The share of South American bands on the RMR beat has been relatively limited over time. And Chaska is only the 2nd outfit from Peru to appear on the zine. Their newest EP Rites of June immediately usurped our attention and wouldn’t let go, though. And that’s always a good sign.
The band saw the light of day in 2002 but only released one full-length record, a few singles, and a smattering of EPs. So, unsurprisingly, this band flew under our radar for many a year. Even if the promo dude insists that this band became – and I quote – “…one of the most interesting bands in their country and in Latin America.” An interesting statement for an area that spans from the tropics up North to the Furious Fifties down South. But the promo writers may have a point. Rites of June sports an eclectic mix of hardy Progressive Folk Metal and Melodic Death Metal. The truly proficient use of indigenous wind instruments neatly spices up all of that.
Now, this ain’t no weak tea of confused elements. Instead, Chaska throw a powerful metallic punch underlaid by stout growls and often outstanding guitar work. Imperio Caído even sports some Iron Maiden vibe patterns that suddenly emerge. Sturdy metal that suddenly disintegrates into softer parts with clear voice interludes. The different flutes on offer artfully integrate themselves into a variety of ways. And if you’re looking for an idea of the band’s true sound, try the two live session tracks Nymph of the Lake and Bicolour Cannibalism.
And yet. Powerful as the offering may be, the RMR Review Desk scratched its mutual head at the EP’s complete lack of original material on the EP. Endlessly rehashing old material and – Loki help me – adding a cover of some soft rock track from the ’80s (Possession from Bad English) won’t take this promising band much further down the road.
In other words, Rites of June serves up a great medley of this band’s best cuts. Winter Night Heights played on our system on endless repeat for a while, for instance. But will they have enough firepower to dazzle us into submission with new material on that upcoming full-length record? The future will tell, I guess.
Label: Inverse Records | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 3 May 2024