Pacto de Sangre

Item: Alerta
Author: Tom MacMillan

Alerta

(2004)

Reviewed by Tom MacMillan

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Label Pacto MusicThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

glam metal heavy metal thrash metal

Pacto de Sangre (Blood Covenant) began as Plenitud in 1996 on the Island of Puerto Rico, with Eliezer Robles on rhythm guitars, and his brothers Mizael (now with Rivera/Bomma) and Carlos on bass and drums. Félix Guzman joined to play lead guitars, with Luis Vila on vocals. In 2001, they changed their name to Pacto de Sangre, and Héctor García replaced Vila as lead vocalist. With the band's new line-up, they recorded an EP and then released a full album, entitled Alerta.

This project can be described in one word: metal. The music here spans the glam metal of the '80s to the speed and thrash of the early '90s. One can perceive a few influences while listening to the work of Pacto de Sangre. As listeners step into Alerta, one of those influences hits them in the head like Eddie Jackson's Mindcrime bass: Queensryche. Of course, other bands have shaped the sound of Pacto de Sangre, among them Metallica, but vocalist Héctor García emulates the voice of Geoff Tate incredibly well.

The album begins with the title track, "Alerta." Much of the album is in Spanish, but an English version of "Alerta" is included as the last song. The first song expresses a "warning" of the end times and Tribulation. The album remains focused on Jesus Christ throughout its nine songs, also preaching against drug and alcohol use.

Next is the only song written in English, "Holy Ghost," where Héctor García sings in a manner stunningly similar to Geoff Tate, and here arises one of the first problems of Alerta: the inadequate production makes it difficult for the listener to hear Pacto de Sangre's talent. The notes are frequently off beat and the vocals painfully flat in many parts. In addition, the guitars sound messy and somewhat garbled in over-distortion. The music would be worlds better if they were presented in a more tight and precise technique.

Stylistically speaking, "Alerta" and "Holy Ghost" sum up the glam portion of the album. Pacto de Sangre moves on to thrash metal with "Cae, Cae!!" a hectic song which features bassist Mizael Robles on growls, which may be a sound that catches fans of power ballad metal off guard. Compliments to the band on the placement of "Cae, Cae!!"--breaking what would otherwise become a pattern, waking up the listener. "De Verdad" and "Amén" are two more personal, less heavy songs, almost bordering on what would be metal "praise" songs. In both songs, the writer expresses thanks to God and anti-drug sentiments.

Alerta is a solid step in the right direction. It wouldn't be surprising if Pacto de Sangre is becoming tighter and is writing more advanced material by the minute. Alerta is a clear expression of their musical abilities, if not highly developed and crudely produced. Metal fans should hold high hopes for Pacto de Sangre.

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