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The Spanish band Mago de Oz are a group that I had always heard a lot about but never had the chance to experience until recently, mostly due to their lack of accessibility here in the US. (Its not like I could walk down to my local record store and check out their catalogue) Admittedly for a first time Mago de Oz listener, this disc Belfast is probably not the best introduction to the band, as it is meant to be a holdover for the fans in anticipation of their follow up to the popular “Gaia” album, coming out later this year. Belfast is meant to be a fun disc because it offers up some alternate versions of older Mago de Oz songs, along with some cover songs from bands like Whitesnake and Uriah Heep.
Upon hearing these guys for the first time, I was pretty amazed with their high level of musicianship. At times it feels like I am listening to a whole orchestra rather than just a band because there are so many different elements to their music. Violins, flutes, keyboards, female vocals, and guitars are all fair game—they literally throw everything at you but the kitchen sink. With all this stuff going on however, nothing feels rushed, out of place, or exaggerated, which is a testament to the band’s ability. The fact is that the violins and flutes are not experimental, rather permanent instruments, which give them a very unique sound.
Whether or not this is your thing may depend, but you have to credit the band for originality. It is not every day that I get to hear some Spanish heavy metal with Celtic influences, especially this well executed. While most of the lyrics are sung in Spanish, this may turn some people (English speakers) off. However, anyone who listens with an open ear will find that this is just another element to their sound. Particularly engaging were Spanish versions of songs I was already familiar with, such as Uriah Heeps’ “Lady in Black” done as “Dama Negra”. Some of the other covers, I found to be interesting picks (Elvis?), but I think its obvious the band is mostly having fun and playing to their dedicated fan base. For that reason, the disc can be a bit hard to get into, but I would recommend it to fans of the band or the adventurous power metal listener. The disc is also available in digibook format with an additional DVD containing a music video and interview.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Intro-Irish Pub |
| 2. Belfast |
| 3. La Rosa De Los Vientos |
| 4. Dame Tu Amor |
| 5. Majer Amante |
| 6. Alma |
| 7. Más Que Una Intención |
| 8. Dama Negra |
| 9. Todo Irá Bien |
| 10. Se Acabó |
| 11. Hasta Que Tu Muerte Nos Separe |
| 12. Somewhere Over The Rainbow |
: 62.25
| Buy other Mago De Oz albums |
