![itxinako atxak – demo i [demo]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Itxinako-Atxak-Demo-I-Demo-cover.jpg "Itxinako Atxak – Demo I [Demo]")
Info
- Band(s): Itxinako Atxak
- Label(s): Altare Productions
- Release Format(s): Cassette, Demo
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: April 16, 2025
- Author(s): FelixS
From the ever-elusive stables of Altare Productions comes this new Spanish acts Itxinako Atxak. Although I believe they prefer to be seen as Basques, an issue that is quite sensitive in those northern Spanish parts, but on a musical level the anonymous figures behind the band present a sort of Black Metal that is neither typically Spanish nor Basque. So, as far as that is concerned Itxinako Atxak well deserves an identity of its own.
Even when there is quite an interesting local Black Metal scene with Owl’s Blood and Ostots being the most well-known acts, Itxinako Atxak sounds quite different. But while the band offers a rather unique sound, it is nothing too much out of the ordinary. In fact, ‘Demo 1’ sounds pretty orthodox and seems to shy away from any experiments, but it is the production and the hoarse vocals that makes the music stand out.
With both the drums and the vocals being quite prominent in the mix and an ever-pummelling up-tempo pace it feels mostly related to the late 90’s/early 00’s Black Metal out of Poland and France. Without feeling like a mirror image, the music as a whole reminds me a bit on the early Thunderbolt or even Enshadowed albums. Although such musical allusions are mostly very much dictated by personal taste and frame of reference, it is undeniable that the band will be loved most by devotees of a sound deeply rooted in Black Metal from around the turn of the millennium.
Limited to 50 hand-numbered copies, this is a demo that will find its way to those devoted underground enthusiasts, but I hope it is mainly a glimpse of what is yet to come…
Altare Productions
- Country: Portugal
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Homepage, Youtube
