El Cuervo de Poe – “Ex-Libris” (2012)

Independent Release

Review by Tony Cannella

From Mexico comes the Gothic metal band El Cuervo de Poe. The band was formed in 2004 and released their debut independent album in 2007. Now El Cuervo de Poe returns with their sophomore effort entitled, “Ex-Libris”.

“Ex-Libris” features almost an hour’s worth of music sung in the El Cuervo de Poe’s native language. The album gets off to a great start with “La Danza de la Locura”. The vibe throughout most of the album is dark and the band employs a full time violinist who is present throughout most of the songs. There are plenty of powerful riffs and vocalist Brenda Gaviño has a nice, smooth voice – she is not strictly an operatic vocalist, but she does come close at time like on the song “Nostalgia de Ti”, which is definitely one of my favorites – it has a slower tempo throughout most of the song and has a melancholic vibe to it. Other highlights: “Presagio”, “No Fears” and the closing 9-minute epic “El Jardin”. In addition to some of the heavier songs, the band does change tempos throughout the album. For the most part, this is a solid album and one El Cuervo de Poe should be proud of. El Cuervo de Poe’s “Ex-Libris” is an eclectic album, which may take more than one (or two) listens but if given the chance this is one that will grow on you. Its impact isn’t immediate, but it’s there nonetheless.

Rating – 80/100

Tracklist

1. La Danza de la Locura
2. La Delgada linea
3. Eclipses
4. La Llorona
5. Nostalgia de Ti
6. En el Laberinto del Nahual
7. Presagio
8. Espejo
9. La Semilla de la Vida
10. Lamento Romani
11. No Fears
12. El Jardin

Line Up

• Brenda Gaviño – Vocals
• Oscar Muro – Drums
• Vince Marquez – Guitars
• David Martinez – Bass
• Rick Part – Guitars
• Adán Madrigal – Violin

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