REVIEW: NÖRTHWIND - Viento del norte

 

NÖRTHWIND - Viento del norte

GOI Music

In the fertile landscape of European power metal in 2001, a Spanish quintet named Nörthwind (not to be confused with other bands sharing the name) unleashed their debut, "Viento del Norte" (North Wind). This album arrived during a pivotal period for the genre, as foundational bands like Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Gamma Ray had paved the way for a new wave of acts like Rhapsody (of Fire), Stratovarius, and Sonata Arctica, who were pushing the boundaries of melodic and symphonic metal. Nörthwind positioned themselves perfectly within this resurgence, blending speed, technicality, and dramatic flourishes to carve out their own niche.

While possessing undeniable symphonic touches that might draw parallels to the "Hollywood metal" grandeur of Rhapsody, Nörthwind's core sound on "Viento del Norte" leans more firmly into the traditional power metal realm. Much like HammerFall, who championed a return to "true" metal with anthemic, guitar-driven compositions, Nörthwind employs orchestral elements as powerful augmentation rather than the primary structural force. The focus remains on driving, often galloping guitar riffs, clear vocal melodies, and a no-frills, direct energy that serves up potent, self-contained anthems.

The band's influences are clearly rooted in the German power metal pantheon. The vibrant energy, melodic twin-guitar harmonies, and uplifting spirit often recall Helloween's iconic "Keeper" era. Hints of Running Wild's straightforward power and rhythmic drive also surface, lending a slightly rougher, more grounded edge to some of the tracks. However, the most profound influence, particularly evident on the album's powerful closer "La última lucha," is that of Blind Guardian. This track showcases intricate arrangements, layered choral vocals, and a narrative scope reminiscent of Blind Guardian's early speed metal ferocity combined with their later epic, storytelling prowess. The dramatic build-ups and the almost "bardic" quality of Txema's vocals further solidify this connection.

One notable aspect of "Viento del Norte" is its production. While not possessing the polished, crystalline sheen of some contemporary releases, the slight roughness and organic feel of the production actually work in the album's favor. Rather than detracting, this rawer edge injects a vital sense of immediacy and aggression, giving the powerful riffs and galloping rhythms a grittier impact that complements the band's traditional power metal foundation. It allows the energy to shine through unfettered, lending a more authentic, less sterile feel to their otherwise grandiose sound.

Beyond their compelling musical blend, Nörthwind's use of the Spanish language for their lyrics is a defining characteristic. This decision not only provides a unique cultural identity within a predominantly English-singing European scene but also adds a layer of raw authenticity and passion to their delivery. For Spanish-speaking listeners, it creates a powerful direct connection to the band's narratives. These narratives predominantly explore classic power metal themes: historical events, fantastical sagas, and epic struggles. Tracks like "Lágrimas de hielo" (Tears of Ice) perfectly open the album with a blend of speed and grandeur, while "Campeón eterno" (Eternal Champion) stands as a quintessential, uplifting power metal anthem. "En los mares" (On the Seas) offers a slightly more atmospheric journey, and "Dioses muertos" (Dead Gods) brings a heavier, more dramatic tone of conflict. "La última lucha" (The Last Fight) culminates the album with its epic, battle-ready intensity.

In essence, "Viento del Norte" is a powerful debut that skillfully navigates the burgeoning power and symphonic metal landscapes of the early 2000s. Nörthwind crafted an album that is both instantly familiar to fans of the genre's titans and distinct enough to stand on its own, thanks to its compelling blend of influences, anthemic songwriting, proud Spanish identity, and a production style that enhances its raw power. It's a testament to a band that, though short-lived, left a notable mark on the Spanish metal scene before members branched off to form Darksun and Vendaval.

Nick Parastatidis