By: Dr Matt Warnock
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Heavy Mellow is an intensely interesting and musically captivating album by the San Francisco based group Flametal. The brainchild of guitarist Benjamin Woods, the band meshes elements from both the Flamenco and Metal genres, hence the name.
By meshing Flamenco rhythms and instruments with Metal intensity and aggression, Flametal is one of the most creative “fusion” groups to hit the scene in recent memory.
As well, with a live show that features Flamenco dancers alongside head-banging guitarists, the group is as entertaining to catch live as they are to listen to on record.
The album features ten all-time classic metal tracks, along with one Flametal original “Cursed.” Woods covers all the metal bases with tracks by Slayer, “Spill the Blood,” Megadeth, “In My Darkest Hour,” Iron Maiden,” Aces High,” Ozzy, “Bark at the Moon,” and King Diamond, “Welcome Home,” just to name a few.
From an arranging standpoint, the melody and lead lines are played pretty much in line with the originals, but with a very cool Flamenco, Palmas Y Cajon, accompaniment added. Though this combination may seem out of place, the end result provides a new take on these two powerful musical genres, offering fans of both something new and exciting to check out.
Besides being an inventive arranger, having the creativity to combine these two diverse genres of music, Woods is a highly proficient performer. Playing these songs with his fingers, while nailing the solos often note-for-note from the original recordings, is no easy task, but one that Wood’s achieves with apparent ease.
Though this would push many finger-style players to the limits of their technique, Woods always seems relaxed and comfortable at any tempo and with any lick, no matter how difficult they may be.
While some people may scoff at the idea of combing Flamenco and Metal, calling it a gimmick or what have you, Flametal is not that kind of music. After listening to the record, regardless of what you may think of this unique fusion of musical styles, it’s apparent that Woods is playing from the heart. That he loves both metal and Flamenco, and is bringing these two genres together with the utmost sincerity and musicianship.
Download “Heavy Mellow
Heavy Mellow is an inventive and entertaining album from Woods and company. It melds together all of the rhythmic excitement of Flamenco music with the energy and “guitartristy” of heavy metal. Fans of either genre, or those that are looking for an album that will take them in a new musical direction, would do well to give it a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
