After Tierra Santa have smooth the way, there are coming more and more Spanish bands with texts in their native tongue on the European market. The latest one is called ANKHARA and they show us on their newest and third record Sombras del Pasado an interesting mix of Power Metal, with a decent hint of NWoBHM in it, and more quiet Hard Rock or AOR. With this mix they give their songs a very emotional and intense way, which is very interesting together with the very good timbre of the voice. But with the main aspect on this, they lack a bit of raw power and force, which would have given the songs a lot more drive. I miss on Sombras del Pasado a bit the real Hit, which goes right in your face without compromise. But they compensate that with very interesting songs with the required amount of Keyboard to have a good progressive effect.
This mix is the strong side of ANKHARA and if you listen to them long enough you may get lost in their music, if you want it to happen. Beside the missing offensive side in their songs, they have done a fine job and all the fans of intense and highly talented Power Metal should have a look beyond the Pyrenees.

Ankhara