REVIEW: URSUS – Fuerza Metal

 

URSUS – Fuerza Metal

Pure Steel Records

When exploring the metal scenes of lesser-known regions, listeners often find themselves intrigued by bands that incorporate their native language into their lyrics, adding an authentic cultural dimension to their music. URSUS, a Colombian band, exemplifies this approach by delivering speed and thrash metal rooted in the classic 1980s style while singing predominantly in Spanish.

Having previously engaged with other notable Colombian metal acts such as REVENGE, I approached URSUS with a degree of anticipation, expecting a compelling contribution to the genre. While the band certainly demonstrates a clear affinity for the 80s metal aesthetic and a genuine passion for the genre, their overall execution falls short of creating a memorable or distinctive release.

The primary challenge with URSUS, akin to many contemporary bands attempting to emulate vintage metal sounds, lies in their lack of originality and innovation. Their compositions tend to rely heavily on well-worn clichés associated with speed and thrash metal from the 1980s, executed in a predictable manner. This approach results in a homogenized listening experience, where individual tracks often blend together, diminishing the overall impact of the album.

To elevate their artistic output, URSUS would benefit from a greater focus on songwriting originality and compositional depth. Developing more diverse and inventive arrangements could help distinguish them within the modern metal landscape and produce a release that is both noteworthy and enduring. As it stands, the band’s current material suggests potential, but further refinement and creative exploration are necessary to reach a higher level of artistic achievement.

Nick Parastatidis