, Buried Alive and the closing House of Laments. Released as a professional digipak CD, the album explores local myths and the sorrowful connection between souls in purgatory, drawing stylistic comparisons to the melodic gloom of Opeth while maintaining a uniquely Mexican spirit. This release represents Matalobos' most ambitious work to date, successfully translating the eerie atmosphere of Mexican oral traditions into a powerful and contemporary metal format.