This band came out of nowhere and really surprised the hell out of me. Jezabel are based out of Argentina and play Melodic Power Metal laced with keys. Their style may not be too original but it does seem fresh, and not a rehash of the same ol’ same ol’ that many third and fourth tier Power Metal bands seem to do. Having used to live in Buenos Aires, Argentina I thought I might as well check these guys out and I’m glad I did. Surprisingly all the songs are in Spanish and even more surprisingly is that they work this way. Now, I don’t have many other language albums, I enjoy Vintersorg and ilk of that nature but I had yet to hear a Spanish Power Metal band. I just treated this as I would if I went to see an opera, I have no idea what they are singing about but instead of listening for the words I concentrate on the singer’s vocal inflection, tone, delivery and every little detail about him. In the end this wound up with me being more critical on the singer than if I understood him in the first place. Each song on Legiones Del Sur have crunch, have balls, have passion, from the opener Sigue Un Paso Mas all the way to the final note on the hymn Imagen Del Mundo this album keeps you entertained and the language barrier is nil and destroyed.

The first thing to strike you other than the speed and heaviness is Leandro Coronel’s voice. Clear and ranging from the upper parts of middle register to high, but not suffering from girly man syndrome, he sings with force and passion. When the chorus’ come around and the brunt of the song rests on his voice he delivers all the time and not once does he screw up or give a lackluster performance. And remember, this is after a careful critique of him since I don’t know what he is singing about! The guitar playing is heavy and melodic with some inspiring leads that remind me of the song Rain from Secret Sphere’s latest cd and Angra as well. While there aren’t any keys solos that are reminiscent of Sonata Arctica or Stratovarius keysman Omar Liste still has a major role in the structure of the songs. Again, Secret Sphere comparisons can be made, this time to the A Time Never Come album in the way that the keys are used and manipulated.

Jezabel is a promising act and Legiones Del Sur is a fine debut. Like I mentioned earlier, there isn’t anything on here that will blow your mind in terms of originality but Jezabel are not just another fourth tier Power Metal act. Recommended, especially to all the Spanish speaking metalreviews readers out there.