ALBUM REVIEW: Amma – Puta Volcano
Throughout the annals of history Greece has contributed a many great things to humanity. From democracy to medicine, the Olympics to geometry, the European nation lies at the epicentre for modern mankind’s growth and development. Whilst their rock and heavy metal scene may not weigh in as heavy as their European brethren, the Greek scene boasts numerous bands whose quality speaks for themselves. FIREWIND, SEPTICFLESH and ROTTING CHRIST are just several that spring to mind but now, comes a new challenger; PUTA VOLCANO. Armed with Amma, their third full-length effort, this Greek quartet look intend to join the table of their country’s greatest bands and after just one listen to their new effort, you’d be hard pressed to deny them the right.
A tightly polished and refined body of work, the twelve tracks that comprise Amma demonstrate a band who have come on leaps and bounds since 2017’s excellent Harmony of Spheres. Ebbing and flowing across a multitude of styles and moods, PUTA VOLCANO excel at maintaining a gripping atmosphere throughout the record’s runtime as Venus Lullaby‘s hefty yet hazy riffage compliments Anna Papathanasiou‘s soaring vocals whilst Black Box‘s satisfying mid-tempo pacing allows Alex Pi‘s guitarwork to dazzle and Anna dispatches easily one of the strongest vocal choruses on the entire record. It’s a confident display of attitude and showcases a band maturing like a fine wine.
Of course, there are times though where PUTA VOLCANO up the ante, opting for a shock and awe approach to their craft rather than just present an album of desert-driven rock. First Light is an absolute stormer of a track as the frantic riffing combines superbly well with the percussion, injecting a surge of adrenaline after a sustained start to the record whilst Primitive Data might possibly be one of the best songs the band have ever wrote. Sounding akin to THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, here, PUTA VOLCANO are at their very best as the intoxicatingly catchy riffs ensnare your attention whilst Anna‘s gripping vocals intertwine with the musicality of her bandmates ever so well.
Even in the album’s closing stages, PUTA VOLCANO continue to impress and maintain your attention. Apnea‘s organic swagger feels like it was just made for the biggest of festival stages, Torus‘ desert-rock driven undertones establishes itself as the perfect soundtrack to watch the sun set on the Mediterranean and closing number Kassandra’s Gift is a bonafide masterpiece as the band’s clever use of psychedelia and gorgeous guitarwork fuses with Anna‘s measured vocals to build an atmosphere before it explodes into a stunning medley of twisting riffs, explosive drumming and soaring vocals that end the record on a triumphant high.
With Amma, PUTA VOLCANO have made their statement, and boy, is it a big statement of intent. By building upon the foundations of their previous work, with album number three, the Greeks have set a real precedent to truly break out and establish a name for themselves and with the quality on offer here, it is certainly achievable. This is a record packed to the absolute brim with wicked riffs, captivating vocals and the swagger in which the band dispatch their sound is world class. This is a roaring record from start to finish and one in which should not be overlooked.
Rating: 9/10
Amma is out now via The Orchard.
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