| Musical Style: Hard Rock | Produced By: Jean Funes |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Honduras |
| Year Released: 2011 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 75% |
| Running Time: 49:32 |
No sophomore jinx for San Pedro Sula, Honduras based Codigo Eterno on its summer of 2011 second full length release Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo. Recorded in follow up to the groups self-titled debut from 2008, the album finds Codigo Eterno continuing to blend aspects of “melodic rock and hard rock with occasional modern overtones” (as taken from the 70% Angelic Warlord review of the debut). This emphasis on the old and new is best reflected in Codigo Eterno's influences, listed at its Facebook page and ranging from Def Leppard, Petra, White Heart and Bon Jovi to Skillet, Fireflight, Flyleaf, Plumb and Anberlin.
Have no concern about any modern tendencies in that what I wrote in the review also holds true: “The modern tendencies in question are a bit understated and by no means ruin or hold the project back (at least it did not for me)”. The point being that you will find some modern elements to Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo but not to the point of overriding or distraction.
Similar to the debut, Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo breaks down evenly between hard rocking tracks and those reflecting a mellower touch. All lyrics and liner notes are also in Spanish.
The albums heavier material, of course, stands out the most (at least for me).
Opener “Cambiar El Mundo” starts to piano before turning into an all out rocker, highlighted by a spirited chorus and front to back upbeat momentum, while “Te Necesito” also begins slowly only to pick up in pace but taking the more forthright heading with romping guitars and organ leading the way,.
“Siempre Corro A Ti” and “Eternamente” represent the albums heaviest. The former gives rise to the darker flavorings in transitioning between its stiller verses and a full on impetus chorus and latter an eighties edge with its resounding guitar walls and frenzied soloing.
The albums title track bridges the gap between the albums heavier and mellower material with its use of modern guitar tones and sweeping keyboards and piano.
Of the albums ballads, “Mas Como Tu” showcases acoustic guitar and orchestration and the worshipful “Universo” a keyboard based emphasis. “Yo Pertenezco A Ti” allows for some classic AOR elements to rise to the surface.
Seven minute “Santuario” represents the albums masterpiece as a result of how it ethereally weaves acoustic guitar and piano with periodic bluesy lead guitar.
My review of the debut was critical of the group for including 5 ballads on a 10 song album. Yes, Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo is also a bit ballad heavy in that 4 out of 10 songs can also be a bit much to take. I would have liked another hard rocking piece at the expense of one ballad, particularly when considering that 3 of the 4 (with “Santuario” being the lone exception) have a borderline “same-like” feel to them. Perhaps if a hard rock ballad had been included instead I might be more willing to accept things.
Codigo Eterno continues to shine with its dual female fronted vocal approach. The only difference being that holdover Beatriz Aranda is joined by newcomer Rocio Amador, who replaces the departed Cesia Acosta. I appreciate how the two prove versatile in the manner in which they complement the material here, whether heavier and ballad based or modern and old school.
Musicianship, otherwise, is ably done. A solid guitar team of Jean Funes and Christian Cobos (also a newcomer) give a good account of themselves. No, I have never considered Codigo Eterno an instrumental heavy band but “Diempre Corro A Ti” and “Santuario” (not to mention instrumental “Alfa Y Omega” with its beautiful guitar harmonies) allow the two to showcase their abilities. Of note is former Narnia bassist Andreas Passmark, who guests on four of the albums tracks.
Production is near perfect in aligning a full guitar presence with accenting (but not unnecessarily dominating) keyboards.
Codigo Eterno has delivered a consistent package on its fine sophomore release Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo. The group succeeds with its tasteful merging of the old and new and backs it with a pair of talented female vocalists and quality production. The only constructive aspect, again, is that the album includes one more ballad than I would have liked (at the very least the group could have mixed things up style wise in this area). An English translation to the lyrics would have been helpful as well.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Cambiar El Mundo” (4:32), “Te Necesito” (4:51), “Canten La Tierra Y El Cielo” (5:23), “Mas Como Tu” (5:27), “Siempre Corro A Ti” (4:36), “Eternamente” (3:55), “Universo” (4:54), “Yo Pertenezco A Ti” (5:03), “Alfa Y Omega” (3:16), “Santuario” (7:35)
Musicians
Beatriz Aranda - Vocals
Rocio Amador - Vocals
Jean Funes - Guitars
Christian Cobos - Guitars
Isai Saavedra - Keyboards
Jaime Vallecillo - Bass
Natan Flores - Drums
Additional Musician
Andrea Passmark - Bass
Erik Martensson - Keyboards
Rui Prado - Drums
