Latinoamérica isn’t exactly known for its Death/Doom scene. If anything, the region is celebrated for its Thrash/Death and Power Metal traditions. So, in a way, Matalobos is carving out a path that, while well-trodden in other parts of the world, feels fresh and unexpected in warmer climates. Phantasmagoria: Hexed Lands is their attempt at crafting your typical Death/Doom experience but with a distinctly Mexican Folk touch—and that’s not something you see every day. Here at MER, we’re all about weirdness; in fact, the weirder, the better! (Note: Just sending me weird stuff won’t guarantee a great score, but it’ll certainly make me love the job more.)
Yes, you’ll find all the melancholy, urgency, and drama you’d expect from a band playing this style of Metal, but there’s something else going on in Phantasmagoria. The beauty lies in the details—specifically, the immersive use of trumpets, synths, and even prayers, which give the album a crepuscular atmosphere. It feels like being lost in the desert as the sun sets, having just endured the scorching heat, only to face the freezing winds of nightfall, surrounded by the spirits of those less fortunate. There’s an almost Prog-level ambition here, and that’s always a win in my book.
Matalobos takes risks on this album. They don’t settle for just playing “sad kids’ music.” Instead, they aim to transport listeners to another era through creative songwriting. The harsh vocals sometimes remind me of Amorphis, the melodic passages echo October Tide, and the gorgeous acoustic arrangements—which shouldn’t work but absolutely do—add layers of depth. The album is packed with details that make repeat listens rewarding. I also appreciate how the Folk elements are handled with sensitivity rather than being reduced to a gimmick. It would’ve been easy to throw in some maracas or trumpets haphazardly, but Matalobos shows self-respect, using these elements in a way that reminds me of Blackbraid.
Unfortunately, nothing in life is perfect, and that includes Día de los Muertos-themed Metal. I have three main criticisms this time. First, the album loses some momentum around the middle, making it feel a bit long. Second, I’m not entirely convinced by the clean vocals—or maybe it’s just that the harsh ones hit so much harder in comparison. Third, the mix feels slightly thin for my taste, though that’s more of a nitpick on my part. I’d expect the FLAC version to address that issue.
Still, it’s not every day you come across Melodic Death/Doom with Mexican Folk influences (oh wow, I lived to write that line down—I love this job sometimes). If you’re into anything Pegah usually recommends, then this is a no-brainer for you. Even with its unpolished edges, I can confidently say that Matalobos is one of the most interesting prospects within this niche. It would be a tragedy to let this one pass you by like an oasis in the desert.
Label: Concreto Records
Release date: February 7, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/matalobosofficial
Country: Mexico
Score: The soundtrack for a Tarantino film, or 3.7/5.0 for now!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 