Rating: 8.5/10
Release: 16 March 2020
Label: Independent

The whole world is currently facing a huge challenge with the COVID-19 situation, but music keeps international and spreads its positive vibes around the globe. Therefore I am really happy to review the first Costa Rican folk metal/rock band I am aware of. Abäk is basically a cultural rock project which presents us with their second release “El Canto de las Lapas” a concept album full of history, legends and myths of Costa Rica. There is not so much information in English available on their Homepage or on Facebook, but it seems that the project includes 7-10 musicians, who are combining the Costa Rican folkclore with rock/metal. The music includes a lot of traditional folk instruments and you can feel the dedication of each band member to realize this project. Abäk is covering all elements from hard rock, heavy metal and with “Luna Roja” as well a very nice folk rock ballad. The vocals are kept in Spanish and their is no doubt that they understand their business. It is quite hard for me to choose a favorite song, as each of the tracks are following an own concept and are unique with their beautiful harmonies and melodies. This release definitely shows that you can find pearls in our genre all around the world and especially in these times the album is giving you positive vibes and variety during the lock down. By the way Abäk released a very nice video from their song “La Bruja Zarate”out of the quarantine! Check it out! Thank you Abäk for this great second album!

Tracklist

1. La Bruja Zárate 05:082.
2. Iriria
3. Luna Roja 05:23
4. Santa Rosa 05:02
5. Guerrera 03:23
6. Conquistador 03:18
7. El Canto de las Lapas 09:32