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ÚLTIMA BATALLA
Última Batalla

Self-released (2026)
Rating: 6/10

Rumbling like some distant thunder from the 80s, the little known Bogotá, Columbia-based band Última Batalla channels mid-80s doom-coated Euro metal for kicks.

Somewhat of a strange brew, this self-titled debut full-length offers creaks and groans like one of those import rack records I took a risk on in 1987. On wobbly legs this album ambles; shuffling and warbling through tepid production values which do in fact enhance the experience. Even the patchy, almost lacklustre playing adds further nostalgic warmth as the demo quality opener ‘Hijo maldito’ thuds to morose effect. It’s very much traditional metal but its lo-fi aesthetics are very likely unintentional as vocalist Filo Martinez-Aparicio yaps through the haze of cellar fog. I can’t help but think of some of my mid 80s demo cassettes as ‘Réquiem’ labours to a bass rattle and plodding.

At their most energetic and, shall we say, less stuffy, Última Batalla boasts a steady gallop, particularly on the Iron Maiden-esque ‘Lejos de casa’ and raucous closer ‘Ya caerán’. But in-between there’s more stodge and stumbling to contend with as ‘Héroes de metal’ squawks to the soundtrack of Carlos X’s axe groundwork, a rather interesting performance that’s partly New Wave Of British Heavy Metal gloom and something more unintentionally wayward.

The whole product is unorthodox and off-kilter, with ‘Una y mil veces’ being a good example of those peculiar / amateurish (delete where applicable) tones and how this band will appeal to the obscure metal aficionados.

Neil Arnold

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