• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Apparently the most famous Heavy Metal band to come out of Puerto Rico, Dantesco has certainly played with some of the undisputable greats: Grim Reaper, Exciter, Riot, and best of all, Judas Priest. Despite forming a number of years ago, Pagano is only the band's second release, and at times can be pretty damn incredible, and others, just plain average. Dantesco play the kind of epic Heavy Metal fit for a meal around the kings table; beefy riffs, orchestral timing, grand melodies, and powerful conviction. The vocals of frontman Erico La Bestia are incredibly operatic, proffering a screaming wail to rival that of Mr. Tight-trousers himself, King Diamond. Sung entirely in their native tongue — apart from bonus cut "I Came from Hell"- Pagano has an authentic air about it, touched by a satanic overtone conjured through the grandiose themes of Pagan warriors and mythical beasts.

Their sound sits closest to bands of the traditional standing such as Zarpa, Pegazus, Sarissa and Mercyful Fate, but at times the darker, doom-laden segments bring to mind a melodic Candlemass, and even the great Slough Feg at a stretch. Pagano is a tad on the long side, and as most of the songs are indistinguishable — despite having many good ideas and complex changes — it just doesn't sit well over 70 minutes. That said, still a nice slice of underground Heavy Metal that, if you can get past the ropy production, will have heads-a-banging and horns-a-raising.