Album Review | Cabrakaän – Aztlán

Cabrakaän
Aztlán
Out: November 17^th, 2023
Playing time: 53:21

Folk Metal driven by Aztec gods

This is the headline of the press info. We are talking about the new current album “Aztlán” by the Mexican Canadian band Cabrakaän. Founded by composer, drummer/percussionist, black/death metal shouter and producer Marko Cipäktli and classically trained soprano singer Pat Cuikani. According to Encyclopaedia Metallum, the founding dates back to 2012. However, the band has obviously been active for many years. Yet it is astonishing that only one EP and one album have been released so far. In the meantime, the band has their domicile in Calgary (Canada). The lyrics of the album are partly in Spanish and partly in the Aztec language. That sounds extremely exciting.

At first, one feels transported to the Mexican jungle, because “Tonantzin” starts with birdsong. Later, many folk instruments create the authentic atmosphere of Aztec music. A super intro, but no Metal yet. This follows with “Fuego”. However, here too an introduction with instruments typical of the country. I like Pat Cuikani’s singing right away. It also sounds authentic. Of course, you can also hear bitter growls from drummer Marko Cipäktli, as in “Tlaloc”. “Luces y Sombras” then sounds very melodic, but also combative. “Malintzin” begins with a pan flute melody. Later Pat sings in the highest tones, which are interrupted by growls. At first you think “Mictlán” is the ballad of the album. Later, however, you are taught better by harsh growls. Also “Yolot” starts quietly. And keeps it that way later on. But it is not a ballad either. Aztek Metal anthem probably describes it best. Although from the middle on, evil growls can be heard again. Later on, the pan flute kicks in again and provides an exotic flair. “Xóchitl” is the long-announced ballad. The singer is almost exclusively accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Very beautiful Folk influences. In “La Cigarra”, Symphonic and Folklore elements are skilfully interwoven. In addition, the outstanding voice of Pat Cuikani, traditional Aztec-like singing, also by guest singer Reed Alton. That’s really it. As a bonus, so to speak, the band has added three English versions (“Mictlán”, “Fuego”, “Luces y Sombras”) to the album.

I like this album. I like how traditional Aztec music has been brought together with classic Heavy, Death Metal and Thrash to create a new distinctive sound. From my point of view Cabrakaän are an insider tip. An album that no Metal fan should miss.

Lineup:

Pat Cuikani – Vocals
Marko Cipäktli – Drums, Vocals
Alex Navarro – Lead Guitar
David Saldarriaga Tobón – Rhythm Guitar, Bass
Chellan Hoffman – Live Keyboard
Reed Alton – Guest Vocals (“La Cigarra”)

Track list:

• Tonantzin
• Fuego
• Tlaloc
• Luces y Sombras
• Malintzin
• Mictlán
• Yolot
• Xóchitl
• La Cigarra
• Mictlán (English Version)
• Fuego (English Version)
• Luces y Sombras (English Version)