Martiris carnívors: Himnes per a un nou apocalipsi

Martiris carnívors: Himnes per a un nou apocalipsi is the second album from Portugal's Els Focs Negres, a band that plays blackened heavy metal and sings mainly in the Catalan language. Most of the band's riffs and songwriting is traditional heavy metal, rough and crunchy at times, but based on blueprints laid down by Iron Maiden and Accept. The vocals are a raspy scream that fits the music quite well. Songs like "Màrtirs de la creu" and "Maligne" are fun, bashing heavy metal with throw a fist in the air attitude and the only song on here that doesn't really work is the 19-minute closer, "Carnívors". Long songs are a gamble, and this one is a slow, somber ballad for long stretches, ramping up occasionally, but not enough to hold my attention for nearly 20 minutes. Nevertheless, if you are in the market for some heavy metal that doesn't sound like too many other bands, check out Els Focs Negres.